How Can Sports Journalists Use Longform Storytelling Techniques?

As an experienced journalist, I am here to share my expertise and wisdom with aspiring journalists on how to use longform storytelling techniques in sports journalism.

Longform storytelling, also called narrative journalism, is an in-depth form of reporting that allows journalists to go further in exploring and analyzing the facts of a story.

It can be used to add texture and depth to the narrative, and it can help to create powerful and meaningful stories that resonate with readers. In this article, I will share with you some tips and techniques on how to effectively use longform storytelling in sports journalism.

A. Definition Of Longform Storytelling

Longform storytelling is a type of journalism and writing that focuses on a single topic in great detail. It is also known as narrative journalism, in-depth reporting, or investigative journalism.

Longform stories typically range from 8,000 to 40,000 words, and can last from a few hours to several days. They usually involve multiple interviews and in-depth research, and often require months of work to complete.

Longform stories are typically more complex than traditional news stories, as they involve more research, analysis, and storytelling. They often include multiple sources, multiple perspectives, and multiple points of view.

As such, longform stories are often more compelling than short news stories, as they provide a more comprehensive look at a single topic.

At their best, longform stories are engaging, enlightening, and entertaining. They can be used to educate and inform, as well as to inspire and motivate. They can also be used to explore complex topics, such as politics, economics, culture, and social issues.

Ultimately, longform stories are an invaluable tool for sports journalists, as they can be used to produce compelling and thought-provoking stories.

B. Benefits of Longform Storytelling for Sports Journalists

1. Rich Context: One of the key benefits of longform storytelling for sports journalists is that it allows them to provide their readers with a rich context for their stories.

By delving deeper into the background of a story, journalists can paint a more vivid picture for their readers and help them understand the nuances of a particular situation.

2. Increased Engagement: By taking the time to craft an engaging and detailed longform story, sports journalists can boost the level of engagement among their readers.

Longform stories tend to be more immersive, and readers are much more likely to stay engaged with a story if it has been crafted thoughtfully.

3. Improved Writing: Crafting a longform story can also help sports journalists improve their writing. Longform stories require more attention to detail and a greater understanding of the craft of writing, making it a great way for journalists to hone their skills.

4. Enhanced Impact: Finally, longform stories can have a greater impact on readers than shorter stories.

By taking the time to explore a story in greater detail, journalists can make a much stronger emotional connection with their readers, allowing them to make a much bigger impact with their work.

C. Overview of Types of Longform Storytelling

Longform storytelling has become an essential tool for today’s sports journalists. It allows them to explore complex stories in an in-depth and engaging way. There are several different types of longform storytelling that sports journalists can utilize.

One type of longform storytelling is the profile feature. Profile features are stories that focus on a single individual or organization and explore their history, motivations and accomplishments.

In these stories, the journalist has the opportunity to bring out the nuances of the person or organization’s story in vivid detail.

Another type of longform storytelling is the investigative report. Investigative reports are in-depth stories that dig deep into the facts and uncover information that other media outlets have not covered.

These stories often include interviews with multiple sources, as well as a thorough review of the available research and statistics.

Finally, there is the narrative feature. Narrative features are stories that tell a story in a more traditional narrative style.

These stories often have a clear beginning, middle and end, and often follow a character or group of characters as they experience a particular situation.

These are just a few examples of the types of longform storytelling that sports journalists can utilize. By combining these techniques, sports journalists can create stories that are engaging, informative and memorable.

II. Types of Longform Storytelling

Longform storytelling is a powerful tool for sports journalists, allowing them to capture and communicate complex stories in a compelling way.

There are a range of different types of longform storytelling that can be used by sports journalists, each suited to a different kind of story.

The first type of longform storytelling is the feature article. Feature articles are often used to explore a specific theme or issue in depth.

They can be used to provide an in-depth look at a particular event, issue, or athlete, as well as to focus on a particular issue in the world of sports.

For example, a feature article could be used to explore the impact of racism on a particular athlete’s career, or to focus on the changing landscape of a particular sport.

Another type of longform storytelling is the profile. Profiles are used to tell the story of a person or organization.

