The Sports Archives – 1992 U.S. Men’s Olympic Basketball Team: The Dream Team

Posted on February 11, 2017 by thesportsarchives

1992 U.S. Men’s Olympic Basketball Team

The “Dream Team” of 1992 brought gold medal glory to the United States in the men’s basketball competition, and showed the world what kind of basketball talent resided in America. While the United States has always presented very good basketball teams, and some of their teams following the 1992 Olympics have been just as impressive, the 1992 team is special for one significant reason: they were the first team to feature active players from the NBA. Featuring the likes of Larry Bird, Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and Magic Johnson, the Dream Team showcased the best American talent from the NBA for the world to see.

How it Began

It was the first time American fans had gotten a chance to see their favorite NBA heroes playing with each other at the Olympic Games. Coached by the great Chuck Daley, the Dream Team did a lot more than win the Olympic Gold – they absolutely demolished all their opponents during the Olympic run. They won their first game by 68 points, which set the tone for the rest of the tournament. They went undefeated, smashing teams by 33, 43, 44, 41, 38 and 51 points on their way to the gold medal game. They won the gold medal game by 32 points against Croatia, capping off one of the most dominant team performances in Olympics basketball history.

Dominance

No team came close to the Dream Team during those Olympic Games, and their dominant performances did not shock any basketball fans. Even if the team had contained one or two of those NBA stars, they would probably have gone on to win the tournament. However, when your team consists of a combination of some of the best NBA players of all time, and they are all at or close to the peak of their careers, you end up with something truly special. Seeing the likes of Jordan, Pippen, Johnson and Larry Bird playing with each other is something you do not forget any time soon.

Overcoming Doubt

One of the most incredible facts about the Dream Team is something many modern fans do not know: the Americans were initially very reluctant about the prospect of NBA players competing in the Olympics. Most of the NBA teams were not enthused about the idea of their players having to play in another high-profile tournament during the summer, given the grueling schedule they already had to handle for the NBA.

The Dream

It was only when the team got together and started to play in scrimmages and tournaments that the enthusiasm ratcheted up to an entirely new level. Suddenly, everyone was on board with the idea of NBA players competing in the Olympics. The team warmed up for those games by winning the Tournament of the Americas in resounding fashion, going undefeated and beating Venezuela by 47 points in the gold medal game. It set the scene for what was to follow, and the world will probably never forget the 1992 “Dream Team” put forward by the United States in men’s basketball.

 

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The Sports Archives – Gymnastics Icons: Kerri Strug

Posted on February 2, 2017 by thesportsarchives

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One of the most famous and popular gymnasts the world has ever seen, Kerri Strug faced adversity head on ever since she was a child, and she always came out on top. Competing in the Atlanta Olympics back in 1996 may have been Kerri Strug’s crowning achievement, given she won the team gold with the United States, but it is the hard work and dedication she gave to her sport that really sets her apart from the other prestigious champions of her generation. Strug began her road to the Olympics at the age of three, when she started training in gymnastics.

The First Competition

Strug’s first competition came at the age of eight, and her family eventually moved to Houston, Texas so she could train with the famous gymnastics coach, Bela Karolyi. It also marked the moment when she joined the United States’ national gymnastics team as its youngest member. When she took to the mats in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Strug was only 14 years old, but she helped the team win a bronze medal during those Olympic games. Unfortunately, she was edged out by her own teammates in the race to compete in the all-around finals, but her performance was still remarkable for a 14-year-old.

A defining Moment

When her coach and mentor, Bela Karolyi, decided to retire after the 1992 Olympic Games, Strug found herself at a bit of a crossroads. She was unsure about whether to continue with gymnastics, or pursue some other dream. Eventually, she decided to stick with gymnastics, as it was the sport she loved above anything else. She found a new coach in Steve Nunno, and she moved to Edmon, Oklahoma to train for the next major events and the 1996 Olympic Games. The time period between the two Olympic Games is probably what defined Strug’s entire career.

