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[snaildog]

Cricket >>>>> Softball/Baseball
Rugby >>>>> American "Football"
Everything >>>>> Basketball

Seriously, they're all simplistic children's sports with barely any strategy.

Games of cricket develop over hours and days like chess, subtle advantages being gained all the time, infinite different techniques available at the captain's disposal. Softball: HIT DUH RUN.

Rugby is a physical, hard-fought game of possession, every player having a different role in the team that goes beyond stature or position; even your average New Zealander can barely comprehend most of the rules. Football is just a bunch of poofs in shoulderpads with socks down their pants, hiffing a tiny ball around which still dwarfs the size of their testicles.

And basketball. Do I even need to say anything? Most games I've seen have the teams scoring so frequently that the lead is juggled every few minutes, and when the whistle stops at an arbitrary time the team who happens to be winning wins, and the bunch of losers who were behind when the timer stops, well they lose. While this can be loosely said about other sports, basketball takes it to a whole new level; the game doesn't have any flow but merely consists of repetitive re-starts.

Discuss.

 

[Scalemail Ted]

What about dodgeball????? huh?

 

[Gregory]

All teamsports besides icehockey sucks. No, I`m not american.

 

[snaildog]

I'd rank ice hockey above those three atrocities. Field hockey is better though.

 

[Socreges]

I'd like to think that you're being purposely ironic to illustrate how Americans ignorantly perceive 'foreign' sports.

For that matter, soccer (football) is a wonderful, wonderful game.

 

[Joe]

you suck at america trolling.

 

[snaildog]

It's true that Americans no nothing about foreign sports - they're happy having their own "World Series" - but everything I said still holds true. I'm not trolling; I'm pointing out something that's been on my mind for a while. I'm interested to hear any counter-arguments.

 

[Kon Tiki]

What about Nascar, bet you can not beat that?

I would love to learn about cricket, seems like an interesting sport. Heard the matches can go on for days. :| Too bad I will prob never see a match on this side of the globe.

 

[Gregory]

I'd rank ice hockey above those three atrocities. Field hockey is better though.

Field hockey is just as boring as football, imo. If not more so. Bandy is then much better, but it`s only played in northern europe, Russia and a little in Canada i believe.

Same as field hockey basically but ofcourse much faster.

 

[Socreges]

It's true that Americans no nothing about foreign sports - they're happy having their own "World Series" - but everything I said still holds true. I'm not trolling; I'm pointing out something that's been on my mind for a while. I'm interested to hear any counter-arguments.

My counter-argument would be: You explain the complexities of sports that you hold dear and take some time to truly appreciate. You then simplify the American sports and dismiss them, without doing the same. If you're not trying to make a point by being ironic, then you're just a hypocrite.

Every American sport has plenty of strategy. Though I personally don't find, for instance, baseball strategy to be all that compelling. Much of it has to do with pitch choice, anticipating pitch choice, placing your hits dependant on circumstance, getting runners into scoring position, and some more stuff. You have depth there. I'd only argue that the split-moment nature of the sport is what makes it relatively uninteresting. Football is more up my alley, though it kind of suffers the same fate. Basketball, while having set plays and whatnot, can, as you said, be weak on flow (save transition plays).

 

[ConfusingJazz]

What about Nascar, bet you can not beat that?

I would love to learn about cricket, seems like an interesting sport. Heard the matches can go on for days. :| Too bad I will prob never see a match on this side of the globe.

Actually, if you go down to the Caribean, you can see the West Indies, or windies, play. Or you could meet some Indians (the ones from India, not Native Americans) who would let you play.

Supposedly, we have a professional cricket league now, but I don't know where the hell they play. I wouldn't mind playing it some time, but after watching a game when I was in England, I don't think I would be able to sit through 15 minutes, little yet 3 days or whatever.

And snaildog, if you think that football, baseball or basketball have no strategy, you are seriously mistaken, and really need to learn more about the sports.

 

[ManDudeChild]

What about Nascar, bet you can not beat that?

NASCAR rocks. The extreme action of watching people drive in circles gets me everytime!1

 

[Socreges]

NASCAR rocks. The extreme action of watching people drive in circles gets me everytime!1

:lol

I wonder if that can explain the correlation between NASCAR and Bush supporters. Repetition as a value?

 

[ManDudeChild]

:lol

I wonder if that can explain the correlation between NASCAR and Bush supporters. Repetition as a value?

Bart: It's my job to be repetitive. My job. My job. Repetitiveness is my job! I am going to go out there tonight and give the best performance of my life.
Marge: The best performance of your life?
Bart: The best performance of my life.

