Best sports to play in high school

Nationwide, more than 15 million high school students play sports.

These students experience the benefits of physical exercise, but they also learn important life skills such as getting better grades, being more involved in their community, and leadership and time management.

While some regions of the country are famous for high school sports, such as Texas football, there are some sports that seem to be of universal interest.

Ever wonder what are the best sports to play in high schools Keep reading to find out the top 10 high school sports in the country.

Best sports to play in high school

1. Football

Although there has been significant controversy over youth football in the past few years, it remains one of the most popular high school sports. In fact, it’s so popular that many run high school sports.

High school football is very competitive and physical. This often involves training during the season and off-season to prepare the youth for the physical demands required. Major media sources will cover high school football team rankings and player rankings due to popularity.

2. Cross Country

Cross country is known as one of the healthiest high school sports because of the cardiovascular endurance it requires to compete. At the end of the season, the young men and women in each state gather in their hundreds to compete in teams of seven where the top five contribute to their team’s overall score.

Although the competition may seem individual, it is ultimately the team score that determines the winner of each meeting. The courses for varsity athletes are five kilometers, which is about three miles. Athletes compete on all different types of terrain and altitude.

3. Soccer

Soccer is another popular high-intensity sport that requires endurance. The overall popularity of soccer in the United States is increasing with the increase in the number of Major League Soccer (MLS) teams.

Men’s and women’s soccer takes place in the fall, which can mean poor temperatures and conditions in some areas.

4. Basketball

As one of the Best sports to play in high school in America, it should come as no surprise that basketball is also very popular among high school players.

With approximately 949,000 participants, basketball attracts high school players from every state. Many high school basketball players can go on to play in college at either a Division I, II, or III school, depending on their ability level.

5. Volleyball

Volleyball is among the Best sports to play in high school among women, but the number of men’s volleyball teams is increasing. This is another highly competitive, skilled sport.

Young men and women who play volleyball competitively in high school often join club teams that compete nationally and internationally at the Junior Olympic level.

6. Softball/Baseball

Although there are significant differences between softball and baseball, both are very popular among female and male players, respectively. It is a game that children can start playing at the age of five.

More than 17,000 high schools offer baseball programs and 15,000 high schools offer softball programs.

7. Tennis

High school tennis has become one of the most popular youth sports in the last 5 to 10 years. While students used to compete in tournaments outside of school, they are now able to compete at the same high level as part of a high school team.

High school tennis players can play singles or doubles matches or both. Depending on the size of the country, the game is played in autumn or spring. Tennis is another popular sport because of the scholarship opportunities at the college level.

8. Swimming and Diving

Swimming and diving are incredible sports to watch at the Olympic level and just as exciting for competitive high school athletes.

Swimming and diving competitions usually consist of about 22 swimming races and one or two different diving categories. Swimmers can compete in four events including relays with teammates. Events vary based on distance and stroke.

Many swimmers and divers also join competitive club teams to gain more experience and skills before attempting to compete at the collegiate level.

9. Golf

High school golf is played in all 50 states. The sport is trending among the youth every year with youth camps being offered for children as young as six years old. While golf is a team sport in high school it allows individuals to improve their individual skills together.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) all offer golf scholarships to both men and women to make post-high school education more affordable.

10. Lacrosse

Lacrosse has been played in the United States since the 1600s. The game has changed since then but remains a popular high school sport across the country. It is played in about 26 states and is most popular in states like California, North and South Carolina, and Oregon.