Sports are a great way to stay fit, have fun, and socialize with others. However, some sports come with a higher risk of injury than others. To play it safe, you can check out the top 10 safest sports in the world, ranked according to data and expert opinion. This article will explore the top 10 safest sports in the world, which offer minimal risks and provide a safe environment.

10. Basketball

Two teams play basketball on a court and shoot a ball through a hoop. Because it is a contact sport, injuries do occur, but they are typically minor and uncommon. Basketball had an overall injury rate of 2.3 per 10,000 exposures in 2016–17, which is lower than many other team sports, according to the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study (High School RIO).

9. Soccer

Soccer is the most-watched sport in the world, with an estimated 3.5 billion fans. It is relatively safe because it is a contact sport that does not require protective equipment and the rules forbid excessive physical contact. Similar to basketball, the High School RIO reported an overall injury rate for soccer in 2016–17 of 2.4 per 10,000 exposures. The biggest risk in soccer is probably head injuries, as collisions between players can occasionally lead to concussions or other head trauma.

8. Tennis

Tennis is a racket sport that was first played in England in the 19th century. It involves two players using rackets to hit a ball over a net. Compared to other sports, it is a straightforward, low-impact sport with fewer injuries reported. Tennis had an injury rate of 0.5 per 1,000 hours of play among recreational players in 2016–17, according to another study by the American Journal of Sports Medicine, in which the High School RIO did not report any data. Tennis also ranked high on the expert opinion score of the Healthy Sport Index advisory group.

7. Swimming

Water sports enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels can enjoy swimming. It is a fantastic way to increase muscular strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. The Healthy Sport Index lists swimming as one of the most secure school sports in America. It is relatively safe because it is a contact sport that does not require protective equipment and the rules forbid excessive physical contact. However, swimming can be dangerous if done in unsupervised or wild environments, as drowning is a leading cause of death worldwide.

6. Baseball

Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport that first appeared in the 19th century in either England or America. The objective is to score runs by hitting a ball and running around four bases for each of the two teams of nine players. Baseball is a slow-moving sport that calls for skill and coordination but little physical exertion or contact. In 2016–17, baseball had a lower overall injury rate (1 per 10,000 exposures) than the majority of other sports. The most common injuries in baseball are sprains and strains, especially of the shoulder and elbow.

5. Cycling

Cycling is an activity that involves traveling over different terrains and distances on a bicycle. It is a fantastic way to increase your cardiovascular fitness, stamina, and leg strength. Depending on one’s preferences and objectives, cycling can also be done alone, in a team, or with friends. Cycling had an overall injury rate of 1 per 10,000 exposures in 2016-17, which is similar to baseball. The most common injuries in cycling are abrasions and fractures, usually caused by falls or collisions. Cycling can be made safer by wearing helmets, gloves, and protective clothing.

4. Volleyball

In the team sport of volleyball, two teams of six players each attempt to hit a ball over a net using their hands or arms. It can be played indoors or outdoors, on hard courts or sand courts. Volleyball is a quick-moving, energetic sport that calls for coordination, agility, and teamwork. Baseball and cycling both had higher overall injury rates than volleyball, which had a rate of 0.9 per 10,000 exposures in 2016–17. The most common injuries in volleyball are ankle sprains, finger injuries, and knee injuries. Volleyball can be made safer by wearing appropriate shoes, braces, and pads.

3. Running

Running is a form of exercise that requires quick footwork. On various surfaces and distances, it can be done for fun, fitness, or competition. Anyone can engage in running at any time, anywhere, and in any location. Baseball, cycling, and volleyball all had injury rates higher than running’s overall rate of 0.8 per 10,000 exposures in 2016–17. The most common injuries in running are overuse injuries, such as shin splints, stress fractures, and tendinitis. Running can be made safer by wearing proper shoes, warming up, stretching, and resting.

2. Golf

Golf is a club-and-ball sport that has been around since the 15th century. It involves hitting a ball with a club into a series of holes on a course, using as few strokes as possible. Golf is a leisurely and low-impact sport that comes with little chance of injury. Golf had an overall injury rate of 0.2 per 10,000 exposures in 2016-17, which is the lowest among all the sports reported by the High School RIO. The most common injuries in golf are back pain, elbow pain, and wrist pain. Golf can be made safer by using proper technique, equipment, and posture.

1. Table Tennis

The object of the game of table tennis is to hit a small ball over a net using a paddle. Other names for it include whiff whaff and ping pong. Speed, reflexes, and accuracy are necessary for table tennis, but there isn’t much physical contact or force involved. The High School RIO did not collect any data on table tennis in 2016–17, but a different study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that elite players experienced an injury rate of 0.04 per 1,000 hours of play. Additionally, table tennis received a high expert opinion rating from the Healthy Sport Index advisory group. Table tennis is arguably the safest sport in the world, as it comes with minimal risk of injury or harm.

Conclusion

Sports are a great way to stay healthy, happy, and social. However, some sports are safer than others, depending on the level of contact, equipment, and intensity involved. Based on data and expert opinion, these are the top 10 safest sports in the world:

• Table tennis

• Golf

• Running

• Volleyball

• Cycling

• Baseball

• Swimming

• Tennis

• Soccer

• Basketball

Of course, safety should not be the only consideration when picking a sport. Additionally, keep in mind your own preferences, interests, and objectives. Therefore, based on a variety of factors, including physical activity, psychosocial benefits, and safety, the Healthy Sport Index can assist you in identifying the best sport for you. However, whatever sport you choose to play, make sure you do it safely and enjoyably.