Sustaining Injuries

During an event in 1994, Strug had an issue with her uneven bars routine, which resulted in her releasing too early and losing control of her motion. The result was Struss landing in an awkward position in the middle of a routine and seriously injuring her back. Her teammates and coaches feared the worst at the time, but it turned out to be a badly pulled muscle in her back. She would be able to return to competition, but the rehabilitation was grueling, and most gymnasts struggle to recapture their old form following a serious injury.

The Atlanta Games showed the resilience and tenacity of Keri Strug, because she managed to help the United States win team gold despite injuring herself during her first vault attempt. Strug badly hurt her ankle during the first attempt, yet she managed to find the inner strength and tenacity to get up and complete another vault. Despite running and jumping on what was effectively one foot, Strug managed to get a respectable score on her vault, and her second attempt was enough to get the United States over the line for team gold. It is this type of sacrifice and team ethic that made Strug a gymnast we will never forget.

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The Sports Archives – Extreme Wingsuit Flying

Posted on January 26, 2017 by thesportsarchives

Dubai Wingsuit Flying Trip

Wingsuit flying is the one sport which can help humans fly in the air without the use of helicopters or jets. The experience is like a bird flying in the air which is so exhilarating for the human being that it becomes a wonderful invention to all the world. Everyone would like to fly in the air like a bird or butterfly and that passion definitely comes true by this neat invention. The Wingsuit is stretched cloth under the arm and between the human legs and enables humans to have lift while descending. People need to concentrate while flying because this is not natural to a human as it is to birds which have real wings! One gets to become a super hero in the way that they always dreamed of!

Safe Process To Wingsuit Flying

Wingsuit flying is one of the most dangerous sports in the world because if you suddenly fall in acceleration and the wings are not supporting you, it can lead to serious injury and even death. There are now newer safety measures and technology introduced  airbags and Aeronautics engineering which help to ensure a safer experience.

Quality Of The Wingsuits

In earlier times, Wingsuits were made of canvas, wood, silk, whale bone and steel, however, these materials did not prove reliable.  Today’s modern Wingsuit has evolved from many trials and the persistence of many people, some of whom died while flying and improving the cause. Two names that were instrumental in Wingsuit design are John Carta and Patrick de Gayardon.   Their improvements have led to better and safer experiences for all to enjoy today.

Tips For Wingsuit Flying

Wingsuit flying is a wonderful sport and one leaves with a feeling of great achievement and satisfaction.  However proper preparation is a must requirement and this is not a sport for the faint of heart.

A person should:

  • Practice a minimum 50 BASE jumps.
  • Work on being “cool under pressure” and very comfortable in the BASE environment.
  • Have good practice and jumping skills.
  • Should have extraordinary canopy flying skills before attempting the fly and should have good landing skills.

People should feel comfortable in a Wingsuit as if they were wearing pajamas.  Flying a Wingsuit while skydiving is different from just plain vanilla skydiving.  See the United States Parachute Association (USPA) for more information about the requirements and restrictions of Wingsuit flying.  Other nations impose similar constraints.   Some manufacturing companies of Wingsuits offer instruction courses and will certify trainers to assist would-be jumpers and help them prepare for this adventure sport.

All extreme sports have a dangerous aspect which is why they are called ‘extreme’.  People need to adhere to the safety measures and precautions provided, participate and pay attention to instruction and be ‘extremely’ knowledgeable in preparation and execution of any extreme sport.

Gaetano Esposito is co-author of this article, he is a famous blogger, he also writes for Eleventy Traveller blog.

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The Sports Archives – How I Signed my Kids up for Rock Climbing

Posted on January 21, 2017 by thesportsarchives

climb-kids-climb

As a sports family we’ve tried it all. My oldest went through the gauntlet of backyard baseball, intramural soccer, and finally tennis in middle school. He doesn’t do anymore sports, but he does play with a golf simulator on his computer, so I know that the lessons have stuck with him.

In spite of past experience, however, we were lost when it came to finding a sport that our two youngest, 9 and 11, could do together. These two are attached at the hip, but they can’t play on the same team in a lot of sports because of the age difference and gender separation in sports.