 

[karasu]

We don't want to see athletes performing dazzling displays of intelligence. We let our Doctors, engineers, and scientists do that, and they own yours. So shut it.

 

[Do The Mario]

I would love to learn about cricket, seems like an interesting sport. Heard the matches can go on for days. :| Too bad I will prob never see a match on this side of the globe.

I live in Australia we are the best cricketing nation in the world, yes we dominate! Anyway a Test match can last five days! That’s five days of quality drinking! There are also one day games.

Criket is also the best back yard game ever!!

Playing can in the hand cricket is the best thing ever!

 

[Socreges]

We played cricket in gym. Fun game. It was so easy to transfer my baseball skills over. Hit it far and then run hard. And I loved how you could hit it behind you.

 

[Do The Mario]

Most cricket shots require a vertical bat to play making it quite different to baseball anyway as long as you had fun!

Plus you learn how to throw and catch with one hand!

 

[Socreges]

Most cricket shots require a vertical bat to play making it quite different to baseball anyway as long as you had fun!

No, we DID play properly, believe me. Paddle, wickets, and all. Still, the athletic requirements aren't much different.

Plus you learn how to throw and catch with one hand!

Well, that doesn't really need to be learned. I'm sure everyone played some form of sport as a kid that required catching something with bare hands, whether it's backyard baseball or football (not quite the same, no). But it can definitely be mastered.

 

[Zaptruder]

You know what sucks more than American sports?

The world game. Soccer.

On one level, it can be somewhat compelling... but all too often the scoreline just fails to display the real story; who was dominant and who was lucky.

I can appreciate that its a game of a lot of skill, but it's no doubt a game of a lot of luck as well. It's especially frustrating in do or die games in the world cup.

Also, alot of the game is possessed by long boring moments where both teams just don't seem to do anything. Spending alot of time around the middle of the pitch losing and regaining the ball.


Ironically, some of the more compelling games to watch (IMO) are some of the less active games... such as bowling, bowls, darts, snooker, etc.

 

[ManDudeChild]

You know what sucks more than American sports?

The world game. Soccer.

On one level, it can be somewhat compelling... but all too often the scoreline just fails to display the real story; who was dominant and who was lucky.

I can appreciate that its a game of a lot of skill, but it's no doubt a game of a lot of luck as well. It's especially frustrating in do or die games in the world cup.

Also, alot of the game is possessed by long boring moments where both teams just don't seem to do anything. Spending alot of time around the middle of the pitch losing and regaining the ball.


Ironically, some of the more compelling games to watch (IMO) are some of the less active games... such as bowling, bowls, darts, snooker, etc.

Don't forget the Poker championships

 

[Do The Mario]

I do some anthropology and it’s been observed that many Americans throw and catch with different hands because of baseball.

Anyway glad to see you had fun!

P.S

Cricket Bat (not paddle)

 

[Do The Mario]

This is what I mean by vertical bat, this is how most cricket shots are played

Diffrent to baseball

 

[Socreges]

I do some anthropology and it’s been observed that many Americans throw and catch with different hands because of baseball.

Ah, THAT'S what you meant. That you do both things successively with the same hand. Yes, you're right. I guess that may need training.

As for hitting the ball in each sport, believe me, the skills transfer easily. You have to place the bat vertically and the ball bounces, I know, but your mind is essentially doing the same process.

You know what sucks more than American sports?

The world game. Soccer.

On one level, it can be somewhat compelling... but all too often the scoreline just fails to display the real story; who was dominant and who was lucky.

I can appreciate that its a game of a lot of skill, but it's no doubt a game of a lot of luck as well. It's especially frustrating in do or die games in the world cup.

Everything is under the control of the 22 players. Luck truly isn't relevant, with few exceptions.

Team A dominates Team B. 20 shots on net, 65% possession, but Team B wins 1-0.

10 shots were saved by the keeper of Team B. + Team B
8 shots went wide of the net. - Team A
2 hit the post. - Team A (yes, even then)

Controlling the game doesn't amount to jack all if you can't put the ball in the net, of course. A climactic goal is a sum of the parts, all of which are dependent on the success of one Team and the failings of another.

Greece, for example, was largely outchanced in the Euro 2004 tournament. Yet they won it all. Because they had tenacious defense and a successful counter-attack. That isn't luck. That's strategy and capitalization. If you can't beat a defensive team, then you'd better play like them and do it better.

