Known as the ‘fastest ball sport in the world’, Jai Alai originated in the Basque region of Spain and gained tremendous popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century. With players hurling a ball at speeds exceeding 200 mph, its high-intensity action captivated audiences. Jai Alai became a staple in Florida and Connecticut, often tied to betting.

• Peaked in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s.
• Declined due to labor disputes and the rise of other gambling options like casinos.
• Today, it’s a prime example of forgotten sports, with only a few courts, known as frontons, still hosting matches.

Roller Derby first emerged in the 1930s as a contact sport involving fast-paced skating and dramatic physicality. Its peak came in the 1970s when televised matches turned it into a cultural phenomenon. Fans loved its mix of athleticism and theatrics.

• Lost steam due to over-commercialization and scripted outcomes.
• Revived in the 2000s as a grassroots, DIY sport.
• Though niche, it holds its place among forgotten sports for its dramatic rise and fall.

Once the pastime of choice for Victorian elites, croquet gained massive popularity in the late 19th century. International competitions drew large audiences, and it was even featured in the 1900 Olympics.

• Fell out of favour with the rise of faster-paced sports like tennis.
• Now associated with leisurely garden games rather than competitive play.
• Despite its origins, it’s one of the forgotten sports still played recreationally today.

A hybrid of basketball, soccer, and American football, Speedball was invented in the 1920s as a high-energy sport for schools. It was easy to learn and required minimal equipment, making it ideal for gym classes.

• Popular in American schools through the mid-20th century.
• Declined as other sports programs like volleyball and lacrosse gained prominence.
• Rarely played today, Speedball epitomizes the concept of forgotten sports.

An age-old sport dating back to the 1600s, Irish Road Bowling involves throwing a heavy ball down a country road, with the winner determined by the fewest throws. This quirky game enjoyed local fame and even caught on briefly in parts of the United States.

• Limited appeal outside Ireland due to its rural nature.
• Struggled to adapt to urbanization and modern roadways.
• As one of the forgotten sports, it survives in small Irish communities.

This ancient Indian sport, a mix of tag and wrestling, rose to prominence in the 1990s thanks to televised tournaments. It captivated audiences with its blend of strategy, speed, and physicality.

• International popularity waned as other sports dominated airtime.
• Still highly regarded in India, with professional leagues established.
• A regional staple, Kabaddi is less known globally and fits the forgotten sports narrative.

Tetherball – known as Swingball in some countries – was a playground staple for much of the 20th century, enjoyed by children for its simplicity and accessibility. Played with a ball tied to a pole, it was a mainstay of school recesses.

• Declined in popularity due to safety concerns and changing school policies.
• Rarely played in organized settings today.
• A nostalgic entry in the list of forgotten sports.

Bar billiards emerged in the UK during the 1930s as an alternative to traditional billiards or pool. Its smaller table and unique scoring system made it a pub favorite for decades.

• Declined with the rise of more dynamic pub games like darts and foosball.
• Largely replaced by American-style pool tables in bars.
• Among forgotten sports, it is maintained by a small but dedicated fan base.

Known as ‘Kick Volleyball’, Sepak Takraw is a Southeast Asian sport that combines acrobatic kicks with volleyball gameplay. It enjoyed a brief surge of global interest during the 1990s.

• Struggled to attract players outside its regional base.
• Requires high skill levels, limiting accessibility for casual players.
• Still played regionally, it remains one of the more dynamic forgotten sports.

No, that’s not a spelling error! Popularized by the 1998 comedy film of the same name, Baseketball combined basketball and baseball into a zany hybrid sport. Though initially seen as a joke, it inspired actual leagues and tournaments.

• Interest faded as the novelty wore off.
• Never gained credibility as a legitimate sport.
• A quirky addition to the annals of forgotten sports.