Try your hand at tchoukball, korfball, laser beam shooting and lawn bowls!
PHOTO: SINGAPORE SPORTS HUB
Laying on the sofa watching Netflix is always a great idea for a chilled out weekend, but we’d like to make the case for getting up off your feet and into some sports shoes. The Singapore Sports Hub is hosting a new series of Experience Sports Learn-To-Play programmes in November and December where kids to adults can try their hand at unique sports like tchoukball, korfball, laser beam shooting and lawn bowls. Read on to learn more about the four exciting programmes in the lineup!
Tchoukball
It isn’t just fun to say, but fun to play as well. Tchoukball, pronounced “chook-ball” is one of the fastest growing sports in Singapore, and you can learn to play it right here at the Singapore Sports Hub’s hard courts. The unique team sport relies on quick thinking and reaction, and it’s an indoor team sport that takes some elements from volleyball and squash.
Two teams of seven players each take turns to shoot at what looks like a trampoline held upright at an angle. Each team can pass a maximum of 3 times, take 3 steps with the ball and hold the ball a maximum of 3 seconds before taking a shot at the frame, making for an exciting game rooted in sportsmanship, teamwork and respect.
Korfball
Also equally fun to say and play is korfball. It’s a ball sport invented in the Netherlands way back in 1902. Relatively new sport in Singapore, it’s similar to both netball and basketball. Two teams of eight players take turns shooting a ball into a netless basket on a 3.5m high pole. It might even be comparable to captain’s ball, which we all know from PE lessons in secondary school.
What’s interesting is that people say this is one of the only true mixed-gender sports in the world, seeing as the teams of eight typically comprise of four female players and four male players. It’s a fast-paced and tactical game, focusing heavily on teamwork and strategy, and it promises to be a ton of fun.
Laser beam shooting
Shooting isn’t as widely accessible to us compared to sports like basketball and soccer — but not if the Singapore Shooting Association (SSA) has something to say about it! After all, it’s an Olympic sport, and the SSA wants to make it more available to kids in a safe environment. Now kids can try their hand at shooting with a Laser Pistol.
Lawn bowls
We know what you’re thinking, and no it’s not the usual bowling you might be accustomed to. Lawn bowls is a whole other game, so don’t expect any bowling balls or pins. It’s usually played on grass or synthetic turf, and you can try it out at Singapore Sports Hub’s own bowling green.
The game comprises two types of balls — bowls and jacks. The bowl is the larger of the two, and you’ll see why lawn bowling differs from bowling once you’ve tried rolling one. The bowl is heavier on one side, which means it travels in a curved path when rolled, and it’s what you’d use to target a jack — a white ball about the size of a billiard ball — and score points.
Discovering new activities in this festive season stimulates the mind and teaches us new mental and physical skills, and it’s a great opportunity for families with kids, youth, and even adults to keep fit in an enjoyable way.
These programmes are all part of the Singapore Sports Hub’s efforts to bring back sports in a safe manner, which means that spots are limited for each session, so sign up now! Discovering new activities in this festive season stimulates the mind and teaches us new mental and physical skills, and it’s a great opportunity for families with kids, youth, and even adults to keep fit in an enjoyable way. Who knows, you might even find a new love for these interesting sports.