I play soccer. Our team has lost two straight games that we feel we should have won. No one, however, has ever mentioned "luck". We hold ourselves responsible for not finishing well or, for instance, not clearing the ball effectively out of our area.

Also, alot of the game is possessed by long boring moments where both teams just don't seem to do anything. Spending alot of time around the middle of the pitch losing and regaining the ball.

In order to enjoy these parts of the sport, you need to appreciate the finer details. Not just the chances on net. The care that goes into handling/delivering the ball, and the team strategy that goes into trying to progress upfield.

 

[Kola]

Basketball is somewhat interesting. But how somebody can favor American Football or Baseball over Football (soccer) goes beyond my comprehension. American Football for example seems so lame to me. To add to that, there's always one commercial after another.

 

[iapetus]

Rugby is a physical, hard-fought game of possession, every player having a different role in the team that goes beyond stature or position; even your average New Zealander can barely comprehend most of the rules. Football is just a bunch of poofs in shoulderpads with socks down their pants, hiffing a tiny ball around which still dwarfs the size of their testicles.

You are wrong. And I say this from an office in the South of England, so I feel at least slightly qualified to talk about this without being accused of American bias.

It's interesting to note just how much respect professional rugby players have for American Football - both as a sport and for the individual players, and contrast that with the sort of trash the fans of the sport talk. If you're that hung up on the padding, why don't you try standing around without it and taking some of the hits the stars of the NFL take on a regular basis. I can guarantee you'd have a whole new perpective on how 'poofy' they are. Bunch of poofs? Byron Leftwich played through the end of a college game with a broken leg. What a pansy. Jack Youngblood played half a game with his left fibula snapped just above the ankle. Tape it up and get back out there. Donovan McNabb broke his right ankle early in a game, pretended it was a sprain, and threw for four touchdowns in a 38-14 game. Big girl's blouse, yeah?

It's not a game for everyone, but claiming it has oversimplified rules, no strategy, and poofy players is just a sign of ignorance, and you deserve to be mocked for it.

You're right about baseball, in that it's the second dullest sport in the history of the world. The dullest is cricket, however, so it's not like the rest of the world comes out on top there either.

 

[Kiriku]

This thread needs more fun. This thread needs more floorball.

 

[Ghost]

I kinda agree with the topic, most american sports do suck ass (from a spectators point of view), especially Basketball and Baseball, i dont mind american football so much, i just wish it wasnt so stop/start.

I can watch some rugby, is one of those sports where your experience watching is directly proportional to the quality of the players, the lower class stuff is just 75 minutes of a guy picking up the ball running about 3 feet before getting tackled then passing 3 feet back to another guy who also gets 3 feet forward, interlaced with 5 minutes of kicks which decide the match. The international stuff is much more exciting though.

Cricket also sucks to watch (unless its a 20 over game). The tests are far too defensive.

Lets not forget the worst spectator sport ever, Golf.

 

[Kiriku]

BTW, I still wonder exactly why American football is called "football"? Since most of the time, they're holding the ball with their hands. To add even more spin to this, the 'real' football isn't called football over there, but soccer. Although you actually use your feet instead of your hands in soccer (with few exceptions). I just find it somewhat ironic.

 

[Socreges]

BTW, I still wonder exactly why American football is called "football"? Since most of the time, they're holding the ball with their hands. To add even more spin to this, the 'real' football isn't called football over there, but soccer. Although you actually use your feet instead of your hands in soccer (with few exceptions). I just find it somewhat ironic.

You are the first person to ever acknowledge this.

 

[Iceman]

BTW, your favorite band sucks.

 

[Diablos]

BTW, your favorite band sucks.

 

[olimario]

ALL BACK AND FORTH SPORTS SUCK
Basketball, Hockey, Lacrosse and Soccer are ALL THE SAME SPORT!
I only like the ones that are noticably different like Baseball and Football.

 

[Diablos]

ALL BACK AND FORTH SPORTS SUCK
Basketball, Hockey, Lacrosse and Soccer are ALL THE SAME SPORT!
I only like the ones that are noticably different like Baseball and Football.

How profound.

 

[Socreges]

ALL BACK AND FORTH SPORTS SUCK
Basketball, Hockey, Lacrosse and Soccer are ALL THE SAME SPORT!
I only like the ones that are noticably different like Baseball and Football.

And distinctly American. Don't even bother being transparent in the future. No one's about to give you any credit, even when deserved.

 

[Do The Mario]

Oli you play ultimate Frisbee if there is one gay sport

Unltimate Frisbee = Teh Gay!

