I’m always listening to sportspeople—broadcasters, coaches, players, and fans—and I keep hearing the same cliches, over and over. That’s why I have questions about overused words and phrases. Here are a few that I especially dislike.
Sportspeople often talk glowingly, yet somewhat vaguely, about special players. Great, why is that player special? Specifics, please. And what does that say about the other ordinary players participating?
Sportspeople often applaud players for playing the right way. (I’ve never heard someone say playing “the wrong way.”) What exactly is the right way to play? Is it about practicing good sportsmanship and/or being a good teammate? Is it about passing to the open man rather than shooting a heavily contested shot? Big question: Is playing the right way reserved just for winners?
Sportspeople often vaguely describe specific coaches as a player’s coach. What does that mean? Does a player’s coach take his players out for snacks after cutting practice short? If you’re not a player’s coach, what kind of coach are you? Do players fear you? I’ve never heard a player described as “a coach’s player.”
Sports people often talk about basketball players having a shooter’s roll. If you’re not a good shooter, what do you have? Or do you not have a role?
Sportspeople often describe certain players as warriors. What makes a warrior? Do non-warriors want to win less?
Sportspeople often say, You can’t teach size. Can you teach desire? Defense? Shooting? Leap higher? What can you teach? What can’t you?
Sportspeople often talk about punching the opposing team in the face, which is sports speak for being aggressive. Why a punch to the face? How ’bout mixing it up a bit, maybe a wheelhouse to the sternum?
Sportspeople often glowingly yet vaguely describe certain players as “winners.” What magical components do these charmed individuals have? Are the others just losers that should pack up and go home?
Ok. I just took my best swing, and “that ball is outa here.”
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Jon Hart is the author of Unfortunately, I Was Available, illustrated by Coverkitchen.