They can be used to explore the motivations, successes, and struggles of an individual athlete, or to provide an in-depth look at a team or organization. For example, a profile could be used to tell the story of a struggling athlete’s comeback, or to explore the culture of an organization.

Narrative longform storytelling is another type of longform storytelling that can be used by sports journalists. Narrative longform storytelling is used to tell a story over an extended period of time, often using a series of interviews and research.

It can be used to tell the story of an event or issue, or to explore a particular athlete’s journey. For example, a narrative longform story could be used to explore the rise and fall of a particular team, or to tell the story of a particular athlete’s career.

Finally, investigative longform storytelling is used to uncover hidden stories. It is an in-depth look at an issue or event, often uncovering hidden truths or exposing wrongdoing.

Investigative longform stories can be used to explore the dark side of a particular sport, or to uncover the truth behind a particular issue.

For example, an investigative longform story could be used to uncover the truth behind a suspicious injury, or to expose a cheating scandal.

These are just a few of the types of longform storytelling that can be used by sports journalists. Each type of longform storytelling can be used to tell a powerful story, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses.

By understanding the different types of longform storytelling, sports journalists can choose the right type of story to tell.

A. Narrative Journalism

Narrative journalism is a powerful tool for sports journalists looking to tell stories that go beyond the score. This style of journalism involves weaving together a compelling narrative that takes readers on a journey through a particular event, person, or team.

By using this approach, sports journalists can create stories that are engaging, informative, and memorable.

Narrative journalism involves creating a compelling story arc that follows the main character or team through a particular event, season, or journey.

This arc should include a beginning, middle, and end, and it should be structured in such a way that it builds tension and creates a sense of anticipation. The narrative should also give readers insight into the motivations and perspectives of the characters, as well as their successes and failures.

In order to ensure that the narrative remains engaging, sports journalists should use a variety of techniques such as vivid descriptions, powerful quotes, and interesting anecdotes.

It is also important to incorporate facts and information about the sport or team in order to provide readers with context and put the events in perspective.

Additionally, journalists should be sure to include a resolution to the story arc in order to give readers a sense of closure.

By using narrative journalism techniques, sports journalists can create stories that are both entertaining and informative. Through this approach, journalists can bring readers into the action and provide them with an in-depth look at the world of sports.

B. Feature Writing

Feature writing is one of the most important forms of long-form storytelling for sports journalists. Feature writing allows journalists to bring to life the stories and personalities behind the games.

It can be used to give readers an in-depth look into the lives of athletes, coaches, and other key figures in the world of sports.

When writing a feature story, it is important to focus on a single subject and to create an engaging narrative. This can be done by highlighting the character’s journey and the key moments that define his or her career.

Journalist should also strive to provide an emotional connection with the subject by showing how the character’s story is relevant to readers.

The key to creating a great feature story is to provide enough detail to draw in the reader and keep them engaged.

Journalists should provide vivid descriptions of events, characters, and settings. They should also be sure to include quotes from the subject and other sources to give the story an authentic feel.

In addition to providing a compelling narrative, journalists should also strive to provide a unique insight into the subject. This can be done by presenting an interesting angle or introducing a unique perspective.

Finally, it is important for journalists to be aware of ethical considerations when writing feature stories.

Journalists should strive to be fair and balanced in their reporting and should avoid sensationalizing the story. It is also important to ensure that all facts are carefully checked and verified before the story is published.

C. Investigative Journalism

Investigative journalism is a powerful tool for sports journalists to uncover the truth behind the stories that they are covering. In a time when the world of sports is awash with money and power, uncovering the truth is vital for accurate and honest reporting.

For sports journalists looking to delve into investigative journalism, there are many techniques that can be used. Firstly, it is important to identify a story that is worth pursuing.

This could be anything from uncovering financial mismanagement or doping scandals, to investigating the shady dealings of sports agents or team owners.

Once a story has been identified, it is important to build a strong case. This involves gathering as much evidence and information as possible. This could involve interviewing sources, accessing documents and records, or even conducting undercover operations.

The next step is to present the findings in a clear and compelling way. This involves writing a longform story that outlines the investigative process and the facts that have been uncovered.

It is important to be factual and unbiased in this process, so as to ensure that the story is accurate and honest.

