What is sports writing?

They said it!

 “The business of sports writing is letting
people know through work, that there are
many inspiring and heart-touching stories
about athletes and other sporting icons that
may, move these people and make them
appreciate sports” – Levi Verora, Sports
Writer, Solar Sports Desk

 “Sports Writing is having the luxury and

power to either make someone’s day or
break someone’s heart”- Christian Angelo
Jacinto, Sports Writer, The Manila Bulletin
They said it!
 “Sports Writing is a privilege. If you’re
passionate about sports, it could be the
most fulfilling job you can have in your
life”- Aldo Miguel Avinante, content
editor, NBA Philippines/Sports Writer,
Philstar.com
“Sports Writing can also be used as a tool
to make everyone aware of how diverse
the world of sports is” – Pio Garcia,
Sports Writer, The Manila Bulletin
They said it!
 "Sports writing is the only facet of
journalism which brings you good news
365 days a year, sharing the athlete's
triumphs, heartbreaks, and everything in
between, and inspiring the fans to strive
for greatness, not just by sheer talent,
but more importantly, through hard
work"- Randolph Leongson, Sports
Writer, Inquirer Libre/PBA online/Manila
Bulletin Sports Digest
Sports + News= Sports News

Photo from Josh Albelda/Rappler.com

What is your job as a sports
writer?
 Make your readers feel like they
were right there in the thick of the
fight, cheering on their favorite
team from the bleachers. You are a
journalist. You have to inform.
How to win in sports writing?
A Strong Lead is essential
How to win in sports writing?
 Write clearly and concisely

Photo from Josh Albelda/Rappler.com

How to win in sports writing?
 The major play-by-play is vital
How to win in sports writing?
 Interview! (Talk to athletes, coaches)
How to win in sports writing?
 sports writers are researchers too
What do you need as a sports
writer?
 Be observant

Photo from Josh Albelda/Rappler.com

What do you need as a sports
writer?
 Knowledge of the rules
What do you need as a sports
writer?
 Knowledge of the terms/lingos
What do you need as a sports
writer?
 Knowledge of adjectives
The Basic Sports Story Format
 1st
– Answer questions “who,”
“what,” “why” and “how.”

 2nd– Explain just “why” and “how,”

then answer the questions “where”
and “when.”

 3rd– Explain the significance of the

game
 4th – Get a meaningful quote from the
winning player/coach/team

 5th – Describe the highlight of the game – the

game-winning play, the turning point, the
crucial error

 6th – Insert a good quote from the losing

player/coach/team

 7th – Describe the losing side’s best moment

during the game.
 8th– Highlight the winning team’s best
player – his stats, plays.

 9th– Highlight the stats of the losing

team’s top player or players

 10th – Insert your play-by-play descriptions

in reverse chronology (from the finish to
the start)
 But wait... There’s more!
“Interesting Treatment”

Photo from Sace Natividad/Rivals.ph