Chapter 11 Writing Sports Stories

1. Reputation – sports writing is either the best or worst writing. ◦Bad writing: Overuse of slang language such as “knockout, bomb, split the uprights” --Fans think they know just as much as sports writers. ◦Best writing: Can use more colorful language, more subjective, always for the “home team” --Offer something else that the fans have not seen, many went to the game. Usually interviews, details.

2. Tips for starting your sports story - know all the rules -various strategies, reasons behind them -know coaches/players -watch sport on tv, attend games, participate in sport

3. Three types of sports stories Pre-game or pre-season ◦-student newspapers focus b/c timeliness ◦-contact opposing coach as well as own coach ◦-get returning letterwinners, starters, seniors ◦-last year’s record ◦-strengths/weaknesses ◦-cover spirit rallies ◦-all sports (girls and boys, JV & varsity, band)

3. Three types of sports stories Game ◦-”true test” of sport writers- must keep detailed accurate notes of event ◦-note-taking system, statistics, play-by-play ◦-watch for turning points in game (fumble sets up winning touchdown, top scorer) ◦-analyze the game (weather was a factor) ◦-SPORTS REPORTERS CANNOT BE CHEERLEADERS! –they’re busy during the game, look at spectators, officials, sidelines, ◦-Stray away from featurizing game stories

3. Three types of sports stories Post-game or post season ◦-includes interviews of players after the games, desc. of spectators, wrap ups, ◦-opportunity to untangle confusing events ◦-opportunity to use feature style lead

Style and Word Choice in Sportswriting ◦1. Shy away from the following leads:  -rivalry leads  -weather leads  -senior night leads  -homecoming leads  -holiday leads ** if you don’t follow this, every big crosstown rivalry game will have a rivalry lead, every football game on a rainy night will have a weather lead.**

Style and Word Choice in Sportswriting ◦2. Numbers:  - In general, 10 and higher are numerals; nine and below are spelled out. This applies even if someone averages 14 points and seven rebounds.  -Scores and records are always numbers! The highest number comes first (except in the case of tennis and volleyball scores) Examples – OSU won It has a 7-4 record in the Big 10.

Style and Word Choice in Sportswriting ◦3. Verb-usage  -No 1 RULE IN SPORTSWRITING: Team is an It.  RIGHT: Chicago won its fifth straight game. (Chicago is singular)  WRONG: Green Bay lost their first game.

Style and Word Choice in Sportswriting ◦4. One word:  -pregame  -postgame  -preseason  -postseason  -layup  -matchup  -lineup  -ballclub  -ballpark  -ballgame  -ballplayer

Style and Word Choice in Sportswriting ◦5. Redundancies:  -Game-winning (what else are you trying to win)  -Game-tying  -Quarterback sack  -Slam-dunk  -Grand slam home run  -New record

Style and Word Choice in Sportswriting ◦6. War references are a no-no:  -Avoid using war analogies like “weapons” and “bombs.”

Style and Word Choice in Sportswriting ◦7. Injuries:  -Find out WHAT is injured and find out WHICH ONE is injured.  -It is unacceptable to write: He injured an ankle. What’s the injury? Which ankle? What’s the prognosis?