How to Write Good Sports News

Slot is a genre of journalism that covers sports events, teams, and athletes. It can take many forms, from a simple game recap to an in-depth profile of a star player. Whatever the subject, good sports writing has a few key elements in common.

Keep it concise. Even if you’re not limited by the space needs of a newspaper, readers will quickly lose interest in an article that drags on and on with dull descriptions of games that they can already see on TV. Focus on the most important information first, and use quotes from players and coaches to enliven the text.

Transport the reader. Most people who read sports articles have dreamed of taking their turn at the plate in a World Series game, or serving up a U.S. Open match. Great sports writers are able to make the reader feel as though they are there, in the stadium or on the field.

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Be accurate. A falsehood in a sports article can cost you credibility with readers, so it is important to check facts and stats before publishing an article. Also, if you haven’t played the sport you are covering (for example golf), learn as much as you can before writing about it.

Avoid cliches. Nothing drives editors nuts faster than an article riddled with standard sports cliches like “taking it one game at a time” or “giving it 110 percent.” This is especially important when writing profiles of athletes. Good interview skills can help you steer clear of cliches, so listen carefully to the people you interview for your story and take detailed notes.