Health benefits of playing table-sportHealth benefits of playing table-sport
Playing table-sport may not sound healthy at all. We tend to underestimate ping-pong if compared to the real tennis; we consider air-hockey as just a game; and billiard as just a side fun for drinking. But, if done right, those table sports are beneficial for our health.
Ping-pong
Professional ping-pong athletes can bring the game to another level of showmanship. Within the small size of the ping-pong table, the athletes from both sides are trying to control the ball. They hit the ball fast and strongly. Each bounce requires a quick response to counteract, and with the small surface of the bat, each hit needs an outstanding level of focus and precision.
The level of agility and dexterity is also different from tennis since body movement is restricted. Ping-pong relies much on the fluency of the wrists, and the sharp reflects of the players.
With such skills required, ping-pong benefits to the heart, lungs, and brain. Heart and lungs accommodate the fast movement in tennis table, while the bouncing balls train the mind to focus.
Billiard
Although not as agile as ping-pong, billiard does have advantages for the player’s health. Billiard is all about control, and strategy. It is more like playing chess, regarding the opponent’s move that can affect the player’s too.
When targeting a ball/balls that are hard to reach, a billiard player needs to perform his/her unusual move. It often takes serious body’s flexibility and balancing ability for the shot. Sharp eyes and good muscle coordination are the necessary traits for a good billiard player.
Billiard is also a low-impact sport, which means it has minimal risk of injury. This sport is fun to do for people of all ages. The rules of the game are modifiable too, and the pool table is easy to move anywhere.
Foosball
We see foosball in bars, and it is commonly associated with party-game. This game is indeed the easiest to play and the most fun in comparing other options. But cognitive skill and eye-muscle coordination are heavily exercised in this game.
Well designed foosball does not allow one player to gain the advantage of the stacking of the pawns. When using the handles, a player is conditioned to be aware of his movement consequence. It is muscle and cognition working together at the same time.
You are wrong if you think foosball does not need a strategy. The serving of the ball determines the chance to strike a goal. The handling of the foosball bars, and the timing of executing the pull shot or snake shot; all require your muscles and brain to work well in sync.
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