Whether you have year-round sunny weather or vast differences in your seasons, taking the time to get outside to play backyard sports is crucial! Oftentimes, to play sports, we have to go to the beach or park, which can be crowded. So why not play them right in the privacy of your yard? Read on for why backyard sports are vital to happiness and five ways to incorporate backyard sports into your landscaping!
Why Are Backyard Sports Important?
We live in a world that is ever-evolving into a more digital space. Children and adults alike are spending more time on computers for learning and work as well as staring at TVs, tablets, and phones for entertainment. Due to this, everyone is spending more time indoors, often forgoing outside play. However, studies show that outside play leads to physical, mental, and emotional benefits for everyone. Plus, it provides more engaged learning for children that they simply can’t get in a virtual space. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to get the people you love outside, starting with backyard sports.
5 Ways to Incorporate Backyard Sports into Landscaping
1. Sport Courts
Do you have a passion for many different sports? Try building a multi-sport court in your backyard! This versatile style can shift between basketball, tennis, pickleball, futsal, and more! This outdoor court will please everyone and keep you endlessly entertained!
2. Putting Greens
Maybe you don’t have the room to practice driving, but you can practice your short game on a putting green! Practicing chipping and putting in your yard can be a serious game-changer. Synthetic turf is low maintenance and guaranteed to hold up to any weather while helping you on the course!
3. Lawn Games
Lawn games are always a hit, so why not set up a sporting area dedicated to games in your backyard? Try classic games such as cornhole, horseshoes, ladder toss, or washers. These fun, team-oriented games spice up any party or even just an afternoon at home with the family. If you have more of a square or circular space, try incorporating[1] giant Jenga, chess, or checkers into your yard.
4. Portable Nets
Setting up sports nets is an impermanent way to incorporate sports[2] into your backyard. These easy setup nets are perfect for having an event. If you have a big family or a large group of friends, try a volleyball net! Pickleball is fun for small groups and can include players of all ages.
5. Pool Sports
Water sports are essential if you already have a pool in your backyard. Adding a basketball net to the side of the pool can bring fun competition. You can also set up a volleyball net across the pool for large groups or goal nets on each side for water polo if you’re looking for an extra challenge!
What are the easiest sports to play?
Not everyone is athletic, but that doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from learning a backyard sport. For the easiest sports to get started learning, we recommend badminton, swimming, and volleyball.
Do I need a big backyard for outdoor sports?
Nope! We understand that many backyards are going to be quite small, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use creative designs to create a lovely place to play. Long, thin strips of backyard can be used for cornhole and other throwing sports. A fat, square space, like a driveway, can typically fit a freestanding basketball net. Even a tiny circle of grass could be turned into a putting green! The ideas are endless!
What do adults play outside?
If you are a family without children or you are simply holding an adults-only party, there are quite a few adult backyard sports that typically revolve around drinking. A few fun ideas include floating beer pong in the pool, dizzy bat, or really any other sport where the loser (or winner) has to drink!
What backyard sports are for seniors?
Outdoor time isn’t just good for kids and their parents, but for seniors too. Exercise and mindful living is critical to living a long a happy life, so we encourage you to encourage grandma and grandpa to come out to play. A few senior-friendly backyard sports include horseshoes, bocce ball, badminton, frisbee, croquet, and golf! If you seniors are a little unsteady on their feet, just caution everyone to play nicely and keep an eye out for their beloved seniors.
Design Scapes – Creating a Place to Play
If you want to add backyard sports elements to your outdoor designs, we can help. Keep in mind that incorporating sports areas doesn’t mean it has to be ugly; we can create a multi-functional design that is also gorgeous! All it takes is a bit of pre-planning around a new design or the willingness to shift an aesthetic around to make it fit. Prior to thinking up a design, we highly suggest talking with your family to see which backyard sports would actually get them outside to play on a regular basis! To learn more, book a consultation with us today!
