How to Write Sports News

Sports news is the coverage of sporting events, news and stories. While it may seem that this field is more about entertainment than journalism, it is important to keep in mind that the Indianapolis-based National Sports Journalism Center monitors trends and strategy within the industry. Go here: weedales.com

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Like any article, a sports story needs a good hook. Known in journalistic circles as the lead, this first line should be short and direct, provide the most essential information and compel readers to continue reading. A great way to capture reader attention is by providing interesting statistics. Did the team’s star player break a personal best? Was a losing streak finally broken?

In addition to the standard sports cliches (take it one game at a time, give 110 percent), there are also many other types of words and phrases that should be avoided. This is important, especially if you are writing for a newspaper, which often has a tight word count. Listen carefully during interviews and jot down the things that catch your eye and ear, then avoid repeating those phrases in your article.

When possible, transport your readers into the action of the event. Most readers of sports articles have at some point dreamed of taking their turn at bat or toeing the service line for a match. Whether they ever actually achieved those goals, they will remember the feeling of what it is like to be there in person. Using descriptive language and making your article as exciting as the events you’re reporting on will help to achieve this.