I was about to throw in the towel when I was hit by inspiration. I was at the farmer’s market a few months ago and I saw an unfamiliar booth. For some context, it’s not uncommon for local businesses to come down to the market just to hand out their cards, whether or not they’ve got much of anything to do with farming or homemade crafts.

This week it was a group from the local climbing gym who had come out. They were handing out flyers and had some of the tools they use for demonstration. One thing in particular that caught my eye was their kid’s program. I asked the woman behind the table about it. She was very friendly and told me about how they offer after school kid’s programs. They break up the age groups into 6-8 and 9-12, so I knew that I’d hit the jackpot. There’s also no gender separation in rock climbing, so my two youngest could do it together with no trouble.

After doing some research to make sure that it was totally safe (I’m a mom, it’s what I do), I quickly signed my kids up. Here’s a report on how things have been going so far.

The kids were super excited when I first brought up the idea. My husband also pointed out that climbing had just been accepted into the 2020 Olympics, so it was definitely as real a sport as anything else we’ve done in the family. The first few weeks I stayed close just to see how they were going to treat the kids, how much fun everyone was having, and just generally to make sure I’d made a good decision. For those of your wondering where my husband is in this, he usually sticks to his own dad adventures and leaves the day-to-day with the kids to me.

The first session filled me with glee and worried me a little at the same time. They spent a lot of time talking about safety, how to use the ropes, what to do when you fall, how to stretch properly, and all this stuff that sports moms geek out about. The kids, though, looked a little bored as time went on. Every child got a chance to go up and have the instructors show them one-on-one how to clip the rope into their harnesses with their carabiner. I thought this was super important since the ropes catches you if you fall, but it took so long for each kid to go up, have the instructor show them what to do, then do it the right way on their own. I was worried my kids were going to nod off before it was their turn.

Fortunately, however, things picked up pretty quickly after that. As soon as they started climbing on the huge wooden walls with plastic holds the kids were unstoppable. I’m not ashamed to say that my girl and boy were a little scared of going too high at first, but once they got the hang of it they were practically flying up the wall. The instructors were very good with kids, too, and clearly had some training about how to be patient with kids who are doing something new in an unfamiliar environment.

All in all I have to say that signing my kids up for rock climbing was a resounding success. I’d recommend it to any other moms out there who are looking for some unconventional sports to get their kids into. It’s great for staying healthy and my kids tell me that it’s a ton of fun. I might even try it myself soon.

Brooke Faulkner

 

 

 

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The Sports Archives – How To Improve Your Golf Game

Posted on January 18, 2017 by thesportsarchives

Improve Your Drive – the Most Basic Basics

Many golfers will tell you the drive is the most difficult part of the game to master. There are several reasons for this, and they land in both mental and physical aspects of the game. On the physical side, the main reason is that the driver is the least forgiving of the clubs. Because of the greater distance that the ball will (hopefully) travel, small mistakes are amplified. From a mental standpoint, the driver is the most intimidating and most frustrating of the clubs, and the drive is the most public of swings. For the golfer who wants to focus on his or her drive, it appears to be a tough, uphill battle. However, if you take everything one step at a time, resist frustration, and stay calm, it’s a challenge that can be overcome.

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The Mental Game

Golf is supposed to be fun, remember? Then again, isn’t it the challenge that makes it fun? Golf is an extremely mental sport. It’s important to get your head in the right place so that you don’t allow small mistakes to ruin your game or push your frustration into the red zone. Your mind will play tricks, so here are a few tricks that you can play in return.

  1. Be Patient – If you know that you can hit the ball 200 yards right down the middle of the fairway, that may be the better option than trying to belt it 300 yards every time. The long ball is going to end up in the woods much more often, and is likely to cost you strokes in the end.
  1. Play Here, Now – It’s easy to dwell on the bad shot you made on the last hole, or to think about the dreaded par 5 ahead. You’re much better off focusing on the present and concentrating on the fundamentals of this drive, right now.
  1. Control Your Emotions – Rather than dwelling on a bad drive and carrying that frustration to the fairway (or into the woods), try to let go of that frustration. A simple distraction is often effective — try talking with one of your playing partners about a non-golf topic, for example.