Finally, it is important to consider the ethical implications of investigative journalism. This involves ensuring that all sources are treated with respect and that any confidential information is handled in a responsible manner.

It is also important to ensure that the story does not put any individuals or organisations at risk of harm.

By using investigative journalism techniques, sports journalists can uncover the truth behind the stories they are covering. This can help to ensure that readers are presented with accurate and honest reporting.

III. Strategies for Crafting Longform Stories

When crafting longform stories, there are several strategies that sports journalists can use to ensure that their stories have maximum impact.

First, it is important to focus on a single theme or narrative. Longform stories should have a clear focus that is developed throughout the story.

Sports journalists should identify the central theme or question that they want to explore and then use that as the foundation for their story.

Second, sports journalists should use a range of story-telling techniques to engage readers. This can include using vivid descriptions, using quotes to add color and texture, and incorporating unusual or unique elements that add interest to the story.

Third, sports journalists should strive to create an emotional connection with the reader. Longform stories should be crafted in such a way that readers can identify with and relate to the characters or themes in the story.

This can be done by including personal perspectives, stories of struggle and triumph, and any other elements that will engage readers and draw them in to the story.

Finally, sports journalists should use vivid visuals to convey the story. Longform stories should include compelling visuals that help bring the story to life.

This can include photographs, videos, infographics, and other creative visuals that will help readers engage with the story.

These strategies can help sports journalists create compelling and engaging longform stories that will capture the attention of their readers.

By focusing on a single theme, using a range of story-telling techniques, creating an emotional connection, and using vivid visuals, sports journalists can craft powerful and impactful stories that will have a lasting effect.

A. Research Thoroughly

As a sports journalist, utilizing longform storytelling techniques to tell powerful stories is essential.

Before you even begin to craft a story, it is important to research thoroughly. Researching for a story can help to ensure that the facts, figures, and details of the story are accurate and up to date.

It is also important for journalists to be aware of the current events and trends in the world of sports in order to tell the best stories.

When researching for a story, it is important to exhaust all possible sources. Start with the basics such as interviewing players, coaches, and administrators.

Look into the official records of the team or organization and use archives of media reports, press releases, and other documents. Additionally, utilize social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram to get additional information.

It is also important to research outside of the sports world to gain a greater understanding of the context of the story.

For example, if you are writing about a sports team in a certain city, you may want to research the city’s history, culture, and economy.

This will help to give your story a greater depth and breadth, as it will be able to showcase the impact that sports have on the city.

Finally, it is important to research other longform stories in the sports journalism world. Read the stories of other journalists and analyze the techniques that they used in order to create their stories.

This will help to give you an idea of what has already been done and what techniques have been successful.

By researching thoroughly, you will be able to tell the most powerful stories. This is the foundation of longform storytelling and will help you create stories that are informative, engaging, and impactful.

B. Identify the Story’s Core

In order to effectively use longform storytelling techniques in the world of sports journalism, it is essential to identify the story’s core. This core serves as the basis for the entire piece and provides the framework for the narrative.

When beginning to craft a story, the journalist should start by asking themselves what the main point of the story is.

Is it about a particular individual? Is it about a specific event or game? Is it about a particular team or organization? Identifying the core of the story is the first and most important step in the writing process.

Once the core has been identified, the journalist can then begin to build the story around that. They can brainstorm ideas for characters, settings, and events that will be included in the narrative.

They should also consider how each of these elements will be used to support the core of the story.

It is important to note that while the core of the story should remain constant, the narrative surrounding it can be adapted and changed. This allows the journalist to be creative and experiment with different approaches while still remaining true to the story’s core.

By taking the time to identify the story’s core, sports journalists can ensure that their longform storytelling techniques are effective and engaging. This will enable them to create compelling and impactful stories that will resonate with their readers.

C. Interview Sources

For any longform story to be successful, it is critical that journalists utilize sources and interviews to bolster their narrative.

Interviews provide a personal, human element to stories, helping to bring the narrative to life and give readers a sense of the story’s key players and their motivations.

When conducting interviews for a longform story, it is important to consider the range of sources available. These can include the athletes and coaches involved in the story, their families, former teammates, and even members of the media.

