Can You Guess the Sport from These Easy Riddles?

SPORTS

By: Gavin Thagard

5 Min Quiz

Image: shutterstock

About This Quiz

"Nothing is black-and-white, except winning and losing, and maybe that's why people gravitate to that so much." - Steve Nash

Sports is one of those few things defined by winning and losing. That's why we love them so much, because those who play are pushed beyond their limit in order to achieve victory. They do so because the only other option is to stare defeat in the face, and no true athlete ever wants to lose. 

How much do you love sports, though? Could you pass a quiz where you name the sport based off an easy riddle that is provided to you? Here's your chance to find you! 

Baseball, football, soccer, hockey; these are all sports that people gravitate toward, as they watch their favorite teams or players compete. There is also a uniqueness to all of these sports, one that defines each separately from the others. 

Do you know each of these traits? Can you discern one sport from another if you are given a riddle that's specific to each sport? Why not give this quiz a shot and see if you can? That's if you're up for the challenge. This quiz isn't easy after all. If you're ready, get started and put your sports knowledge to the test! 

This sport has diamonds and not the ones you wear on your hand.

Major League Baseball was founded in 1903. It consisted of teams from both the National League and the American League.

Advertisement

In this sport, the only person who can use their hands is defending the goal.

Soccer has ancient roots that can be traced back to China around 2,000 years ago. However, the game as it's known today formed in England during the 19th century.

Advertisement

This sport can be won when the most unimportant player kicks the ball through the upright.

Kickers can be the most loved or hated person on a football team. Typically, those feelings are a result of a single play at the end of a game.

Advertisement

This sport begins with a "T," and not the letter.

Success in golf is typically defined by major championships. No one has won more majors than Jack Nicklaus.

Advertisement

This sport is defined by a racket, but not from the fans.

Originally, tennis courts were shaped like an hourglass. Today, they are rectangular.

Advertisement

In this sport, you can kick, throw, and run the ball.

The NFL is broken up into two conferences. There are 16 teams in each conference, and each year, the conference champions meet in the Super Bowl.

Advertisement

In this sport, there are hat tricks, but they aren't magicians.

Wayne Gretzky is widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time. He even has the nickname "The Great One."

Advertisement

The players use a bat, but it doesn't fly.

Barry Bonds holds the record for home runs in a career. His record is controversial, however, because of his association with the steroid scandal.

Advertisement

Miles and time are important in this sport.

There are cycling tours all around the world. One of the most popular is the Tour de France, which was established in 1903.

Advertisement

Ice is common in this sport, but not for injuries.

The Stanley Cup is given to the NHL champions every year. No team has won more Stanley Cups than the Montreal Canadiens.

Advertisement

This sport has a maximum time limit but can end at any second.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is one of the only boxers to retire with an undefeated record. Unless he makes a comeback, his record stands at 50-0.

Advertisement

This sport has goals, and a score can be worth 1-3 points.

The popularity of the NBA started to rise in the 1980s. The rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird was a catalyst for its success.

Advertisement

In this sport, you compete on four legs.

One of the highest achievements in horse racing is to win the Triple Crown, which consists of three races. The most famous of those races is the Kentucky Derby.

Advertisement

This is a sport where you repeatedly go in a circle.

NASCAR has been around since 1948. It was founded by William France Sr.

Advertisement

In this sport, you're legally allowed to be violent to your opponent.

MMA is a violent sport, but there are rules. For example, you can't hit your opponent in the back of the head.

Advertisement

This is a sport where you run home.

The Yankees have been the most dominant team in baseball history. They've won 27 World Series, more than any other team.

Advertisement

In this sport, the lower the score the better.

Tiger Woods won his first major championship in 1997 at the Masters. He has since won 13 more.

Advertisement

This sport can be played alone or with a partner.

Venus and Serena Williams are two of the greatest tennis players in history. They are also the first sisters to win Olympic gold together.

Advertisement

This sport is made up of ice and dancing.

Figure skating became part of the Olympics in 1908. That made it the first winter sport added to the Olympics.

Advertisement

In this sport, you start by serving, but not food.

Volleyball is a major draw in the Summer Olympics. It was first played in the Olympics in 1964.

Advertisement

In this sport, you can spike the ball to freeze time.

Tom Brady is widely considered the greatest quarterback of all time. During his career, he's won multiple championships and MVP awards.

Advertisement

This sport has two baskets, and they're not for Easter.

Bill Russell was one of the most dominant players to ever grace the basketball court. Over the course of his career, he won 11 NBA championships.

Advertisement

In this sport, a red card means you're down a player.

Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world. Even many third world countries will field teams to compete nationally.

Advertisement

In this sport, everyone's trying to reach a checkered flag.

Dale Earnhardt was one of the greatest NASCAR racers, helping to popularize the sport. Sadly, he died during a race in 2001.

Advertisement

In this sport, the defense always possesses the ball, but the offense scores.

The Red Sox and Yankees rivalry dates back to the early years of baseball. Most people believe the rivalry started when Babe Ruth was traded from the Red Sox to the Yankees.

Advertisement

In this sport, you can swing and miss as many times as you want as long as you don't hit the ball.

The modern game of golf originated in Scotland. However, England established rules and the first Open Championship.

Advertisement

This is a sport where you win by pin falls.

The maximum score you can get in bowling is 300. However, that means you get a strike every time you throw the ball.

Advertisement

In this sport, you might not have ice in your veins, but there's plenty of ice elsewhere.

There are several different skiing sports. One of the most popular is alpine skiing.

Advertisement

In this sport, there are 18 legs on the field trying to catch flies.

The Golden Glove award is given to the best fielders in MLB each year. Greg Maddux received the most Golden Gloves with 19.

Advertisement

This is a sport where the offense restarts every 10 yards.

The first ever Super Bowl was played in 1967. In that game, the Packers defeated the Chiefs.

Advertisement

This is a sport where you can legally stab your opponent with a sword.

In 1982, Vladimir Smirnov was killed during a fencing match in the World Championship. This caused major innovations in protective gear for the sport.

Advertisement

This is a sport like tennis, but smaller.

Ping pong is also known as table tennis. It has been an Olympic sport since 1988.

Advertisement

In this sport, you have to wear a glove on each hand, but neither are used for catching.

During his prime, Muhammad Ali was suspended from the sport of boxing. However, he managed to make a successful comeback later in his career and is still regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time.

Advertisement

In this sport, you travel three different ways.

The most common form of triathlon involves swimming, running and cycling. It is one of the most endurance-driven sports.

Advertisement

This sport resembles baseball, but the ball is bigger.

When softball was invented in 1887, it started off as an indoor game with various names. The name softball was given to the game in 1926.

Advertisement

Explore More Quizzes

About HowStuffWorks Play

How much do you know about dinosaurs? What is an octane rating? And how do you use a proper noun? Lucky for you, HowStuffWorks Play is here to help. Our award-winning website offers reliable, easy-to-understand explanations about how the world works. From fun quizzes that bring joy to your day, to compelling photography and fascinating lists, HowStuffWorks Play offers something for everyone. Sometimes we explain how stuff works, other times, we ask you, but we’re always exploring in the name of fun! Because learning is fun, so stick with us!