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Blue Lock, a highly anticipated series, just released its first episode and sets a tone for great things to come. The art style and characters stand out and are sure to live up to the hype of its predecessors. While Blue Lock is ramping up, here are some sports anime to watch to keep the iron hot while waiting for more episodes.
7 All Out!
All Out is an intense story that follows a group of high school boys who have found the fire inside their chests in the form of love for rugby. When a young transfer student tries to find a purpose, he is entranced by the hard work and dedication that the school rugby team exhibits.
On a whim, he joins the team on their journey to make an impact and take the team from mocked underdogs to serious competitors. All Out focuses on more than just the team’s chemistry but also individual players, their motivations, and the hardships they endure to ensure they don’t let the team down.
6 Eyeshield 21
The high adrenaline rush of being on the football field was the last thing that Sena Koboyakama had on his mind. For the most part, Sena’s only goal was to make it through his high school life in one piece, being the target of frequent bullying.
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It wasn’t until the captain of the football team noticed the untapped speed of Sena that he took an interest and coerced him into joining the team. Overwhelmed with nerves, Sena is surprised when he figures out his speed can also be a weapon on the field. Game after game, Sena discovers more of his power and develops as a player and as a person.
5 Haikyu
Haikyu is one of the greatest sports anime in the genre. The story of the Karasuno volleyball team will warm the hearts of all anime fans that give it a try. Volleyball is a sport dominated by height, so when small fry Hinata Shouyou shows up, there aren’t many who pay him any mind.
However, Shouyou shocks everyone with his amazing jumping power and stamina. Over the course of the series, each player is highlighted and becomes better than they were in the episode before. With hard work, incredible will, and dedication, the Karasuno team put the pride of their school on their backs and take it all the way to the championship.
4 Ace The Diamond
Baseball is one of the most respected sports in the world. Ace the Diamond follows a prestigious team in their attempt to become the best high school team in the country. Eijun Sawamura played baseball throughout middle school. Upon his first year as a high school student, he is invited to a prestigious academy celebrated for its baseball program.
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Joining a new team overwhelms Eijun as he tries to find his niche. Utilizing his unique way of pitching, he slowly but surely becomes a menace on the pitcher’s mound. Although the road to being the best in the country is paved with hard work, Eijun pushes himself to the limit to carry his team as far as he can and not let his new teammates down.
3 Kuroko’s Basketball
Kuroko was a former member of the top basketball in Japan called the Generation of Miracles. The team consisted of the most talented players that were unstoppable on the court. But, unfortunately, being at the top created a sense of arrogance for some and soured the game for others, which caused a split between the team.
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Kuroko was distraught after the team disbanded and sought to bring back the love his friends once had for the game. Kuroko’s Basketball does an incredible job of focusing on the team aspect of basketball and how neglecting your teammates can make for a poor experience, even if victory is achieved.
2 Hanebado
Hanebedo is a high-quality anime that follows two young girls skilled in the game of Badminton with two incredibly different struggles. Ayano is a prodigy that has fallen out of love with the sport after mentally crumbling under the pressure placed on her by her mother’s legacy. Nagisa is a former top player who has hit a wall in her performance after losing to Ayano in a finals match.
Coincidentally, both girls end up on the same high school team and must now work together and overcome their differences. Although motivation and obsession are two powerful forces that can lead to destruction, both girls try to get back on the right path and find the love for the game they used to enjoy.
1 Slam Dunk
Slam Dunk is a classic anime with tremendous popularity in western and eastern anime communities. Highly praised as one of the most well-told tales of camaraderie and work ethic, Slam Dunk follows the Shohoku basketball team on a long journey to becoming the best. When first-year Hanamichi is lured into joining the basketball team in an attempt to get a girlfriend, it is revealed that he has impressive physical abilities that make him great for the sport.
Hanamichi has no interest in basketball whatsoever but decides to stick it out for a chance to end his rejection streak. As Hanamichi gets to know the sport and his teammates, he may find a new love in the sport itself.
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