Bowling, Bocce, and Beer Dye, Oh My!

As many young men and women often experience, healthy competition becomes less and less accessible as we fade out of our 20's and hit our 30's. We are stressed out, middle aged adults, and finding ways to exhaust competitive juices becomes essential. If unchecked, household turmoil and tension amongst friends has been known to follow. To start the new year, here are a few of the ways that I get my competitive fix without my fiance making me sleep on the couch with the backgammon board!

BOWLING

If you're looking for a competitive group activity, look no further than bowling. And as someone who's pretty good at it, I may be a bit biased, but believe me when I say bowling is for everyone. Not to mention, bowling is one of the few sports where it's totally acceptable (and even encouraged) to enjoy a cold beer while you play. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, there's a place for you on the lanes to bring out your inner competitor. And who knows, you might even discover a hidden talent.

BACKYARD GAMES

I'm talking about good old fashioned bocce, corn hole, horseshoes, and all those other games your dad talks about from his glory days, or at least mine does. And trust me, these games can be just as fun (if not more) than the typical rec. league basketball game.Plus you get to play from the comfort of your own backyard., and again, drinking . There is a theme here. Personally, I'm a big fan of bocce. I've been volunteering as a unified partner for the Special Olympics for over 10 years, so I've gotten to experience the joy that bocce brings to athletes of all abilities. And, when I play with my friends at BBQs, I am always the best one there!

DRINKING GAMES (for the 21+ readers)

As referenced above, you may have noticed a strong correlation between my favorite competitive outlets and the ability to drink while participating. After all, these are my ways of letting of competitive juices, and in a way, relaxing a bit. While many people may leave their beer pong careers in college, I for one am a big fan of just about any beer pong related game. If it's nice out and you have a yard, I would highly recommend giving Polish Horseshoes a try. I've heard it called a lot of different things but I've always known it as Polish Horseshoes, and it's a blast. Take a look at the video below for a quick tutorial if you want to give it a shot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLrlVXq9Gz4.

Whether you're a bowling pro, bocce champion, or beer pong master (or a complete beginner at all three), I think all three are great ways to compete with your friends and let off some steam. Plus, what's a little friendly competition without a cold beer in hand? So gather up your squad and try something new for your next outing, and get into it! You may be the only complaining about the texture of the bocce court clay, but we all know they will be pouting on the inside when you come out with the W!