 

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The Physical Game

As important as the mental aspect of the game is (some say golf is 90% mental), the physical aspect is critical, as well. Of course, you’ll want to try to stay as fit as possible. Also, you’ll need to teach your body what your brain may already know — how to play golf.

  1. Stretch – As with any sport, stretching is important to prepare your muscles for the workout ahead. Stretching before each drive, or at least before your first drive, will limber up your muscles and add flexibility. It will also help you relax, which is key to a good drive.
  1. Practice, Practice, Practice – The more time you spend teaching your muscles what they’re supposed to be doing on the golf course, the better you’ll be. Get one of those putting greens for your office. Head to the driving range as much as possible. If the weather keeps you from the links, find a golf simulator nearby where you can practice your swing and even tap into the software’s analytics.
  1. Focus on the fundamentals of your swing – You’ve heard this a thousand times, and it was sound advice every time you heard it. As you step up to the tee, take a deep breath and slow down. Forget about the last hole. Forget about the dreaded par 5. Now go over the fundamentals as you set up your drive. Alignment. Grip. Posture. Stance. Ball Position. Take your time. Take your swing. THWACK!

 

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Bio

Matt is an avid golf enthusiast and part of the TruGolf.com team. When he’s not working on his fairway shot, you will find Matt writing about his passion for the process of the game.

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The Sports Archives – The Story of Arthur Ashe

Posted on January 14, 2017 by thesportsarchives

tennisstadium

Tennis Greats: The Story of Arthur Ashe

On the 6th of February 1993, the only African-American man to ever win the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open died of complications as a result of AIDS. He was only 49 at the time. Some knew him for his wonderful tennis game, while others were ardent supports because of all his social activism. In either case, Arthur Ashe was a revered man who gained the respect of everyone who came across him. Even his closest rivals knew what a great athlete and man he was. And one way the tennis community paid tribute to the great man is by naming a tennis court after him. The Arthur Ashe Stadium at Flushing Meadows, New York, is the largest tennis arena in the world, holding over 23,000 people.

Trial and Adversity

Even though Ashe went on to become one of the best tennis players in the world, his life was not easy. He grew up in a segregated neighborhood in Richmond, with only his father to take care of him, as his mother had passed away due to complications from a toxemic pregnancy. Ashe was pushed hard by his father, who wanted his son to excel at both his studies and sports. However, Ashe Sr. never let his son play football, due to his thin build.

Luckily for Ashe, he found his entry into sports through tennis, as he began playing at public playgrounds from the age of seven. He was quickly spotted as a brilliant natural talent by Ron Charity, a student at the Virginia Union University. Ashe took lessons with Charity for several years, and he continued playing the game throughout his school years. Charity also connected Ashe with Robert Johnson and Althea Gibson, who had founded a tennis camp at his home in Lynchburg, Virginia. He invited Ashe there at the age of ten, and taught the young boy everything he could about tennis, sportsmanship and the mental composure he needed to make it as a black athlete during those times.

A First for Everything

Every step in his career was a first for Arthur Ashe, as he broke boundaries, proved people wrong and showcased his talent and temperament at every opportunity. After graduating high school, he went to UCLA on a full tennis scholarship and became the first African-American man to take part in the Davis Cup for the United States. He served in the Army for two years after graduating from UCLA, and then he went on to win the U.S. Open in 1968. Two years later, he was the Australian Open champion, and in 1975 he became Wimbledon champion after defeating Jimmy Connors in the final.

Graceful Giving

Off the court, Ashe dedicated his life to charity and humanitarian work, and his tennis programs were incredibly popular with inner city children in various parts of the United States. He was also outspoken about the cruelties of the apartheid government in South Africa, and he was never afraid of giving his opinion on social issues.

