SPORTS WRITING

Lecture on Campus Journalism

Among the different sections of a newspaper, the sports page perhaps has the widest range of readership. Survey shows that 95% of male readers read the sports page. This is because sports stories are more interesting to read due to the action and rivalries of opposing teams which are vividly and colorfully written. The rivalry between schools and intramurals teams brings thrill and excitement to the student readers. Sports writing is livelier because the writer deals with physical motion and action. The use of strong words/ action words and the vivid description of the skirmishes between opponents that carries the readers to the exact place and time where the action took place and how it was played right before their very own eyes will surely make them

REQUIREMENT FOR SPORTS WRITING

Know the rules of the game Develop the ability to detect the strength and weaknesses of the team Know coaches and players Be an accurate observer Take notes quickly without losing the sequence of the play Be fair and unbiased Use the specialized language of the game (sports lingo) Be original as possible

TYPES OF SPORTS STORIES

1. Coverage Story this is a report on the outcome of the game, how it was played including the highlight/s.

2. Advance Story
Straight

News presents the facts of the coming event, the line-ups and list of competing teams.

TYPES OF SPORTS STORIES

Background Story a sports feature informing the readers what lies behind the coming event, its significance, teams previous records, strategies and personalities.

Titleholder La Salle (4-1) collides today with title-hungry Ateneo (3-2) in a game predicted to be a cliffhanger and bursting with emotions.

Prediction Story makes a fearless forecast based on logical analysis of information. The story is based on research, observation of practices and interviews with players and coachers.

If last years performance and this years workouts translate into action, TSHS Dribblers are on their way to their fourth consecutive congressional championship title, according to Peter Carreon, coach.

STRUCTURE OF SPORTS STORIES

Sports stories follow the structure of straight news, that is, the inverted pyramid structure this means that the facts are presented from the most important to the least important. However, sports news is different in the sense that if uses a special vocabulary which throbs with action. Creating and imagination are employed in describing action. At present, featurized treatment of sports news is becoming (increasingly) popular. Unconventional or novelty leads such as staccato, quotation, question, and other imaginative devices are used, all the more giving the story a touch of feature.

WRITING THE SPORTS LEAD

The traditional sports lead consists of the 5Ws and 1H. it may play up any of the following:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Significance of the game Spectacular play Hero of the game Unusual circumstances Human interest