This reference aims to introduce and explain the key terms and phrases related to sports and exercise actions. It will cover a range of activities, from individual sports like running and swimming to team sports like soccer and basketball.
By the end of this article, English learners will have a better understanding of the vocabulary used in sports and exercise contexts, allowing them to communicate more effectively and confidently.
Contents
Sport and Exercise Actions Words
- Walk
- Run
- Stretch
- Jump
- Bounce
- Serve
- Lie down
- Sit
- Bend
- Kneel
- Ride
- Kick
- Hop
- Skip
- Dribble
- Pass
- Shoot
- Catch
- Hit
- Throw
Sport and Exercise Actions with Pictures
Learn more about sports vocabulary in English.
Walk
Walking is a form of exercise or activity in which a person moves on foot at a moderate pace, usually for a certain distance or amount of time.
- Example: She went for a walk every evening after dinner to get some fresh air and clear her mind.
Run
Running is a form of exercise or activity in which a person moves rapidly on foot, usually over a long distance, as a form of exercise or competition.
- Example: He went for a run every morning to start his day off with some exercise and fresh air.
Stretch
Stretching is a form of exercise or activity in which a person elongates their muscles to improve flexibility, range of motion, and prevent injury.
- Example: She made sure to do some stretching before and after her workouts to prevent muscle soreness and injury.
Jump
Jumping is an activity or movement in which a person propels themselves off the ground or a surface using their legs and feet.
- Example: He loved jumping over obstacles and had even taken up parkour to challenge himself further.
Bounce
Bouncing is an activity or movement in which a person repeatedly jumps up and down, often on a trampoline or other springy surface.
- Example: The kids spent hours bouncing on the trampoline in the backyard, laughing and having fun.
Serve
Serving is an action in various sports, such as tennis or volleyball, in which a player puts the ball into play by hitting or throwing it over the net or to the other side of the court.
- Example: She had a powerful serve in tennis that often left her opponents struggling to return the ball.
Lie down
Lying down is a position in which a person is horizontal and resting their body on a surface, such as a bed or the ground.
- Example: After a long day at work, he just wanted to lie down and relax for a while.
Sit
Sitting is a position in which a person is resting their weight on their buttocks and usually supported by a chair or other surface.
- Example: She liked to sit in the park and read a book on sunny afternoons.
Bend
Bending is a movement in which a person or object curves or angles downward or forward.
- Example: He had to bend down to pick up the pen he had dropped on the floor.
Kneel
Kneeling is a position in which a person is resting on one or both knees, often as a sign of respect or submission.
- Example: He had to kneel down to tie his shoelaces before heading out for his morning run.
Ride
Riding is an activity or movement in which a person sits on and travels on an animal or vehicle, such as a horse, bike, or car.
- Example: She loved to ride her bike along the scenic route by the beach.
Kick
Kicking is a movement in which a person strikes or hits an object or surface with their foot.
- Example: He had a powerful kick that made him a valuable player on his soccer team.
Hop
Hopping is a movement in which a person jumps off one foot and lands on the same foot.
- Example: The little girl was hopping around the playground, giggling and having fun.
Skip
Skipping is a movement in which a person jumps off one foot and lands on the other foot, alternating feet with each jump.
- Example: They were skipping down the sidewalk, holding hands and singing a song.
Pass
Passing is an action in various sports, such as basketball or football, in which a player throws or kicks the ball to a teammate.
- Example: He made a perfect pass to his teammate, who scored the winning goal.
Dribble
Dribbling is an action in various sports, such as basketball or soccer, in which a player moves the ball while maintaining control by bouncing or tapping it with their feet.
- Example: She was known for her impressive dribbling skills on the basketball court, which often left her opponents in awe.
Shoot
Shooting is an action in various sports, such as basketball or soccer, in which a player tries to score by throwing or kicking the ball into the goal or basket.
- Example: He made a perfect shoot and scored the winning point for his team.
Catch
Catching is an action in various sports, such as baseball or football, in which a player receives or intercepts a ball that has been thrown or kicked by another player.
- Example: She made an impressive catch and saved the game for her team.
Hit
Hitting is an action in various sports, such as baseball or tennis, in which a player strikes a ball with a bat or racket.
- Example: He made a powerful hit and sent the ball flying over the fence for a home run.
Throw
Throwing is an action in various sports, such as baseball or football, in which a player propels an object, such as a ball, with their arm or hand.
- Example: She made a perfect throw and landed the ball right in her teammate’s hands.
- Judgement vs. Judgment: A Look at Spelling Variations - January 9, 2024
- Crochet vs. Knit: Understanding the Differences - January 5, 2024
- Metric vs. Imperial: What’s the Difference? - December 28, 2023