Play, in recreation, is any activity performed for amusement. Although people engage in play mainly to enjoy themselves, play also  16   the physical and mental health of individuals. Many people increase their physical  17  by swimming or hiking. Many people also improve their mental ability by playing word games or  18  puzzles.Play activities   19  one of three general groups. Motor play is physical exercise, such as skating or playing volleyball. Intellectual play primarily   20  mental activity, as in playing chess. Sensory play includes spectator activities, such as attending sports events.Play takes countless forms. A person may bounce a ball  21  or join in a game of basketball with several other people. Play activity may or may not be planned ahead of time. It can take place  22  from in an individual’s mind to areas designed  23  for play, such as athletic fields.Some play activities are popular with both children and adults. Others appeal primarily  24   people of certain age groups. Children often   25   plays that require a great deal of imagination, such as dressing up and  26  to be adults. Adult play activities generally require more structured types of recreation, such as sports and games.For a child, playing is a form of  27 and a significant part of social development. Through playing, they express their ideas, moods, and personalities to other people. Babies only a few months old begin to play,   28   they can communicate effectively with words. Children learn to interact with one another by sharing toys. When they are older, they develop more teamwork skills by playing   29   in such games as volleyball.For an adult, playing is   30  relaxing during leisure time. Play activities can help relieve pressures caused by the tensions of daily life.

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