8 Surprisingly Awesome Team Sports You Need to Watch | ListsLook

Football and basketball often dominate the sports landscape, but a vibrant world of team sports exists beyond the mainstream. For sports enthusiasts craving something different, or those looking to discover new passions, this listicle dives into eight underrated team sports that offer thrilling action, strategic depth, and passionate communities. Prepare to be amazed by the energy, athleticism, and unique appeal of these hidden gems. It's time to look beyond the usual and explore the exciting possibilities!

Often described as a hybrid of football and basketball, Rugby Union is a physically demanding sport celebrated for its continuous play and strategic teamwork. Two teams battle to ground the ball in their opponent’s end zone, utilizing passing, running, and tactical kicking. While physically intense, Rugby Union also fosters sportsmanship and respect. It’s popularity is booming worldwide, offering a fast-paced, captivating spectacle for those seeking a genuinely athletic contest. If you’re looking for exciting underrated team sports, this is a good place to start!

Originating with Native American tribes, Lacrosse is a rapidly growing sport known for its speed, skill, and physicality. Players use a ‘crosse’ (a stick with a net on the end) to catch, carry, and pass a rubber ball, aiming to shoot it into the opponent’s goal. Both men’s and women’s lacrosse offer unique gameplay styles. The fast-paced offensive plays and defensive strategies are enthralling. Lacrosse is gaining traction as one of the top alternative team sports to watch, especially in North America and Europe.

Popular in Europe and increasingly gaining a following globally, Handball is a high-scoring, fast-paced indoor sport. Two teams of seven players attempt to throw a ball into the opposing team's goal. A mix of basketball, soccer, and hockey, it demands agility, strength, and precision. The relentless action and high scores make it extremely engaging to watch. Handball exemplifies exciting underrated team sports, it’s a real adrenaline rush and is worth checking out.

A unique blend of swimming, wrestling, and ball handling, Water Polo is a physically taxing sport played in a pool. Players tread water while passing and shooting a ball into the opponent's goal. It demands incredible stamina, strength, and strategic teamwork. Watching Water Polo highlights the amazing athleticism of its participants. A truly exciting lesser known team sport for those seeking something dramatically different than ground-based options.

Also known as “footy”, AFL is a unique and highly athletic sport played on an oval field. Combining elements of soccer, rugby, and basketball, it's known for its high-scoring, free-flowing play, spectacular marks (catches), and physical contests. AFL has a massive and passionate following in Australia, and is developing internationally. Exploring alternative team sports like AFL offers a taste of a different sporting culture.

Often called ‘the fastest growing team sport in Europe’, Floorball is a non-checking indoor sport played with plastic sticks and a lightweight ball. Its speed, skill, and accessibility make it immensely popular, particularly in Scandinavian countries. Players aim to score by shooting the ball into the opponent's net. This underrated team sport is a great showcase of agility and tactical play. It is an excellent sport to explore for those wanting something fast and exciting.

Known as ‘kick volleyball’, Sepak Takraw is a spectacular sport originating in Southeast Asia. Players use their feet, knees, chest, and head to hit a rattan ball over a net, without using their hands. It requires incredible agility, coordination, and acrobatic skills. The breathtaking displays of athleticism and skill of this lesser known team sport makes it incredibly compelling to watch, and demonstrates a different form of teamwork.