In connection with the growing promotion of healthy lifestyles, Americans began to pay great attention to sports. There are 5 popular sports in the US that attract over 70% of Americans.
Football and hockey - in America it is almost like in Russia
The most popular Russian sports - football and ice hockey - are widespread in America. The National Hockey League (NHL) games are broadcasted on all major TV channels and invariably draw crowds of fans. Almost all teams of the League have mascots - mascots in the form of an animal. For example, the Vancouver Canucks mascot is the killer whale Fin, the Calgary Flames mascot Harvey the dog, and the Florida Panthers mascot Stanley Sea the panther.
Football in the United States is not as popular as it is in Russia. It is prevalent mainly among student teams. Residents of the States call this game "soccer" to distinguish it from another kind of football, American.
In the United States, many are fans of a particular team or even one player. Fans often gather in their favorite pubs to watch live sports events.
Basketball is the sport of African Americans
Basketball was invented in the United States, and now the United States has the highest popularity of this game. Basketball was often played by African Americans - they were taller and more agile than Europeans, so they achieved significant success. In addition, for a long time, sports were the only activity for African Americans that allowed them to earn enough. The National Basketball Organization - NBA - is famous for its large-scale tournaments, some of the most prestigious in the world.
Baseball is a symbol of the USA
In almost any film or TV series that tells about the life of Americans, you can see episodes of a baseball game. This is truly a national hobby. Baseball is played by parents with their children, schoolchildren after school, students in physical education, and employees at corporate picnics. Baseball is similar to Russian rounders - it also uses balls, bats and long runs to the opposite side of the field. However, it is much more popular - this sport is professionally practiced not only in the United States, but also in Europe.
Among non-professionals, softball is popular - a softer version of baseball, with a smaller ball and field.
American football is one of the toughest sports
American football originated from the combination of rugby and European football. The object of the game is to propel the ball towards the end of a defined zone or into the opponent's goal. The ball can be carried in hand or passed to other players. Kicking is only allowed on special occasions. American football is a rather traumatic sport. During the game, power holds and sweeps against opponents are allowed, so the players wear protective equipment.
