You’ve probably heard the phrase, “It’s not about what you do, but how you do it.” Well, in the world of sports broadcasting, it couldn’t be more true. A play-by-play announcer’s success isn’t just about being able to call a game well—it’s about developing solid habits that allow you to perform at your best, day in and day out.
Whether you’re broadcasting for a high school football game or a college basketball tournament, there are certain habits that all highly successful announcers share. And trust me, these habits will make all the difference in ensuring you’re not just getting by—but thriving in a highly competitive field.
Let’s break down some of the most effective habits to develop for sustained productivity and career growth.
Consistency Is Key: Time, Score, and Clarity Matter
One of the simplest yet most essential habits in sports broadcasting is regularly stating the time and score. It might sound basic, but many newer announcers forget just how important it is to keep the audience informed. Whether you’re announcing a high school game or a semi-professional matchup, maintaining the time and score helps listeners stay grounded in the game, especially if they’re tuning in from the middle of a commercial break or switching between different matches.
As a successful announcer, it’s essential to say the time and score every few minutes. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference. Plus, this repetition helps listeners connect with the flow of the game, especially during those key moments when the outcome is in question. Think about it: if the game is tied and time is running out, you need to paint a clear picture for your audience.
Do you keep forgetting to say the time and score? Use a 90-second, or two minute hourglass egg timer to remind you on air.
Mastering Vocabulary: Keep It Fresh and Engaging
Another habit that truly separates good announcers from great ones is the ability to vary your vocabulary. Sports commentary doesn’t need to be a monotonous, repetitive loop of words. In fact, using the same phrases too often can make your call feel stale. Sure, “he shoots, he scores” will work in some moments, but it’s important to have a broader set of phrases to keep the broadcast fresh and interesting.
For example, instead of always saying, “he passed the ball,” you can say things like:
- “He delivered a perfect feed.”
- “He threaded a pass through the defence.”
- “He zipped it across the court.”
These variations not only make your call more exciting, but they also showcase your versatility as a commentator. Being able to describe the game from different angles and with a varied vocabulary is a skill that takes time to develop—but it’s one of the easiest ways to elevate your broadcasts.
Pre-Game Prep: The Unsung Hero of Success
Let’s face it: nothing makes you look more professional than a technical setup that works flawlessly. Successful play-by-play announcers understand the importance of pre-game testing. This means checking everything from your microphone to the connection to the broadcast feed before the game starts. Whether you’re broadcasting from a booth or the sidelines, ensuring that your audio is clear and the equipment is functioning will save you from a nightmare on game day.
Test your equipment early, and troubleshoot any issues before the first whistle blows. It’s a small effort but can make a world of difference, especially when the stakes are high, and you can’t afford technical difficulties.
Adapt to Your Audience: Know Who You’re Broadcasting For
Whether you’re calling a game for a local high school or covering a college event for a wider audience, it’s crucial to adapt your style to your audience. A good play-by-play announcer doesn’t just tell the story of the game—they tell it in a way that resonates with the people who are listening.
For instance, if you’re calling a semi-pro game, you might expect your audience to be a bit more knowledgeable about the sport. You can use more jargon and dive deeper into technical details. However, if you’re broadcasting a high school game, you may need to simplify the language and make it more accessible to casual fans or families who may be tuning in.
Understanding your audience and adjusting accordingly can make a huge impact on how your commentary is received.
Stay Engaged with the Action—Don’t Over-Explain
A common trap new announcers fall into is over-explaining what’s happening. Yes, it’s important to describe the action, but there’s a fine line between keeping your audience informed and overwhelming them with too much information. Great announcers know when to let the crowd tell the story—especially in high-energy moments.
Sometimes, the roar of the crowd speaks louder than anything you could say. Think about those critical last moments of a game when the home team is on the verge of winning. The crowd is already hyped, and your job is to simply amplify the energy. Let them feel the tension. Let them hear the crowd’s reaction before you even speak.
Make Time for Self-Improvement: Keep Learning
Even the most experienced broadcasters don’t know everything. Continuous learning is one of the habits that keeps successful play-by-play announcers at the top of their game. Whether it’s listening to other commentators, watching games with no sound to work on your observational skills, or attending workshops, you should always be looking for ways to improve your craft.
For example, you might discover a new phrase or delivery technique that could enhance your calls. You could learn about a new sport or strategy that opens up fresh ways of analysing the game. Never rest on your laurels. Take the time to listen, watch, and learn from others who inspire you.
Key Takeaways:
- Stay consistent with stating the time and score—your audience needs that info!
- Vary your vocabulary to keep the call fresh and engaging.
- Test your equipment pre-game to avoid technical issues.
- Know your audience and adapt your commentary style accordingly.
- Let the crowd’s energy enhance your call—you don’t always need to talk.
- Keep learning—great announcers are always evolving.
Reflection
Becoming a highly successful play-by-play announcer isn’t just about calling the game well; it’s about establishing the right habits that will make your broadcasts more engaging and professional. From the technical setup to knowing how to adjust your style for different audiences, every detail counts.
So, the next time you’re prepping for a big game, think about these habits. Are you focusing enough on your vocabulary? Are you testing your gear? And most importantly, are you ready to let the crowd’s energy take the broadcast to the next level?
Remember, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about being prepared and adaptable. And when you’re prepared, your audience will notice the difference.