Writing about Sports & Other Performance Events

Writing about Sports & Other Performance Events

adapted from a prompt by Steve Kinney

Reflecting on sports and other performance events is a specialized art. There is no one

formula for composing an effective story or reflection about an event. Choose an event

that you're passionate about, or one that you’re curious about, for this assignment. That’s

the best way to ensure that the reader feels the same drama and excitement you do.

Obtain a program before the event begins, and if it seems appropriate for the situation,

take notes during the event. In general, if the lights are on it’s probably OK to take notes.

If you need a flashlight to take notes, it’s probably not appropriate to do so… in that case,

take your notes immediately after the event or during intermission. In your notes,

describe the actions of individual players or performers. Keep track of scores and other

data that might be pertinent. If possible, conduct a brief interview with at least one player,

performer, coach or director after the event to get their perspective and see how it

compares or contrasts with yours.

Begin your reflection with your most important point: for example, the outstanding

performance of an individual athlete or performer, or the vital importance of this

particular performance. Then move on to a summary of the game or performance,

focusing only on the highlights, mentioning key moments for individual athletes or

performers and creating a sense of drama. End your reflection by placing the performance

in context: how has the team, cast, group or individual performed throughout the season?

What is the significance of this one performance? If this was an athletic event, were

civility and sportsmanship well practiced by the players, coaches, referees, and fans?

Integrate a couple of quotes into this reflection, if you are able to get them, to emphasize

your points or observations.