Analysis | The art of sports commentary
Sports at their essence are a form of entertainment for the masses, and commentators have the ability to further the experience for viewers. Photo courtesy of Unsplash
The seventh and last game of the 2016 National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals was tied at 89-89 with two minutes remaining. It had been an intense series between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers, with neither team finding an edge in the game.
That was until the Warriors were heading down the court at lightning fast pace, with a two-on-one and a chance to take the lead. Stephen Curry passed the ball back to Andre Igoudala, who had a free layup, until LeBron James came out of nowhere to block him. Later that game, Kyrie Irving would hit a three pointer that gave the Cavaliers the lead, and they would end up winning 93-89.
James’s block has been cemented in basketball legacy as it helped give the Cavaliers their first championship. It is also largely remembered for the commentary from ESPN play-by-play announcer Mike Breen.
”Igoudala, to Curry, back to Igoudala,” Breen exclaimed. “Up for the layup… oh — blocked by James!”
The excitement in Breen’s voice defined a moment that was so important to fans of both teams and fans of all sports. The block and the call are usually mentioned in the same breath.
Sports commentary has an element of artistry, and moments such as Breen’s call show how a great announcer can elevate the performance of the athletes.
Justin Lee, a commentator for Chapman Sports Broadcast Network (CSBN), believes that commentary is an art that helps expand the viewer experience.
”A complex picture is painted when you commentate; every word, every sentence elicits emotions and allows the viewer to understand the moment through commentary,” said Lee, a senior applied human physiology major
English Premier League soccer pundit Peter Drury is known for his poetic style of commentary. In an interview with The Athletic in 2023, he discussed how having true enthusiasm for your work as a commentator is key.
“I really am engaged by the narrative. It’s a thrilling thing,” Drury said. “If you take a couple of steps back and look at it, you might think, ‘What is it you’re getting excited about?’ But when you’re in it, it’s a fabulous thing, and I don’t apologize for being really very, very excited about it.”
Drury also talked about allowing the fans to dictate the atmosphere, and that sometimes, silence can be an announcer’s best friend. At the professional level, the crowd noise should tell the story, and the commentator should be there to push that story forward.
One of Drury’s calls that best illustrates his poetic ability came at the 2022 World Cup. Lionel Messi had just won the competition for the first time. Argentina beat France on penalties in the final, and the superstar was able to win the one trophy that had eluded him his entire career. Drury added a backdrop of words to a historically significant sporting moment as Messi went to accept the trophy.
“Lionel Messi has conquered his final peak,” Drury exclaimed. “Lionel Messi has shaken hands with paradise. The little boy from Rosario, Santa Fe, has just pitched up in heaven. He climbs into a galaxy of his own.”
With his description of the scene, Drury was able to personify the emotions that Messi, his teammates and Argentinians across the world felt.
Drury allowed the champions to be the main focus, but he also added the extra panache needed to underscore proceedings. Freshman broadcast journalism and documentary major Nico Schwegler, another commentator for CSBN, stated that he strives to do the same thing.
“As a commentator, I always remind myself that I am not the reason why people tune into the game, but I do have due diligence to elevate the viewer experience as a result. Your ability to tell a story, play into the drama and allow the game to breathe as its own entity is what separates the average from the best.”
There is a conundrum that many announcers go through in terms of knowing when to hold themselves back and when to speak. Martin Tyler, who also commentates for the Premier League, has a memorable call from 2012 where he struck that balance.
It was the final day of the season. Manchester City and Manchester United both had a chance to win the title. City needed to win and they’d be champions, while United had to win and hope for a loss or tie from their rivals. It looked like United were going to get their wish when their match against Sunderland AFC ended 1-0 in their favor, and City were tied 2-2 with Queens Park Rangers. City had been down 2-1 until Edin Džeko scored with a few minutes remaining.
As United’s game ended, City had one last chance to win the league title. The ball fell to Argentinian Sergio Agüero just about 8 yards away from the goal. Cue the call from Tyler.
“Manchester City are still alive here… Balotelli… AGÜEROOOOO,” Tyler shouted.
The elongated scream from Tyler is an oft-quoted line from fans of the sport, but what really made the call shine was what he didn’t say. After screaming Agüero’s name, Tyler was silent for nine seconds and allowed the celebrations in Etihad Stadium to speak for themselves. And after he broke that silence, the commentator delivered another line to sum up what everyone had just witnessed.
“I swear, you’ll never see anything like this ever again,” Tyler exclaimed. “So watch it, drink it in!”
Tyler let the viewer focus on the goal, displayed pure excitement and explained to the viewers that the comeback from Manchester City to win the championship was a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
The spoken word is powerful and wielding it correctly is what great announcers strive for. Schwegler summarized how to do just that.
“Good commentary does well to tell a story,” Schwegler said. “Excellent commentary enhances the game to a new level. You must let the game tell the story, first and foremost.”
“Good commentary does well to tell a story. Excellent commentary enhances the game to a new level. You must let the game tell the story, first and foremost.”