NationStates Jolt Archive

What's your favorite team sport to watch/play and why?

...hey, there's only 10 choices. And televised fencing, bobsled and paintball are not really common. ;)

Football, then Cricket, then Union.

American Football.

It's very physical, but that's not the main focus of it. It's an infinitely complex game of strategy and precision. If you have a team full of average guys that work really well together, you can beat a team of A-grade athletes who just know the physical fundamentals, but aren't so great at the teamwork aspect.

Rugby league, although I can enjoy rugby union and play it occasionally (click here for wikipedia to explain the difference (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_football)), and soccer for casual play.

I used to play american football for my old university and came to appreciate the game more. As an Englishman I have a soft spot for cricket.

Waterpolo. Not a lot of people can keep their cool when a guy twice their size has all their weight on them in a deep pool.

Of course I hate how we have to constantly go back and forth depending on who has possesion of the ball. But it's part of the game...

Rugby league, although I can enjoy rugby union and play it occasionally (click here for wikipedia to explain the difference (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_football)), and soccer for casual play.

I used to play american football for my old university and came to appreciate the game more. As an Englishman I have a soft spot for cricket.

Boo! Northen scum....:p

Boo! Northen scum....:p

What, Oxford?

Are you from Berkshire?
:p

What, Oxford?

Are you from Berkshire?
:p

You like league, you must be Northern:confused: I always thought it was a hereditary disease....;)

You like league, you must be Northern:confused: I always thought it was a hereditary disease....;)

Traditionally rugby league was God's way of compensating people for living in Wigan, Australia or Salford.

It is spreading since 1995, since it has been possible to play in the south.

Traditionally rugby league was God's way of compensating people for living in Wigan, Australia or Salford.

That is pure, unmitigated comic genius.

It is spreading since 1995, since it has been possible to play in the south.

Never played it, however as a six foot four wing, I do want to.

That is pure, unmitigated comic genius.

Thank you.

Never played it, however as a six foot four wing, I do want to.

Where do you live?

Thank you.



Where do you live?

East Anglia (Essex)

Rugger; because it kicks *** ****** ******* *** * ***** *****!!! YA!

Never played it, however as a six foot four wing, I do want to.

6'4", eh? That's perfect for a Tight End (well, anything from 6'4" to 6'6", really).

And televised fencing.... not really common. ;)

Damn you *shakes fist*

Hurling... so, GAA for me.

rugby, love hockey and basketball though. hmm the choices, i voted rugby though.

I was rather hoping you would say Oxfordshire. Never mind.

These clubs will be starting their season in a month or so, and I am sure they would be glad to see you:

Essex Eels (http://www.essex-eels.co.uk/)

St Albans Centurions (www.stalbanscenturions.net)

South Norfolk Saints

Cambridge Eagles (www.cambridge-eagles.co.uk)

St Ives Roosters (http://www.stivesroosters.co.uk)

Bedford Tigers (www.bedfordrugby.com)

Haringey Hornets (www.skolars.com)

Hemel Hempstead Stags (www.hemelstags.com)

Hockey, baby. it's fast, physical, and full of character. It's also got what is probably the most iconic trophy in sports today, and fantastic team histories.

In this order:
Baseball (team: White Sox)
Hockey (team: Red Wings)
American Football (hey, I play it and as long as I am watching a game I am happy, dont really have a prefered team)

Hockey, baby. it's fast, physical, and full of character. It's also got what is probably the most iconic trophy in sports today, and fantastic team histories.

I'll go so far as to say that the Lombardi Trophy is a wee bit more iconic than the Stanely Cup...

This reflects how untypical this group of people is, otherwise soccer would be far in front, followed by cricket and then something else in a distant third.

And televised fencing. . . not really common. ;)

what, every 4 years not common enough for you?
(no one watches it then anyway except for actual fencers like me)

I'll go so far as to say that the Lombardi Trophy is a wee bit more iconic than the Stanely Cup...

Have you read the stories about the shit that has happened to/with the Stanley Cup?

Have you read the stories about the shit that has happened to/with the Stanley Cup?

Things like that happen to college football trophies, too.

what, every 4 years not common enough for you?
(no one watches it then anyway except for actual fencers like me)

Nope... I first fenced 15 years ago, was really into it at UConn (University of Connecticut), but then went hot and cold with it since then. The USFA is basically a joke, as is electric sabre.

Rarely, I can watch some on satellite at my local bar (they can get anything, it seems...), but let's face it: fencing has about as much of a chance of becoming a popular sport as the US does of winning the World Cup in Germany.

The Brackets are just about to be announced.

I can't really stand to watch sports in general, I would really rather be playing. The only sport that I really feel is worth my time to actually watch (although it's much better live than on TV) is baseball.

This reflects how untypical this group of people is, otherwise soccer would be far in front, followed by cricket and then something else in a distant third.

Why Cricket? They play that in the UK, NZ & Australia, but it isn't seen much at all in the US or Canada or continental Europe...

I *am* surprised that Baseball is beating out Hockey, tho.

GO LACROSSE!!