Basketball, Hockey, Lacrosse and Soccer are ALL THE SAME SPORT!

um yes

 

[olimario]

I like the sports that are more team focused and more strategy focused. Football is the ultimate strategy sport. Every play you reassess the other team, reassess your team, and call a new play that will exploit their weaknesses and play to your strengths.
It's brilliant and should be commended.

 

[Socreges]

I like the sports that are more team focused and more strategy focused.
Football is the ultimate strategy sport. Every play you reassess the other team, reassess your team, and call a new play that will exploit their weaknesses and play to your strengths.
It's brilliant and should be commended.

No, you like sports that are intrinsically American. Enough with the retarded justifications. You'll only find solace with the choir.

 

[olimario]

No, you like sports that are intrinsically American. Enough with the retarded justifications. You'll only find solace with the choir.

I don't know why I would have an American sport bias. I don't like the filthy back and forth 'ball in net' sports.

 

[Do The Mario]

I don't know why I would have an American sport bias. I don't like the filthy back and forth 'ball in net' sports.

ROFL

I play flied hockey it’s filthy.

Oli if you haven’t played these sports don’t knock them!
Ultimate Frisbee is played by the biggest pack of drop kicks I have ever seen!

 

[olimario]

I've played soccer, basketball, and hockey and I really don't care for them in the least.
That's why I played Football, Baseball, and Tennis through High School instead of the others.

Ultimate Frisbee was just something I played with my sister and her friends to have a good time... Never played it seriously.

 

[Willco]

People hate American sports because they're jealous. You can't play in our WORLD SERIES, LOSERS AND YOU NEVER WILL.

 

[Socreges]

I don't know why I would have an American sport bias.

Haha.

 

[speedpop]

Out of all sports mentioned, I have participated and enjoy watching all of them really. Fucking loved watching the World Series last week and a bit, i'm Australian and baseball isn't a huge thing for me, but seeing the Red Sox do the biggest comeback of all time against the Yankee's and tramp all over the Cards was totally awesome - almost up there with South Korea beating Italy at the last World Cup, or my hometeam Newcastle Knights beat Manly Sea Eagles in their first ever Rugby League grand final, or even Brisbane Lions getting 3 premiership wins in a row for Aussie Rules.

I try not to restrict myself in a love for sport, I love the Summer season in Australia simply because I know it's going to have that really nice (but sometimes terrible) humid warm weather, I can sit in front of the fan with drinks and watch cricket non-stop. Granted I have not kept up with NFL or NBA lately simply because I lost interest with basketball years ago and American football before even then. It's all coming back slowly though

My love affair for the real football (soccer) will never die though

 

[iapetus]

If the World Series were opened up to other countries then THE TERRORISTS WOULD WIN. Seriously. They're great at baseball.

 

[Iceman]

durka durka double play.

 

[Spectral Glider]

BTW, I still wonder exactly why American football is called "football"? Since most of the time, they're holding the ball with their hands. To add even more spin to this, the 'real' football isn't called football over there, but soccer. Although you actually use your feet instead of your hands in soccer (with few exceptions). I just find it somewhat ironic.

Um, when the game was invented, there was no forward pass. You advanced the ball down the field to the goal by using, um, gee, I dunno, YOUR FEET. And even with the forward pass, you still advance the ball after a catch by using um, you know, YOUR FEET. In the instance of not scoring six points by crossing the goal line, you can try to score a 3 point goal from within the field of play by kicking the ball, (WITH YOUR FEET) over the goal posts. That is why it's called a FIELD GOAL, lest you be confused about where that name came from.

You are right that it shouldn't be called Soccer, Kick Ball would have been more suiting. Or, better yet, Kicking the Ball While Sometimes Using Your Head Ball. Or maybe, Standing Around Waiting for Somebody to Actually Score Points Ball.

 

[Minotauro]

Team sports in general suck. In my opinion, mixed-martial arts is the purest example of sport existing today. When you strip away all the endorsement deals and stadium renovations, sport and competition are really about demonstrating your dominance over an opponent. With team sports, however, this is all completely abstracted. In basketball, you better an opponent by throwing a leather ball through a hoop. In football, you pass over an arbitrary line with a ball. In darts, you throw a piece of plastic with a sharp end at a target. MMA strips all this bullshit away. With team sports, there are too many variables. In MMA, when you force your opponent to quit or render him unable to continue, there is no doubt as to who the winner is.

 

[Azih]

Dude Spectral, by your justifications EVERY SPORT IN THE WORLD can be reasonably called 'Football'.

 

[AbeFroman]

Yes, more fun...like team handball