All Good Things Must Come to an End…

Ashe passed away in 1993 from AIDS, a disease he had contracted nearly a decade earlier due to a bad blood transfusion during a heart procedure. For many years, he had not told anyone about his condition, but he eventually made his AIDS diagnosis public after a newspaper discovered details about his health.

… But His Memory Endures

Four years after his death in 1997, the United States Tennis Association announced their decision to name their new center court at Flushing Meadows the Arthur Ashe Stadium, ensuring the man would be remembered and cherished in the sports world forever.

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The Sports Archives – What Winter Sports Will Fit Students Life?

Posted on December 26, 2016 by thesportsarchives

liberty mountain resort skiing

All work and no play indeed makes jack a dull boy. What better way for a student to unwind than to engage in safe sports? With the winter season already at our doors, staying indoors is not the best way to curb the winter fever. A number of sports have been devised to help stay in shape and also to get rid of the monster called boredom. In the modern age we are, gone are the days when we used to sit by the fireplace all day to keep warm and to pass the time.

This article will come in handy especially for you who has no definite plan on how to spend your winter.

Winter sports for students.

1. Mountaineering.

This is especially suitable for the adventurous students who love the thrilling feeling of adrenaline rushing through their veins. A special form of dress code is required for this kind of sport because ‘the higher you go the cooler it becomes’ is a true phrase. If it is your first time to take part in this sport, you are much safer with an instructor standing close by. Mountaineering is a very healthy sport that helps get your mind off things or too stressed out to even think clearly.

2. Paragliding.

Is a sport that involves being suspended in the air using rigid structures known as paragliders. A pilot has to be on board to ensure a smooth sailing flight in the sky. Calmness of the mind is totally guaranteed as you soar higher to the altitude of your choice. Though it is classified as a winter sport, your skin comes to contact with the harmless rays of the sun. The reason why it is highly recommended for students especially those in campus, is that it is an appropriate way to utilize leisure time and to stay away from trouble.

3. Snow boarding.

This is an all time favorite of almost every student. Feeling the wind hitting against your face as you glide through the snow is an unbeatable combination of thrill and adventure. This too requires special kind of footwear that are streamlined to make you move smoothly across the snow filled region and avoid tripping and falling on the snow. For those trying it out for the first time, all you have to do is watch and learn, it’s no rocket science.

4. Snow skiing.

Is almost close to snowboarding only that you don’t need to hold on to any apparatus for support. Ensure that you are warmly dressed as the cold wind is bound to hit against your face. This is a sport that does not require any special kind of training or courses either. The more times you take part in it is the more skilled you will be in it.

Sports are a very vital part of a student’s academic life and should be taken very seriously. Also it is important to make your homework in time, so if you need help in your studying, read tips to write an informative essay. They help in all aspects of growth in a student’s body, especially physically and mentally. This winter, join your family for that vacation that took the whole year to organize and it will surprise you what wonder it will do for you when you go back to school.

This article was written by StudyFaq professional writers.

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The Sports Archives – What To Do If You Suspect A Child On Your Team Is A Victim Of Abuse

Posted on December 16, 2016 by thesportsarchives

gymnastics-clipart-tumbling-clipart-gymnastics_480-280

What to do if you suspect a child on your team is a victim of abuse

As a coach, you will be spending a lot of time with the kids on your team. Your team members look up to you and will listen to you in important matters even outside of sports. When spending this much time with your team members, you may discover some things that you wish you never happened. Child abuse is one of the scariest and hardest things to deal with. If you suspect one of your players is a victim of abuse, it can be very hard to know what to do. It is important to intervene and take action.

Confront the child in a loving and gentle way

For an abused child, it can be very scary to talk about the abuse they are going through. They may feel like it is impossible to get out of the situation they are in. Talk to them calmly and quietly about the suspicions you are feeling. They may not talk about it the first time you ask them, so be patient and follow-up with them about the concerns you have. Never pressure the child to tell you anything as this can make them close off even more.

