The problem with this is that they are trying to compare apples and oranges. I think that a better way to compare sports is to consider what sport best prepares you to be good at any sport!!
Lets create a quick hypothetical situation. We will take an above average competitor and match them together in each sport respectively. For a good sample, we will use the top five sports in the ESPN poll.
Boxing, Hockey, Football, Basketball, and Wrestling.
:::Lets Box:::
1st- Boxer...No question he's going to master his own sport.
2nd- Wrestler...The training is similar and once the wrestler gets inside, his body control tears an inexperienced fighter to shredds.
3rd- Hockey...these guys know how to fight, but aren't good enough to hold off the wrestler.
4th- Football...just way tougher than the basketball player.
5th- Basketball...After all, it's against the rules to touch anybody in b-ball so to get punched just floored him!!
:::Let Play Hockey:::
1st- Hockey...Dude rocks on the ice.
2nd- Boxer...He learned how to move on ice while working on footwork and balance but still can't work a stick.
3rd- Wrestler...low center of gravity and strong legs help to move on ice.
4th- Football...more physical but not very graceful.
5th- Basketball...Once on the ice he looked like he was going to hurt himself.
:::Lets Play Football:::
1st- Football...Good balance of physical power and athletic grace.
2nd- Basketball...Agility and speed helped to avoid the need for too much contact, also good with the ball.
3rd- Wrestler...Overall was pretty good, but the quick burst running eventually wore him out. Also didn't seem overly confortable on offense, he seemed to be more of a defense man.
4th- Hockey...All the skating helped him to condition himself. Still looked a little clumsy on offense. Could lay some devestating hits just as long as he didn't have to try to catch somebody.
5th- Boxer...Not a good runner, not good at tackling, could barely throw or catch. Pathetic...
:::Let's Play Basketball:::
1st- Basketball...Cleaned house!!!
2nd- Football...Everyone pretty much stunk, but the football player was used to handling a ball.
3rd- Wrestler...Once in a while the team must condidtion in the gym.
4th- Hockey...Slow runner, and couldn't make a basket to save his life!!
5th- Boxer...Can this guy do anything but punch?
:::Let's Wrestle:::
1st- Wrestler- Toasted everyone!!!
2nd- Football- This guy at least lasted while he was on his feet. Once he got taken down...it was all over!!
3rd- Hockey- Pretty much the same as the football player only not as strong.
4th- Boxer- Pretty used to being in close but he seemed completely baffled by the double leg!!
5th- Basketball- Spent nearly the entire 10 seconds of the match complaining that he was being fouled!!!
So now, lets score them...(1pt=5th and 5pts=1st)
1st- Wrestler (18pts)- Not good with a ball, but physically sound and tough!! Good endurance except when it involves a lot of running.
2nd- Football (17pts)- Good with hand eye coordination and pretty tough, but doesn't have a lot of finess when it comes to contact sports.
3rd- Hockey (15pts)- Relatively good at everything. Good conditioning. Skates fast...runs slow. Clumsy with a ball...great with a stick.
4th- Boxer (13pts)- Superb at boxing...not great at anything else. Good conditioning though.
5th- Basketball (12pts)- If he can keep from getting physical he will do fine. Looked like a cold fish during the contact sports. Agile and fast on his feet. Great with a ball!!
So there you have it!!
