Top 10 fastest field sports in the world, ranked

We often love to watch a game that is non-stop and action-packed, and there is plenty of them. Here are the top ten fastest field sports in the world, ranked.

Sport is often played at an exhilarating pace, leaving players exhausted from their impossible endeavours and fans elated at the spectacle that they have just watched.

However, have you ever wondered what is the quickest game to grace us? Look no further, for we have compiled for you the top ten fastest field sports in the world, ranked.

And let there be no doubt, Ireland’s ancient field sport also makes an appearance on this list.

MII’s top facts about the fastest field sports in the world

• The fastest speed ever recorded by a Thoroughbred horse in a race was set by “Winning Brew” at 43.97 miles per hour (70.76 kilometres per hour) during a race at Penn National Race Course in 2008.
• In Gaelic football, players can reach speeds of approximately 20 miles per hour (32 kilometres per hour) during sprints.
• Lacrosse players can unleash shots at speeds that can exceed 100 miles per hour (160 kilometres per hour), showcasing incredible velocity.
• The oldest reference to the sport, Hurling, can be found in Irish law texts dating back to the 5th century, indicating its long-standing historical and cultural significance in Ireland.

10. Gaelic football – one of the biggest sports in Ireland

While we don’t have official statistics for the speed at which the game is played at, GAA has rightfully earned its spot on this list as one of the fastest sports and is best witnessed at Croke Park with inter-county games. 

The game involves 15v15, with the gaelic football passed between the sides to score a point or goal.

The game is often played at manic intensity, and The Irish Times has reported the average sprinting distance is 1,731 m (higher than 20 km per hour).

Similar to Gaelic football would be International Rules Football. This is a hybrid game played between elite players from Ireland and Australia. 

Check out: Top 10 mad facts about gaelic football you never knew.

9. Horse racing – a punters’ favourite

One of the fastest field sports in the world is horse racing, an extremely popular sport and often enjoyed by the punters.

The average racehorses speed is around 64 to 70 km per hour (40 to 44 miles per hour). However, the fastest galloping speed has been recorded as 88.5 km per hour (55 miles per hour).

8. American football – Super Bowl, Super Speed

Eighth on our list of the fastest field sports in the world is American football; the NFL itself needs absolutely no introduction these days.

Raheem Mostert of the San Francisco 49ers clocked the top speed of 36.5 km per hour (22.7 miles per hour). Meanwhile, the top quarterbacks have been clocked at throwing the ball over 96 km per hour (60 miles per hour).

Read more: Sports in Ireland gaining popularity.

7. Lacrosse – the oldest team sport in North America

Next up on the list of the fastest field sports in the world is lacrosse. It’s played at such a pace as to rank in the top ten fastest ball games in the world. The object of lacrosse is to score in the opponents’ goal using a lacrosse stick, also known as a ‘crosse’.

This is a Native American sport and is the oldest team sport played in North America. It clocked a record speed of 120 km per hour (75 miles per hour).

6. Cricket – one of the fastest field sports in the world

Next up is cricket, claiming a rightful spot on the list of the fastest field sports in the world; it has recorded a speed of 161.3 km per hour (100 miles per hour).

Cricket originated in England in the 16^th-century, and is now one of the globe’s most popular sports. Two teams of eleven players compete, batting in innings and attempting to score runs. Games can last up to days at a time.

5. Baseball – one of the top sports in America

Baseball is fifth on the list; one of the top sports in the US, baseball has recorded a speed of 168.9 km per hour (105 miles per hour).

This is another bat-and-ball game similar to cricket, and players take turns batting and fielding. It is now closely followed not only in America but worldwide and is often played at insane speeds. 

4. Football – the beautiful game

Football is the most popular game in the world, with over a billion viewers worldwide. The intensity of games can often heat up to extraordinary levels.

The game is played over 90 minutes, with two halves of 45 minutes. There may also be a need for both stoppage time and extra time at the conclusion of the game, owing to care for an injured player or other reasons. 

The fastest strike recorded with a football is 211 km per hour (131 miles per hour). While the ball itself is almost always in play, some of the build-up can be slow.

3. Tennis – ferocious intensity in elite sport

Next on our list of the fastest field sports in the world is tennis. The sport has has a recorded a high speed of 263 km per hour (164 miles per hour).

Furthermore, the average serve speed is 190 km per hour (120 miles per hour), making it one of the fastest field sports in the world. 

Players are continuously firing the ball back and forth between each other, often at a ferocious pace and incredible speed. 

2. Golf – the highest recorded speed of a strike

Agonisingly close to a spot for the fastest field sport in the world is golf, although one of the most popular sports in Ireland. Golf misses out solely because the game involves one clean strike at a time.

However, the sport takes an award of its own home as it has recorded an astonishing speed of 339.6 km per hour (211 miles per hour). We think this record will be hard to beat!

1. Hurling – an ancient Irish sport

Some of the other sports mentioned on this list may clock up faster speeds than hurling.

However, the reason why the ancient Irish game of hurling takes the top spot for the fastest field game in the world is because the sliotar (ball), which is passed around with the hurl, is always in play.

Players are continually moving and running, which makes the speed and pace of this game all the more impressive. With 15 players in each side, hurling is an exhilarating sport that is often high in scoring and certainly high in octane.

Watching a hurling match should be on your sporting bucket list whether you are a local or a visitor. With intensity and facts about hurling just as fierce as the competition at club level and at inter-county level, you will not be disappointed no matter where you watch a game.

Related: 10 facts about hurling you never knew.

Your questions answered about the fastest field sports in the world

What is the fastest field sport on grass?

Hurling is the fastest game on grass, the most skilful game in the world. Furthermore, it is also one of the oldest, with its traditions set in the mists of ancient Irish history. The first written reference to hurling dates back to 1272 BC.

What role does speed play in Gaelic football?

Speed is crucial in Gaelic football as players sprint to outmanoeuvre opponents, quickly transition between offence and defence, and cover the large playing field.

What’s the most popular sport in Ireland?

Gaelic football was first played in Ireland in 1802 and has grown to be the most popular sport in Ireland. If you’re taking a vacation to Ireland, you should put seeing a game of Gaelic football on your to-do list!