The most popular sports in the USA are: American football, basketball, baseball, hockey and others.
In general, sport is an essential part of the country's culture. In America, there are special leagues and associations in sports areas, including student ones.
In each state, clubs have been created in which people of different ages can join this or that sport.
Information on what the most popular sports in the USA, rating, name of sports associations, history and much more - in our article.
Description
It is probably no secret to anyone that Americans are very proud of their sporting achievements, as well as their attitude to sports as part of the national culture.
Family trips to matches are quite traditional. Children from a very young age join this, and as schoolchildren and students, they must attend sports sections and participate in competitions. It also makes it possible to apply for sports scholarships.
Professional athletes in the USA are quite wealthy and successful people. Therefore, such prospects are very encouraging youth to improve skills and achieve better results in this field.
About sports and associations
Among the variety, the most popular destinations are: American football, baseball, basketball, hockey (with puck).
At a professional level, the country has a National Basketball Association and a National Hockey League. These are the most profitable sports associations of international scale. The events organized by them (at the country or world level) are of the greatest interest and popularity among the public and the media.
In addition to these, there are also the so-called minor leagues, which also have professional status. They apply the symbols and rules of the respective associations (by franchise).
A few words from the story
Most of the sports associations described above were created back in the 19th century (1859–1887).
And the roots of modern American sport originated in the middle of the 20th century. First of all, this is due to the beginning of global industrialization of the country. Just at this time, the transport and other industries, including the media, were actively developing.
Investing and attracting the public to the sports industry allow the country to become a leader. Namely: victories at international tournaments, the holding of the Olympic Games (in the entire history it was in America that the largest number of them were held - winter and summer).
Student league
Particular attention in the United States is given to youth development - personal, professional and athletic.
Therefore, student leagues are created. Each of them brings together universities or colleges, whose students take an active part in sports life - on behalf of the institution. At the same time, students receive a monetary reward.
Both schoolchildren and students involved in any sport dream of sports scholarships in universities and colleges of America. But it is necessary to earn it, taking an active part in the sports life of the educational institution, taking prizes. At the same time, it is important to successfully study in the main specialty.
Rating of the most popular sports in the USA, according to which you can receive a sports scholarship: football, volleyball, basketball, gymnastics.
Baseball
In general, ball and bat games were known in the country at the end of the 18th century. And modern baseball appeared in the middle of the XIX century. It was then that the first baseball team was organized in the United States (one of the founders, Alexander Cartwright).
And therefore, to the question: "What is the most popular sport in America?" - it will be correct to answer: baseball. And this is true because (according to official figures) more than 11 million Americans play it.
And in the 50s of the same century, the National Association of Baseball Players was created (which includes 16 amateur clubs).
The goal of a baseball game is to get as many points as possible. In total, 2 teams participate, each of which has 9 players. There are forwards and defenders among them. The match itself is divided into 9 innings.
Basketball
Even before the beginning of the 20th century, this area became one of the most popular sports in the USA and Canada.
In North America, the appearance of basketball is primarily associated with its distribution in schools and colleges.
From the very beginning of the 20th century, the first professional teams began to form. Associations and basketball leagues also appeared:
- Basketball Association of America (1946);
- National Basketball League (1949);
- National Basketball Association;
- American Basketball Association (1967).
In this game 2 teams participate (12 people each). The task of the players is to throw the ball into the basket (located at a height of 3.05 meters from the floor surface) of the opposing team.
In general, basketball is the most popular sport in the world. But the game reached its maximum development in the USA.
The country has male and female national teams that take part in the Olympic Games.
American football
Another popular sport in the USA (rated) is football. It is also called sokker.
In April 1913, the United States Football Federation was founded. This organization is responsible for the management and development of professional and amateur leagues in America.
In the country there are: men's and women's, youth, Paralympic teams, as well as futsal and beach soccer teams.
Hockey
Together with baseball, basketball and football, the most popular sport in the USA is ice hockey. The national team represents the country in international tournaments (Olympic Games, World Cup).
In addition, the United States ice hockey team is part of the Big Hockey Six, along with the national teams of Sweden, Canada, Finland, the Czech Republic and Russia.
Summary
Thus, in percentage terms, the rating of the most popular sports in the USA is as follows:
- baseball (played by 10% of Americans surveyed);
- American football (8%);
- basketball (7%);
- hockey (6%);
- golf (7%);
- tennis (5%);
- swimming (5%);
- volleyball (4%);
- football (3%);
- bowling (3%);
- do not go in for sports (24%).
These data clearly reflect that the sports areas discussed in the article are the most popular and beloved by Americans.
Well, the fact that the country's inhabitants take an active position in terms of playing sports or attending relevant events with entire families eloquently indicates that this is indeed part of American culture.