Sports is important for many reasons.
One, it’s quite fun.
Two, it keeps you physically fit.
Three, it helps with your mental health.
But what do you do when you don’t have mates to play sports with?
Easy…
Find sports that you can do solo.
Can you play swingball on your own?
Let’s find out.
There are many reasons to love swingball; one is because you can play it on your own. But where’s the fun in that? There are times when you want to play a game, but your mates are not around to play with you. Swingball is still fun even if you don’t have an opponent. More importantly, it helps keep you physically and mentally fit. It’s also a good practice for tennis.
How To Play Swingball
Swingball also goes by the name tether ball and totem tennis.
The swingball equipment comprises a ball tethered to a pole with a string. The pole is attached to a strong base so it won’t topple over.
Two people armed with racquets usually play the game.
How do you play the game?
- Two players will stand opposite each other with the pole in the middle.
- One player will serve by holding the string or plastic sheath directly above the ball and hitting it either clockwise or counterclockwise.
- The opponent must return the ball in the opposite direction. If not, the ball will start to coil around the pole.
- The game continues until the string is completely wound around the pole. The player who made the last hit wins the point.
The game is designed for two people.
But can you play swingball on your own?
Playing Swingball Solo
Yes, you can play swingball on your own.
Obviously, it’s not as fun.
But it will still serve many purposes.
When you play swingball on your own, you don’t need to award points.
However, you may still come out as the winner!
Why should you play swingball alone?
It’s a Great Form of Exercise
Playing swingball will help you sweat, whether you play with a partner or not.
Sweating due to exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, although you need to do it regularly to be effective.
Exercise also boosts your energy.
A game of swingball a day could actually keep the doctor away.
It Helps Develop Upper Body Strength
Swingball will get your whole body moving, but especially your upper body.
Your arms will get toned, as long as you are playing regularly.
It Can Prevent Anxiety and Depression
Physical movement and exertion can help release endorphins and serotonin, which are chemicals that make you happy.
Endorphins help relieve stress while serotonin boosts your mood.
It Improves Hand-Eye Coordination
With swingball, you need to keep your eyes on the ball and get your hand moving based on the ball’s movement.
You improve your hand-eye coordination in the process.
Such dexterity can help us become more proficient with everyday activities.
Don’t wait for a partner to be available to play swingball with you.
With all these benefits, surely you can find the time to hit the ball for your physical and mental health.
The equipment doesn’t take up much space in the home and it’s not even that expensive.
What Other Sports Can You Play Alone?
It’s not all that bad doing sports or playing a game by yourself.
One of the biggest advantages of playing solo is that you can do it whenever you are free.
You are not dependent on other people’s time.
So, here are some of the physical activities you can do on your own:
- Basketball
- Bicycling
- Bowling
- Dancing
- Horseback riding
- Golfing
- Running
- Skateboarding
- Surfing
- Swimming
Any of these activities can also be done with your mates.
But if they are busy or you can’t agree on a schedule, then at least you can still enjoy the benefits of playing sports without being dependent on others.
Final Thoughts
Don’t ever let the lack of a playmate deter you from playing sports.
There are plenty of sports out there that can be played solo.
Swingball, for example, is a fun game to play with a partner.
But you can also play it on your own and reap similar physical and mental benefits.
Plus, there are dozens of other games you can play solo.
It’s just a matter of preference.
And the best part is that you will always come out as the winner!