It is also important to consider unique sources, such as team physicians, trainers, and other sports medicine professionals.

In addition to the range of sources, it is also important to consider the type of questions asked. While it is important to ask the questions that will help tell the story, it is also important to ask open-ended questions that will allow sources to provide their own insights and perspectives.

This will allow the journalist to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the story and to make the narrative more engaging and interesting.

Finally, when interviewing sources, it is important to be respectful and mindful of their time. Most sources are busy and may not have the time to provide lengthy, in-depth responses to every question.

As such, journalists should be aware of the time constraints and be prepared to adjust their questions accordingly.

D. Use Multiple Platforms

As a sports journalist, you should strive to use multiple platforms to tell your stories. Not only does this increase the reach of your work, but it also gives you the opportunity to tell stories in different ways.

For example, you could create a video feature for YouTube, a podcast for iTunes, or a text-based story for a blog.

When using multiple platforms, it’s important to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each. For example, YouTube is great for visual storytelling, while a blog post may be better suited for more in-depth analysis. The key is to find the right mix of platforms that will best showcase your story.

It’s also important to remember that you don’t have to limit yourself to traditional outlets. Social media channels such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram can also be great tools for sharing stories. You can easily create short snippets of your story, which can then be shared with a larger audience.

Finally, don’t forget to experiment. Trying out new platforms and approaches can be a great way to discover new ways of telling stories. The key is to be creative, think outside the box, and take advantage of the many platforms available to you.

E. Utilize Visuals

Visuals are an incredibly powerful tool for sports journalists to use when developing longform stories. They can be used to support a narrative and provide viewers with an additional layer of information that adds to the story.

Visuals can include video clips and photographs, as well as other forms of media such as infographics and graphs.

When using visuals to support a story, it is important to make sure that the visuals are telling their own story.

This means that they should convey the message and meaning of the story without needing to be explained in detail. A good visual should be able to stand on its own and communicate the message clearly.

In addition, visuals should be selected carefully so that they are relevant to the story and help to further the narrative. For example, a photo of a player’s face could help to convey the emotion of the story, or a graph could show the statistical information that supports the story.

Finally, visuals should be used sparingly. Too many visuals can be distracting and can take away from the story. Visuals should be used to enhance the story, not to dominate it. They should be used only when they are necessary to further the narrative and when they add something to the story.

By utilizing visuals in the correct way, sports journalists can create more powerful and impactful longform stories. Utilizing visuals can help to bring a story to life, and can help to make the story more engaging for viewers.

F. Incorporate Quotes

Quotes are a powerful way to add depth and colour to a story. They offer readers a firsthand perspective and can be used to bring to life the story in an engaging way. As a sports journalist, it’s important to use quotes throughout your longform story to add texture and emotion.

When incorporating quotes, it’s important to select quotes that are relevant to the story and support the narrative. Ask yourself: Does this quote bring something new to the story? Does it offer insight or perspective? Does it evoke emotion?

In addition, it’s important to consider the source of the quote. Is the source an expert or an authority on the subject matter? Has the source been interviewed before? Are they reliable and trustworthy?

When quoting a source, always make sure to attribute the quote to the source and provide context as to why the source was chosen. This will help readers understand the relevance of the quote and add credibility to the story.

Finally, it’s important to use quotes sparingly. Too many quotes can be distracting and take away from the flow of the story.

Try to limit the number of quotes to one or two per paragraph. This will help ensure the quotes are used to their fullest potential and that the story remains focused and concise.

IV. Examples of Longform Storytelling in Sports Journalism

Longform sports journalism is a powerful tool to engage readers, as demonstrated by some of the most iconic stories in the genre.

From the Washington Post’s “The Ballad of John and Yoko” to ESPN’s “The U”, longform sports journalism pieces have helped to shape the industry and captivate readers.

Here are a few examples of great longform sports journalism stories:

1. The Ballad of John and Yoko: This Washington Post story, written by reporter Tom Alter, follows the story of John and Yoko, two high school basketball players from the same small town in Ohio.

It explores their struggles with racism and poverty, as well as the support and love they find in each other. The story was praised for its emotional storytelling and for its ability to capture the complexities of the human experience.

