Sports for Women Prowess

     “The triumph cannot be achieved without the struggle. And I know what struggle is. I have spent a lifetime trying to live with it, trying to live up on what it means to be the first woman in the world of sports, so that other young women would have a chance to reach their dreams.”  Wilma Rudolph hit the nail right on the head. As the testimonial above clearly suggests a womanly tongue, delve into her name as a living testament on how a woman conquered the manly world of track and field.

     Unlike Rudolph, the sports arena, for most women, has reduced their roles into mere spectators, faces of the crowd, muses of teams or moreso, cheerleaders. But as another sports era dawns, Eve and her playmates can now widen their playing ground as more women-friendly sports are being named to rock the sporting scene.

Not so soft in ‘Softball’

     Trying to hit a ball and running to bases in a small diamond-shaped field, while your opponent tries to tag you at any cost, may look a bit scary for some women watching a Softball game. Yet, hear not your screams. The modified rules of Softball now guarantee a lighter playing atmosphere and lower chance of injury — making it a certified sport for women to engage in.

     “At first, ayokong matutunan ang paglalaro ng Softball kasi mukhang nakakapagod laruin — takbo nang takbo, at higit sa lahat, nakakatakot matamaan ng bola,” shared Ara Ramos, 19, a student from Batangas City who has been playing Softball for a year.

     Softball, in many ways, is somewhat technically the girls’ version of Baseball. Being its direct descendant, it is played the same way as the Baseball. However, to fit women’s capabilities, some major modifications were done. The size of the field is relatively smaller, the bat is shorter, and the ball is bigger yet lighter. Moreover, the way of pitching also varies for Softball as it uses underhand pitching compared to Baseball that performs overhand pitching.

     Noteworthy, playing this game can improve and enhance a wide range of physical traits including balance, coordination, strength and stamina while increasing women’s self-esteem and confidence. “Excited lagi ako kapag maglalaro na at talagang nag-eenjoy ako sa takbo ng game lalo na kapag may nakaka-homerun. Hindi lang ito panlalaki, pwedeng-pwede din ito sa mga kapwa ko babae. Extraordinary ang feeling kapag ang isang babae ay naka-bat,” added Ara.

‘Squash’ it up!        

     Once dubbed as the world’s number one healthiest and safest sport to play, Squash will surely complement females of all generation.

     Squash is played in a four-walled court using a specially designed racquet and ball. The game is performed by two to four players who act as servers or returners, each taking turns to hit the ball against the front wall. If the server wins the rally, she receives a point, while if the returner wins it, only the service changes.

     Though this sport may seem deceptively simple and easy to play, it can also provide an intense cardio exercise by improving the flexibility of the upper and lower body parts. Moreover, Squash is an ideal game for busy women. Besides that it does not require a lot of time and equipment, it is a good sport for stress release since it enhances concentration and mental alertness.

    Squash is also widely accessible that one can play it in recreational centers and country clubs. Some hotels even cater this sport. However, if you do not find it easy going to such places, you can always improvise your own court as all you will need is a four-walled room which is similar or approximately the size of a real Squash court.

Get hooked with ‘Netball’

     If you want to play Basketball but afraid of the injuries you may get, then trying Netball is the best for you girl.

     Netball originated from Basketball, but to avoid harsh physical contacts, a slight modification was considered. Instead of dribbling the ball, two teams of seven players each will have to hand the ball to each other and shoot it in a ring without a backboard. This type of gameplay improves hand-to-eye coordination and flexibility among players while increasing their upper body strength and cardiovascular system.

     Moreso, Netball does not require any special equipment or facilities. So girl, a Netball pitch with two goals is all you need for a game or even in an actual tournament.

Reach high through ‘Pole Dancing’

     Pole dancing is not just for strip clubs. If you still think so, then you are missing out a big chunk of the sports world. Pole dancing is now considered as an excellent aerobic workout that there are even rumors about its inclusion in the 2012 Olympics.

     “Maganda ang pole dancing, kahit ang iba ang tingin pa rin dito ay para lang sa mga club. Uso na talaga ito. And it’s more than just for entertainment kasi sport na rin ‘to dahil ng mga kompetisyon for this,” shared Princess De Villa, 27, a fitness instructor from Batangas City.

     Pole dancing is a kind of exercise that combines spins, climbs and dance moves with the aid of a vertical pole.  It provides an excellent workout for strength conditioning. Notable muscular development along the buttocks, arms, and thighs can be seen in just a month or two, if done properly and regularly. In addition, what’s interesting about pole dancing is that self-confidence and a sense of well being are being developed through this. It is often noted that it helps women feel stronger, more powerful and more self-assured.

     However, if you cannot find a place that will satisfy your pole dancing craze, you can just do it at home. Just be sure that the pole you will be using is strong enough to carry you.

     “Nakaka-boost talaga ng confidence ang pole dancing, kasi it enhances the physical appearance. Hindi na rin ako nahihiya sa figure ko everytime na lumalabas ako. At dahil dito, I gained more friends,” expressed Princess.

Go for goal with ‘Handball’

     Handball may not be popular among women but with its promise of an action-packed game that involves less physical contact, it will surely be an all-time favorite no sooner than later.

     Handball is a crossbreed sport between Basketball and Football. The game, as its name suggests, only uses the hands to score in a rectangular goal. The players work together, passing and dribbling the ball up the court, in an attempt to seize a goal. This sport helps develop women’s flexibility, agility and mental focus. It is also an excellent training ground where women can develop sense of leadership, teamwork, goal-setting, the pursuit of excellence in performance and other achievement-oriented behaviors.

     This sport can be played in a court with nearly the same size of a tennis court, and all you will need are the rectangular net goal and the ball.

Be good at ‘Badminton’

     “I feel great everytime I play Badminton. It’s a fun game,” beamed Rashida Breboneria, 22, a member of the UB Badminton Club.

     This might be your ‘oh-so-typical’ kind of game that even both kids and adults are so familiar with it. It is also not so new to see someone playing it on the streets. However, as common as it may seem, you still cannot deny the fun and excitement it brings.

     Badminton, unlike its sister sport, Tennis, uses a shuttlecock instead of a ball. Badminton players race to score 21 points by hitting the shuttlecock. Whoever wins the rally gains a point. It can be played in a medium-sized rectangular court by two or four players, either in singles or doubles. But here is the best part: physical contacts are least likely to occur — making it a safe but fun sport women can truly enjoy. Well, playing badminton becomes beneficial because it also strengthens cardio vascular system and helps women prevent osteoporosis.

     “Badminton, just like any other sport needs hard training and a big heart. When all of your techniques failed, it’s your passion that will keep you going. This sport is a great way to improve your discipline and self-confidence,” advised Shida to all aspiring badminton players.

Sports for all

     Gender is not a hindrance. Equality in sports may not be totally achieved because males are generally born with stronger physique. But this fact alone does not make females weaker beings unworthy of an active participation in the manly world of sports. Like males, they also have the right to enjoy the opportunities that any other sports offer.

     Modifications in extreme sports are created to give every woman a chance to prove that it is not impossible for them to reach their sportly dreams. Admit it or not: these women-friendly sports will continue to empower Eves of this generation; and this emancipation sends everyone one clear message; sports is universal.  

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