I’m sure a vast majority of those reading this played at least one sport in high school but weren’t necessarily good enough to play at the division one level. However, that doesn’t mean you’re done playing your sport forever (except for tackle football). College intramurals are a great way to not only get much-needed exercise but also release tension through beefing with other grown men over floor hockey. However, not all intramural sports were created equally, so if you’re stuck between a couple of options this fall, here’s a definitive ranking of the most popular college intramural sports:
8. Tennis
I actually think tennis is a pretty enjoyable sport to watch when there are professionals playing. However, I’m not a professional tennis player and neither are any of the people playing intramural tennis. If we’re being completely honest, tennis is just boring if you’re not good at it. For that reason, it’s at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to intramurals.
7. Kickball
I know I might get some flack for this ranking, but let me explain myself before you head straight to the comments. Kickball is basically a less desirable and fun version of softball. Also, if you decide to pregame before, the odds of you completely whiffing the ball on a pitch and falling on your behind skyrocket. I don’t want to look like an idiot – do you?
6. Volleyball
If we’re talking about sand volleyball, it’s a completely different story. Co-ed sand volleyball is great for a variety of reasons if you’re catching my drift, but I’m talking about regular indoor volleyball. Unless you actually played the sport, it sucks. Trying to hit the ball just bruises your forearms and we know darn well that none of us have the verticality to get high enough in the air to spike it. I’ll pass on intramural volleyball every single time.
5. Soccer
I stopped playing soccer at the age of six, but I’d say it’s still a pretty fun sport without being skilled in any way, shape, or form. That is, until the one kid who played travel soccer his entire life decides to take over the entire game like he’s the second coming of Messi. No one likes a try-hard in intramurals, bro.
4. Dodgeball
Dodgeball checks all the boxes for a great intramural sport. It’s fun but also competitive – and literally anyone can play. Decking someone in the face with a rubber ball might seem malicious on paper, however, that feeling will get you higher than pure nose candy. Maybe the movie is why dodgeball is as popular as it is, but there is something about the sport that’s just different.
3. Flag Football
I never played tackle football, so I can’t say I can relate to the euphoric feeling of absolutely lighting someone up on the field. However, flag football can still provide someone with the excitement of getting a tackle without potentially developing CTE. While you can’t blatantly lay someone out, intramural flag football will still get pretty physical to the point where someone is about ready to throw hands (which usually happens every other game). For that exact reason, I love flag football.
2. Basketball
Intramural basketball is probably the most intense and competitive intramural sport you can play. If you’re playing against good competition, the games are always great. While intramural basketball is a little less on the “fun” side, it will definitely get you that competitive fix you’ve been missing since high school. Just don’t go too hard and tear your ACL.
1. Softball
If you can round up a solid group of your good buddies, intramural softball is a blast. You can booze before, during, and after the game if you so choose and no one will bat an eye. Don’t worry about sucking since everyone will probably be pretty hammered – except the one baseball hardo who will take it way too seriously. Besides those guys, softball is flawless and should be number one on your list for intramural sports this upcoming school year.