It's my favorite, however I am a also a fan of:

The Tampa Bay Bucanneers (american football)
Manchester United (ever since Malcolm Glazer bought his way in) - otherwise I have to root for Olimpiakos in the champions league
The Washington Capitals
the NCAA tourney (rooting for KU)

I also used to practice with the rugby team back in school and love the brutality of it...

but lacrosse is the best sport

Nope... I first fenced 15 years ago, was really into it at UConn (University of Connecticut), but then went hot and cold with it since then. The USFA is basically a joke, as is electric sabre.

Rarely, I can watch some on satellite at my local bar (they can get anything, it seems...), but let's face it: fencing has about as much of a chance of becoming a popular sport as the US does of winning the World Cup in Germany.

Even though you've just had the first female Gold medalist Sabruer ever? Mariel Zaragounis?? Not to mention the old legend Peter Westbook!

I think electric sabre has improved the weapon IMO- but for TV epee is still the easiest and the audiences' fav to understand/watch.

Nope... I first fenced 15 years ago, was really into it at UConn (University of Connecticut), but then went hot and cold with it since then. The USFA is basically a joke, as is electric sabre.

Rarely, I can watch some on satellite at my local bar (they can get anything, it seems...), but let's face it: fencing has about as much of a chance of becoming a popular sport as the US does of winning the World Cup in Germany.

HOW IS ELECTRIC SABRE A JOKE!?!?!?!?!

sorry. my weapon. oh, tv wise i assume.
As Psychotic Mongooses said, electric sabre is so much easier to judge than dry.

i didn't realize how many people fenced here. if so, i can gloat then: junior olympic championships in hartford. so i was 149 out of 181, who gives? summer nationals qualifier on sunday too.

(my high school team sucks tremendous balls. at least in sabre)

anyone else fence?

HOW IS ELECTRIC SABRE A JOKE!?!?!?!?!

sorry. my weapon. oh, tv wise i assume.
As Psychotic Mongooses said, electric sabre is so much easier to judge than dry.

i didn't realize how many people fenced here. if so, i can gloat then: junior olympic championships in hartford. so i was 149 out of 181, who gives? summer nationals qualifier on sunday too.

(my high school team sucks tremendous balls. at least in sabre)

anyone else fence?

Wow. Thats impressive nonetheless! Good luck in the qualifiers :)

I've got a Southern Open this weekend too, tied into a International Team comp- a Quadrangular. Looking forward to settling a few scores *shifty eyes*

Wow. Thats impressive nonetheless! Good luck in the qualifiers :)

I've got a Southern Open this weekend too, tied into a International Team comp- a Quadrangular. Looking forward to settling a few scores *shifty eyes*

ah, someone good! i only get group lessons once a week :( .

i do fence the women's veterans world champion though. i get lessons from the u.s. cadet men's coach.

btw, what weapon are ya?

ah, someone good! i only get group lessons once a week :( .
Meh, I'm notoriously lazy- barely muster twice a week. I go to the gym (or try at least) http://fencingforum.com/forum/images/smilies/confused.gif to keep my general fitness up.


i do fence the women's veterans world champion though. i get lessons from the u.s. cadet men's coach.
Em... that's impressive in its own right! You're really lucky to have that sort of standard. Trust me!
*grumbles about having to train up n00b's just to practice on*


btw, what weapon are ya?

I dabble in epee, but I've specialised in foil.

Meh, I'm notoriously lazy- barely muster twice a week. I go to the gym (or try at least) http://fencingforum.com/forum/images/smilies/confused.gif to keep my general fitness up.

at least you go to the gym :p . being under 100 lbs at 15 doesn't help though.

Em... that's impressive in its own right! You're really lucky to have that sort of standard. Trust me!
*grumbles about having to train up n00b's just to practice on*

where are you that you participate in large comps but fence n00bz?

I dabble in epee, but I've specialised in foil.

ah, i'm a sabre man, obviously.

at least you go to the gym :p . being under 100 lbs at 15 doesn't help though.

Light feet for Sabre- best thing possible. Don't worry about the rest; it'll come ;)


where are you that you participate in large comps but fence n00bz?
No, I'm kinda semi-coach in my club. Have to train up less experienced ones from scratch every few years just so I can practice on them- I get my proper experience from travelling to comps and playing out of my skin trying new moves etc etc.

My club coach is a top sabruer so it doesn't really suit me that much but I stick around to help out anyway.


ah, i'm a sabre man, obviously.
Still think its like watching 2 chimps run at each other :p

Mate of mine is trying break into the MS FIE Top 100 by the end of next year- he's...spending a lot! :eek:

Even though you've just had the first female Gold medalist Sabruer ever? Mariel Zaragounis?? Not to mention the old legend Peter Westbook!

I think electric sabre has improved the weapon IMO- but for TV epee is still the easiest and the audiences' fav to understand/watch.


Medals shmedals. Electric sabre is a game of tag. Fencing without parries is like drinking non-alcoholic beer. You get the idea, but what's the point? :(
It's just not as much fun (or as pure) as dry sabre, IMO.