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Guide to Effective Sports Writing

Sep 25, 2024,

Sports Writing Lecture Notes

Speaker: Sir Nan
Date: [Insert Date Here]

Introduction

  • Importance of love for sports in writing.
  • No need to be an athlete, just have passion for sports.

Structure of Sports Writing

  1. Headline

    • Follow SVO format (Subject-Verb-Object).
    • Verb should be placed after the subject.
    • Examples:
      • Filipino: "Hinebra, pinataob ang TNT sa PBA Finals"
      • English: "Serbia upsets Brazil in FIVB finals"

  2. Lead

    • Most crucial part of the story.
    • One sentence, one paragraph rule.

Components of the Lead:

  • Winning team/player.
  • Reason for their win.
  • Losing team/player.
  • Score (present it simply).
  • Tournament/event name.
  • Venue/location.
  • Date of the game.
  1. Details
    • Order is important, follow the suggested format.
    • Write in active voice/present tense for English, past tense for Filipino.

Example of a Lead:

  • English: "Imus Bombers came away victorious after taking down the host Das Marinas Spikers in Game 1 of the Best of 3 Series 25-22, 21-25, 25-19, 25-20 during the Intertown Volleyball Tournament held at Ugnayang Lasal Gym yesterday."
  • Filipino: "Ginulantang ng Thailand Regu ang second-seeded na South Korea upang mapasakamay ang unang tagumpay 2-0 sa 29th Kings Cup Sepak Takraw World Eliminations na ginanap sa Seoul Arena kahapon."

Second Paragraph (Supporting Lead)

  • Describe the best player and their contributions (statistics).
  • Include other players' contributions.
    • Example (English): "Rochelle Sumilang top scored with 18 points coming from 15 attacks, 2 blocks, and an ace."
    • Example (Filipino): "Gray Pacifico beat Cai Rhegu after losing 15 points where Pitorito was listed as the crucial player."

Third Paragraph

  • Include quotes from players or coaches.
  • Example format:
    • "..." - [Name/Title]

Paragraphs 4 to 10

  • Write highlights of each set or quarter.
  • Suggestion:
    • 4th to 5th paragraphs: Highlights of the first sets.
    • 6th to 7th paragraphs: Highlights of the next rounds.
    • 8th to 10th paragraphs: Highlights of the last set/quarter.

Eleventh Paragraph

  • Discuss the best player of the losing team and their contributions (statistics).
    • Example: "Dasma Ace Spiker Pascual scored 20 points from 15 attacks, 3 denials, and 2 service aces."

Twelfth Paragraph

  • Include quotes from the losing team if available.

Last Paragraph

  • Mention upcoming matches, standings, and brief background information.

Conclusion

  • Thank you for attending the lecture.
  • Encourage practice in sports writing.

Full transcript