We’ll say it: Recreational sports are the best. Whether actually playing, spectating (which is a sport in itself), or socializing post-game, they provide a way for players to hone a new skill while making new friends in the process. And so, in the spirit of casual sports as the ultimate community-builder, SPY is launching its first annual Rec League Awards, a definitive guide to the best gear, hand-selected and tested by SPY editors with casual players in mind.

Basketball

Yes, there are a million functional and stylish basketball shoes out there, but for the casual player (who might need a pair that’s more all-purpose), where does one begin? To narrow the playing field, SPY vetted and tested the best basketball shoes, plus shorts and balls, for indoor and outdoor play.

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Golf

For newer or occasional golfers, buying equipment — especially the right irons — can feel a little intimidating. SPY’s golf experts, who are all frequent recreational players, hand-picked the best irons, balls, tees, bags, shoes, and gloves.

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Tennis

Every tennis player needs the right gear. But, particularly for beginners, it can be tough to know how much money to invest, whether the goal is an occasional volley with friends or spending every Saturday morning competing in a league. Here, SPY contributors compiled a list of the true essentials, from racquets and balls to shoes and shorts.

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Softball

Softball is everywhere these days. Whether the goal is winning that annual tournament with coworkers or joining one of those spirited teams who play at the park on weekends, every casual player needs the right bat, gloves, ball, and cleats. SPY contributors personally tested and vetted our list of top picks.

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Lawn Games

The humble lawn game is not just a recreational sport; it is the recreational sport. That said, we know there’s no true best one — it all depends on the mood, the occasion, and the company — but certain versions of popular games stick out among the pack as true crowd-pleasers. Each yard game on the below list has been personally vetted and tested by SPY editors, all of whom are exceedingly serious about fun.

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Accessories

We ask this question: What good is a recreational sports game without the right accessories? No good at all. It’s important to arrive with the right stuff for post-game playing, from a comfortable park blanket to the perfect soft cooler for beverages of all stripes. (Dog not included, unfortunately.)

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