Look for the signs

When you suspect that a child is being abused, there are certain signs that you must look for. Physical signs are the first that you should keep an eye out for. If you see repeated bruising that doesn’t make any sense, this is a big indicator of a troubling situation. Any burns or broken bones that make no sense can also be very scary signs of abuse. Unkempt hair, poor hygiene, and malnutrition can also be signs of neglectful behavior. The behavioral signs of abuse are very important to look out for as well. Extreme behaviors can be a sign of abuse. If a child is overly withdrawn, angry, sad, or shy, this could be the sign of repeated abuse. Problems with grades and truancy can also be a sign of abuse. If a young child is already experimenting with substances, this could be a warning sign.

The quicker you act, the better

While you may be afraid and not know what do, it is important to act quickly and seek help as soon as you can. The first 96 hours after an abusive incident are very important. Medical assessments that can be made quickly after an incident that can be very crucial in any criminal investigation. The longer you wait, the harder it will be for social workers to help remove this child out of a dangerous situation.

Make sure to reassure the child it is not their fault

Children who are enduring abusive situations constantly need reminders that this is not their fault. You must let them know that they did the right thing by telling you what is happening. Let them know that this has happened to other kids and it is not just something bad that only happened to them. This will help further their belief that it really is not their fault.

Jessica Kane is a writer for SteelLocker Sports. A leading provider of sporting goods and training programs for coaches, players, parents and institutions with a primary focus on youth sports.

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The Sports Archives – Incredible Feats: Athletes Competing in the Summer and Winter Olympic Games

Posted on November 28, 2016 by thesportsarchives

With the weather changing, and the first snows falling in many parts of the country, our attentions begin to turn to winter sports, particularly with the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang just two ski seasons away. Ski jackets are being dragged out of storage, ice skates are being dusted off, and Americans all over the country are preparing for a wonderful winter of sport. Whilst many of our Summer games champions will be enjoying a well-earned rest before they resume training for the 2020 games, a very few will begin training for their alternative chance at Olympic glory. According to renowned Olympic historian, Bill Mallon, throughout the modern history of the games a total of 128 athletes have competed in both Winter and Summer sports.

The Yongpyong Dragon Valley ski resort will be at the center of 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games.

The Yongpyong Dragon Valley ski resort will be at the center of 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games.

American Sporting Icons

This year two of those who are serving double duty in both games are American track and field athletes Lolo Jones and Lauryn Williams. Lolo Jones began her Olympic career as a 100 meter hurdler, finishing seventh in the hurdles during the Beijing 2008 games, and fourth during the London 2012 games. It was after London that Lolo made the decision to switch her sporting attention to bobsledding: we can expect to see her first Olympic race in the sport in PyeongChang during the 2018 games. Inspired by her former teammate Lolo Jones, Lauryn Williams has also joined the American Olympic bobsled team. Williams began her career as a sprinter, winning a silver medal for the women’s 100 meter sprint during the Athens 2004 games. She then took home a gold medal during the London 2012 games as part of the 4 x 100 meter relay team. Williams’ transition to the winter Olympics has happened incredibly quickly, and just six months after switching to the sport she was announced as a push athlete for the team. In 2014 Williams won a silver medal during the Socchi winter Olympics, as part of the two woman bobsleigh team, meaning that she has achieved the incredible feat of winning a silver Olympic medal in both the summer and winter games: She will be going for gold in 2018.

The Legend of Eddie Egan

Eddie Egan 1920 AntwerpThere is a precedent of American athletes who serve double duty by competing in both the summer and winter Olympic Games, and it would be impossible to talk about the phenomenon without mentioning Eddie Egan, who holds the record for being the only person to have ever won gold medals at both the Summer and Winter Olympic games. Eddie won a gold medal for light heavyweight boxing during the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp. He then went on to win a second gold medal during the 1932 Winter Olympic games in Lake Placid as part of the four man bobsled team, despite the fact that until he arrived in Lake Placid that year, he had never actually been inside a bobsled before. Eddie Egan is often referred to as the greatest Olympian you have never heard of. There are huge similarities between the careers of Egan and Lauryn Williams, which many commentators are hoping could inspire the talented athlete to more double Olympic success.