2. The U: This ESPN 30 for 30 documentary tells the story of the University of Miami’s rise to prominence in college football in the 1980s.

It features interviews with former players, coaches and administrators, and captures the unique culture that made the Hurricanes so successful.

The documentary was lauded for its ability to tell a cohesive story while still providing insight into the people and events that shaped the team.

3. The Dark Side of the Dream: This New York Times Magazine story, written by sportswriter Robert Lipsyte, looks at the dark side of the American dream of becoming a professional athlete.

It follows the stories of several former college athletes and explores the difficulties they faced in their attempts to make it in the professional sports world.

The story was praised for its poignant and honest look at the harsh realities of the sports industry.

These are just a few examples of great longform sports journalism stories. There are many more out there, and they can provide aspiring journalists with the inspiration to create their own engaging and captivating stories.

A. ESPN’s “30 for 30” Documentaries

Sports journalists can draw a great deal of inspiration from ESPN’s “30 for 30” documentary series. Since its inception in 2009, the series has featured an array of compelling stories, which have all been told through a unique longform storytelling approach.

The series has been praised for its cinematic quality and its ability to capture the essence of the story, and it has served as a guiding light for aspiring sports journalists.

By using techniques such as interviews, archival footage, and even animation, the series has been able to bring to life some of the most compelling stories in sports.

The series also serves as an example of how to use a longform approach to tell a complex story. By utilizing a variety of techniques, the series is able to create an emotionally powerful narrative that captures the essence of the story.

For sports journalists, the series should serve as an example of how to use longform storytelling to tell compelling stories. By studying the techniques used by the series, journalists can gain valuable insights into how to craft their own stories.

In addition, the series can also be used as inspiration for journalists who are looking for new ideas and approaches to telling their stories.

B. The New York Times’ “The 1619 Project”

The New York Times’ “The 1619 Project” is an example of sports journalism that takes a longform approach. This project is an ongoing initiative to tell the story of the United States through the lens of the year 1619, when the first African slaves arrived in Virginia.

The project involves a variety of multimedia stories, including in-depth reporting, interactive graphics, photos, videos, and more.

The stories focus on the lasting impact of slavery, segregation, and racism in the United States, and how the events of 1619 and the years that followed have shaped the country today.

The 1619 Project is an excellent example of how sports journalism can use longform storytelling techniques to tell a powerful story. The project incorporates a variety of multimedia elements to create a comprehensive narrative of the events of 1619 and their lasting consequences.

In addition, the stories provide a platform to discuss the intersection of sports and race in the United States, as well as to explore the ways in which sports can be used to amplify conversations about racism and social justice.

For sports journalists, the 1619 Project serves as a great example of how longform storytelling can be used to tell powerful stories.

The project shows how journalists can use multimedia elements to create a comprehensive narrative and explore complex topics in a compelling way.

It also serves as an inspiration for journalists to use longform storytelling to explore the intersection of sports and race and to discuss issues of racism and social justice.

C. The Washington Post’s “The Ballad of John Wall”

One of the best examples of a longform sports journalism piece is The Washington Post’s “The Ballad of John Wall”, written by Kent Babb in 2018. This piece was a deep dive into the story of John Wall, a basketball player for the NBA’s Washington Wizards.

The article follows a narrative arc, beginning with Wall’s childhood in North Carolina and detailing his journey to becoming a professional basketball player.

Babb interviewed Wall’s family, friends, coaches, and teammates to uncover details about his upbringing, how he was raised, and how his background shaped his career.

The article also delves into the impact Wall has had on the Washington, DC community, and how he has become a role model for the city’s at-risk youth.

Additionally, Babb provides insight into Wall’s relationships with his family and friends, as well as his struggles and triumphs on the court.

The piece culminates in an emotional scene in which Wall is overcome with emotion after leading the Wizards to their first playoff game in five years. This powerful ending demonstrates the impact of Wall’s story on the city and the people who have followed his career.

The Ballad of John Wall is an excellent example of how sports journalists can use longform storytelling techniques to tell a compelling story that engages readers and resonates with them.

By providing a detailed account of Wall’s journey, Babb was able to bring the reader into his world and create an emotional connection with the story.

