do/play sports (AmE)

Hi, speaking about American English, is there any difference between:

1. Do you play (any) sports?      or      I used to play (some) sports...

2. Do you do (any) sports?        or      I used to do (some) sports...

I am confused because, for example, you can play football but you can't play "cycling" or "swimming". So, sentences no. 2 should be ok, but what about the first ones? Can "play" be used as a general verb, like "do"? Actually, I find more often "play sports" than "do sports", and when I find "play" I'm afraid sports like cycling or swimming are not involved.

Thank you very much.

Thanks a lot Clive.

Anyway, I had already checked that thread before posting, and it confused me even more. I searched the Net for explanations and examples, I also asked some people in the chat room.

Do you play / do any sports?  ( this is a general question)         do and play are interchangeable, play is more common

But some people say that "play sports" refers to activities that involve competition. So:

Do you play any sports?

Yes, I play soccer/ rugby/ etc.(OK)  ---- Yes, I go jogging sometimes (NOT OK) ---- No, but I go jogging sometimes (OK)

So what about swimming, or cycling? ( NOT competing, for example twice a week? ) Should I answer NO?

Actually, I'm still really confused about this matter, but I think I just need some examples in the form of question-answer(s),

Thank you very much

Hi again,

Do you play / do any sports?  ( this is a general question)         do and play are interchangeable, play is more common I wouldn't say 'play' is more common. I'd say I hear 'do' more.

But some people say that "play sports" refers to activities that involve competition. True So:

Do you play any sports?

Yes, I play soccer/ rugby/ etc.(OK)  ---- Yes, I go jogging sometimes (NOT OK But you won't go to jail if you say this. Don't think that we always speak English in a precise way, please. ) ---- No, but I go jogging sometimes (OK)

So what about swimming, or cycling? ( NOT competing, for example twice a week? ) Should I answer NO? I'd probably just answer 'I swim twice a week, and I cycle'.

Actually, I'm still really confused about this matter, but I think I just need some examples in the form of question-answer(s), Usually, the questioner just wants to know if you do or don't sit on the couch all week. They usually don't much care how you answer such a question.

Best wishes, Clive

Thank you very much Clive,

Clive wrote:

But you won't go to jail if you say this. Don't think that we always speak English in a precise way, please. I'd probably just answer 'I swim twice a week, and I cycle'.  Usually, the questioner just wants to know if you do or don't sit on the couch all week. They usually don't much care how you answer such a question.

that's what I wanted you to say!   Especially "Don't think that we always speak English in a precise way", but unfortunely that's what confuses learners most.

GrammarGeek, I forgot to tell you I' learning American English! Anyway I knew you are American. So it's all right. And thanks a lot to you too.