There are many different types of sports that are enjoyed by people all around the world. This list of sports names in English will help you learn or teach the names of sports.

A sport is essentially an activity that requires skill and is athletic in nature. Sports are usually competitive, but as there are many different sports, some are more competitive than others. Learning sports names in English will help students to talk about the sports that they like to play and watch. 

On this page, you’ll find an extensive list of sports names in English. You will also find a sports name list with pictures. And check out the bottom of this page for some games and activities you can use to teach the names of sports in English.

As you can see from the above list, there are so many sports, and each one is very different. There are, however, ways to categorize sports into different types. Here are the different types of sports.

These are sports that involve two or more players working together towards a common objective. Examples include football, basketball, baseball, soccer, cricket, and volleyball.

These are sports where individuals compete against each other. Examples include tennis, golf, boxing, and various forms of racing.

These involve players using racquets to hit a ball or shuttlecock. Examples include tennis, badminton, squash, and table tennis.

These are sports that take place in or on water. Examples include swimming, water polo, diving, surfing, sailing, and rowing.

These are sports that are typically played in cold, snowy conditions. Examples include skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, figure skating, and curling.

These are often adrenaline-pumping sports that often involve a high degree of physical exertion and/or danger. Examples include skydiving, rock climbing, skateboarding, BMX, and bungee jumping.

These are systems and traditions of combat practiced for various reasons. Examples include karate, judo, taekwondo, boxing, and wrestling.

These are activities focused on physical strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance. Examples include weightlifting, gymnastics, aerobics, and yoga.

These are competitive events involving motorized vehicles. Examples include car racing, motorcycle racing, and motocross.

These involve horse riding. Examples include show jumping, dressage, polo, and horse racing.

This game to teach the names of sports in English is a ‘Hidden Picture Game‘. To play, simply show the video in class. 

There are 10 pictures of different sports hidden behind colored shapes. As the shapes slowly disappear the sports picture is revealed. Students must try to guess the sport name before the picture is revealed. 

This activity is a great way to introduce or review the names of sports with English language learners. 

Download and print this free printable board game for a fun way to learn the names of sports in English. This game is best played in pairs and requires one dice. 

To play, roll the dice and move your eraser the corresponding number of squares. Then, make a dialogue based on the sport which is in that square. 

The aim of the game is to land on the middle squares (with the arrows) to advance to the center star to win a point. The first student to five points is the winner. 

Click on the button below to visit our sports printable page to download this board game. Or check out our sports worksheets.