How to Write a Sports Story
WHAT IS A SPORTS STORY?
A sports story is a news or feature article that reports on athletic events, athletes, teams, or sports-related issues in a clear, engaging, and accurate way. Like all journalism, sports writing must be factual, concise, objective, and well-structured, but it also emphasizes action, storytelling, and human interest.
Sports stories inform readers about:
• What happened in a game or event
• Who played and how they performed
• Why the result matters
• Key moments and turning points
• Reactions from players and coaches
• The broader impact on a season, team, or community
The goal is to help readers understand the game and feel the excitement of the event while maintaining journalistic professionalism.
TYPES OF SPORTS STORIES
1. Game Story (Straight Sports Story)
This is the most common sports article.
It reports the results of a game or match using the inverted pyramid structure, focusing on the final score, key plays, and important performances.
Purpose
• Report what happened in the game
• Highlight key players and moments
• Explain why the game mattered
• Provide quotes and statistics
Common Topics
• High school football game
• College basketball game
• Baseball matchup
• Soccer match
• Volleyball tournament
2. Advance Story (Preview)
An advance story is written before a game and prepares readers for what to expect.
Focus
• Upcoming matchup
• Team records
• Key players
• Injuries
• Strategies
• Stakes of the game
Example:
A preview of a rivalry football game between two colleges or high schools.
3. Feature Sports Story
A feature sports story focuses on people, emotion, and storytelling rather than just scores.
Focus
• Athlete profiles
• Human-interest stories
• Team culture
• Comeback stories
• Behind-the-scenes coverage
Example Topics
• A walk-on athlete earning a scholarship
• A player returning after injury
• A coach’s final season
• A team overcoming adversity
Feature stories use narrative writing and descriptive detail.
THE STRUCTURE OF A GAME STORY
Lead (Lede)
The lead is the most important part of the story.
• It should include:
• Winning team
• Losing team
• Score
• Key highlight
• Importance of the game
Formula
Winner + defeated + loser + score + key moment
Example Lead:
Bryant High School defeated Benton 28–21 Friday night after a late fourth-quarter touchdown sealed the rivalry victory.
This lead tells readers:
• Who won
• Who lost
• The score
• When it happened
• What made it important
TYPES OF SPORTS LEADS
Straight Lead
Focuses on score and result.
Example:
The Tigers defeated Central Arkansas 3–1 Tuesday night behind a dominant pitching performance from sophomore Jake Miller.
Highlight Lead
Focuses on the key moment.
Example:
A last-second three-pointer by Marcus Hill lifted Bryant to a 62–60 victory over Conway Friday night.
Feature Lead
Used for feature stories.
Example:
Rain poured, fans screamed, and Bryant’s defense refused to break as the Hornets battled their way to a dramatic playoff victory.
THE NUT GRAPH
The nut graph explains:
• Why the game mattered
• What the result means
• The importance of the outcome
Example: The win keeps Bryant undefeated in conference play and moves the team one step closer to the state playoffs.
This provides context and significance.
THE BODY OF A SPORTS STORY
The body provides details in order of importance.
Key Elements
Scoring Summary
Describe how points were scored.
Example:
Bryant took an early lead with a touchdown in the first quarter and added another in the second.
Key Performances
Highlight standout players.
Example:
Quarterback Jason Reed threw for 240 yards and three touchdowns.
Turning Point
Explain the moment that decided the game.
Example: The turning point came in the fourth quarter when Bryant intercepted a pass at midfield.
Statistics
Include important numbers.
Examples:
• Total yards
• Rebounds
• Goals
• Strikeouts
• Assists
• Turnovers
Use only meaningful statistics.
USING QUOTES
Quotes add credibility and emotion.
Whom to Quote:
• Coaches
• Players
• Athletic directors
• Officials What Makes a Good Quote
Good quotes should:
• Add insight
• Show emotion
• Explain strategy
• Provide reaction
Example: “We never gave up,” Bryant coach Mike Davis said. “Our players fought until the final whistle.”
SPORTS WRITING STYLE
Use Active Voice
Weak: The ball was thrown by Smith.
Strong: Smith threw the ball.
Use Strong Verbs
Avoid: made a pass
Use: fired a pass
Avoid: ran quickly
Use: sprinted
Keep Sentences Short
Sports writing should be fast and clear.
Readers want quick information.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
1. Play-by-Play Writing
Bad: Bryant scored, then Benton scored, then Bryant scored again.
Good: Bryant controlled the second half and pulled away late.
Focus on important moments, not every play.
2. Cheering or Bias
Bad: Bryant crushed their weak opponent.
Good: Bryant defeated Benton 35–7.
Sports journalism must remain objective.
3. Too Many Statistics
Bad: Smith had 12 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal.
Good: Smith led Bryant with 12 points.
Only include key stats.
4. Clichés
Avoid:
• gave 110 percent
• left it all on the field
• battle to the end
• nail-biter
• heartbreaker
Use original and clear language.
AP STYLE IN SPORTS WRITING
Follow Associated Press style.
Numbers
Use numerals for scores.
Example: Bryant won 21–14.
Scores
Use figures.
Example: The Tigers defeated Central Arkansas 5–3.
Quarters and Periods
Use:
• first quarter
• second half
• third inning Records
Example: Bryant improves to 6-1.
WRITING A SPORTS STORY STEP-BY-STEP
Step 1: Watch the Game
Take notes on:
• Score
• Key plays
• Players
• Quotes
• Turning points
Step 2: Identify the Main Angle
Ask:
What was the biggest story of this game?
Examples:
• Comeback victory
• Star player performance
• Rivalry win
• Defensive battle
Step 3: Write the Lead
Include:
• Winner
• Loser
• Score
• Key highlight
Step 4: Write the Nut Graph
Explain why the game matters.
Step 5: Add Key Details
Include:
• Scoring summary
• Turning point
• Player performances
• Statistics
Step 6: Add Quotes
Include at least 2–3 quotes.
Step 7: Edit for Clarity
Check:
• AP style
• Grammar
• Accuracy
• Objectivity
• Flow
SAMPLE SPORTS GAME STORY
HEADLINE: BRYANT WINS RIVALRY GAME
28–21
Bryant defeated Benton 28–21 Friday night after scoring a late fourth-quarter touchdown to secure the rivalry victory.
The win keeps Bryant undefeated in conference play and strengthens its chances of reaching the playoffs.
Bryant took an early lead with a touchdown in the first quarter and extended the lead to 14–7 by halftime. Benton tied the game in the third quarter before Bryant regained control late in the fourth.
Quarterback Jason Reed threw for 240 yards and three touchdowns to lead Bryant’s offense.
The turning point came with two minutes remaining when Bryant intercepted a Benton pass at midfield and drove down the field for the game-winning score.
“We stayed focused and kept fighting,” Reed said. “This was a huge win for our team.”
Bryant improves to 6-1 and will face Conway next week.
SPORTS STORY CHECKLIST
Before submitting your story, make sure you have:
• Strong lead with score and winner
• Nut graph explaining importance
• Key moments and turning point
• Player performances
• Important statistics
• At least 2 quotes
• AP style
• Objective tone
• Clear structure
• No clichés
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Sports stories are news stories with action and emotion.
2. The lead should include winner, loser, score, and key moment.
3. Focus on turning points and key performances.
4. Use quotes and statistics carefully.
5. Stay objective and avoid clichés.
6. Write clearly and concisely.