V. Conclusion

As experienced sports journalists, we know that longform storytelling techniques can be a powerful tool to create engaging stories.

By combining thoughtful research, vivid descriptions and compelling visuals, we can craft stories that capture the reader’s interest and draw them into the narrative.

However, it is important to remember that, while longform techniques can be invaluable to create an engaging narrative, they should be used judiciously and with intention.

A story should never be overlong or convoluted; instead, it should be succinct and to the point.

Ultimately, we must remember that the goal of longform storytelling is to create a narrative that is both compelling and informative.

With careful planning and thoughtful execution, we can effectively use longform techniques to create stories that not only grab the reader’s attention, but also inform and educate them.

By utilizing these techniques, we can create engrossing stories that will keep the readers hooked until the very end.

A. Summary of Benefits of Longform Storytelling

Longform storytelling is an invaluable tool for sports journalists, providing a powerful way to tell stories in an engaging and compelling manner.

It allows for a deep dive into the subject matter, allowing for readers to better understand and appreciate the nuances of the story.

Longform storytelling also allows for a more personal connection with readers, as it allows for more in-depth exploration of characters and events. It also allows for the journalist to convey a more detailed and nuanced narrative than shorter forms of storytelling could.

In addition to its narrative benefits, longform storytelling also allows journalists to create more visual elements to enhance the story.

Photos, videos, and graphics can all be used to give readers a deeper understanding of the story and its characters. This can help to make the story more interactive and engaging.

Finally, longform storytelling also allows for more research to be done on the story, which can help to provide a more accurate and detailed account of the events.

This can help to ensure the story is more reliable and accurate, and provide readers with a more complete understanding of the events discussed.

B. Encouragement to Try Longform Storytelling Techniques

As a seasoned journalist, I would like to encourage upcoming sports journalists to try their hands at longform storytelling techniques. From my experience, these techniques can provide a great opportunity to enhance the storytelling process, allowing for a deeper exploration of the subject matter.

Longform storytelling techniques can be a great way to bring a story to life in a way that shorter, more traditional forms of journalism cannot.

By delving deeper into the story, you are able to explore the many facets of a subject, from the personal lives of the athletes to the historical context of a particular event.

One of the most important aspects of longform storytelling is developing a narrative structure. This helps you to bring together the various elements of the story, helping to create a coherent and engaging story.

It can be useful to think of the story as a journey, with a beginning, middle, and end. The narrative should be structured in such a way that readers can easily follow the progression of the story, allowing them to connect with the material on a deeper level.

It is also important to remember that longform storytelling is not just about the story itself. It is also about the characters and the environment in which the story takes place.

By exploring the lives of the athletes, coaches, and other people involved in the story, you are able to provide readers with a more complete understanding of the events that transpired.

Finally, longform storytelling techniques can provide a great opportunity to explore the broader implications of a particular story. By discussing the impact of a particular event or set of events, you can provide readers with a more comprehensive understanding of the story.

By following these tips, I believe that aspiring sports journalists can use longform storytelling techniques to create compelling stories that readers can connect with on a deeper level.

C. Resources for Further Exploration

As an experienced journalist, I understand that it can be difficult to develop a skill set for longform storytelling. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to help aspiring journalists learn the art of longform storytelling.

Here are some of my favorite resources for further exploration.

1. Longform Storytelling Workshops: There are a variety of workshops available to help journalists learn the basics of longform storytelling. Workshops can be tailored to meet the needs of a variety of journalists, from those who are just getting started to those who are already experienced in the field.

2. Longform Storytelling Books: There are a number of books available to help journalists learn the craft of longform storytelling. These books can provide a foundation of knowledge and can help journalists develop the skills needed to become successful in the field.

3. Longform Storytelling Websites: There are a number of websites dedicated to helping journalists learn the art of longform storytelling.

These sites can provide a wealth of information and tips, as well as examples of successful longform stories.

4. Longform Storytelling Conferences: Conferences provide journalists with the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in the field.

Conferences are often an excellent way to network with other journalists, learn from experts, and get up-to-date information on the latest trends in longform storytelling.

By taking advantage of these resources, journalists can increase their knowledge and skills in longform storytelling and be better able to tell meaningful and engaging stories.