Sports are physical activities, usually competitive, organized, and designed to enhance physical fitness, as well as enjoyment. They may be played alone or in groups, and can include athletics, swimming, cycling, soccer, ice hockey, polo, tennis, wrestling, and many more.
Definitions vary widely, but the most common are based on play and competition for goals and challenges. The German philosopher Carl Diem defined “play” as voluntary, uncoerced activity pursued for its own sake.
Sporting events, however, are sometimes governed by rules and customs. This helps ensure fair competition and consistent adjudication of the winner.
A variety of sports are now televised and millions watch them, especially when they involve national teams or partisan views. Occasionally, national tensions in sport or in its reporting can lead to violence within or beyond the sporting venue.
The Sport Psychology of Performance and Performance Enhancement
The mental aspect of sport is a critical factor in athletic performance. In fact, Elka Graham, an Australian swimming legend, once said that 90 percent of an athlete’s success is a result of the right mental approach.
Context and History
When writing a sports article, it’s important to have a good grasp of the subject matter. This means knowing the rules, standings, and current controversies of the sport in which you’re covering.
You also need to know how the sport is performed, whether it’s a team or individual event, and how to explain the action in a way that will interest your readers. You can also use interviews with players and coaches to learn more about the personalities behind the game.