Our diverse natural climate lends itself perfectly to athletes attempting to compete in both games: we have regions of the country where the winters are incredibly cold with plenty of powder, and warm dry summers that are ideal for track and field training. Athletes competing for America in both the summer and the winter games are well equipped and well-trained: the American Olympic Committee employs over 350 people across the country to ensure that our nation’s athletes have everything they need to go for goal. Financial support, in conjunction with great talent, is an incredibly important aspect of Olympic success and it is no coincidence that the countries who invest the most in nurturing their teams have the most success on the medal tables. Here’s hoping we are nurturing the talent that will challenge  Edie Egan’s incredible record in the country right now.

This is an article by Helen Cairns.

Photo Credits: Wikipedia Commons

 

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The Sports Archives – How To Become A Writer Of A Sports Column

Posted on November 21, 2016 by thesportsarchives
Press Room at the Philips Stadion

Press Room at the Philips Stadion

Sports writers play a crucial role when it comes to connecting fans with their favorite teams. Sports writers are expected to write an in-depth coverage on about teams and their performances. Besides journalistic writing about the game, reporters cover other aspects such as team transactions, coaching techniques and other news about the team. Sports writers have numerous opportunities including sports news websites, sports team websites, and starting their sports blog. However, to be a great writer of a sports column, one needs to have certain core competencies. The following are some ways to become an outstanding writer of a sports column.

I. Broaden your understanding of sports in general

Sports is like any other business. Sports writers need to have an in-depth understanding of sports as a business to be able to write about it thoroughly. Sports does not involve tournaments alone, there other several activities including public relations, transactions, sponsorship, and marketing among others. A great sports writer should be able to write about any given field.   But it helps to start with something you understand well. For example, if you love horse sports, you can start by writing Freddie Vasquez Equestrian reviews or reviews and bios for other riders.

II. Consider taking sports journalism as your major

Specializing in sports journalism will help you to acquire a broad knowledge base in sports. Sports journalism will allow you to watch and attend various sports activities. You can also associate yourself with a particular team and cover their events. Becoming part of the team will enable you to familiarize yourself with sports mechanics such as sports rules, strategies used to winning games, and player’s positions in the field.

III. Get a good editor of your work

You need to have an editor who will go through your story and point out some of the mistakes. Editors will improve your job, and they help in improving your writing skills as time goes. Good editors can also become your mentors.

IV. Read columns written by other writers

Read other author’s work to improve your writing. Consider reading columns written by good writers. Find jobs belonging to award-winning sports journalists and read them repetitively to be able to improve your writing skills. Reading great sports stories will encourage you to improve your writing. Besides reading columns written by other writers, you can also read sports articles, books, and opinion pieces. Extensive reading will expose you to writing skills and ingenuity that is required to succeed in this field.

V. Improve your research skills

A good sports column writer should be in a position to research well and write stories based on facts rather than gossips. Research properly on a given topic and write an authentic story. Remember to use relevant sources and official documents to support your story.

VI. Connect with your target audience

A good sports writer needs to write to a particular audience. The audience can be sports fans in general or fans of a particular sport. You need to convey a story that suits your target audience. The fans can consist of sports professionals, fans of a particular sport, or fans of general sports. The story should give readers the urge to read more of the writer’s stories. You ought to strive to develop a loyal following of readers.

VII. Consider obtaining a journalism

A journalism degree will give you a basic training needed to succeed in this field. Take journalism and communication programs that fit your field of interest. The program should provide you with courses that will earn you professional qualifications such as media law. You can also undertake a degree in other fields such as history, sociology, and psychology among others to give yourself an edge in the area of journalism.

Sports writing involves accelerated growth and development as time passes. Writers will be able to gain new skills and techniques as they keep writing. However, successful sports journalists possess core competencies that have been described above. Utilize those skills and make your writing better.

This article was prepared by Edusson writers.

Photo Credit – Wikipedia Commons

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