Have you ever tuned into a high school game and found yourself watching the excitement of an underdog team pull off a major upset, only to switch to a pro game and hear commentary that feels like it’s on another planet? The energy, the tone, the language—everything changes as the level of play rises. But what does that mean for you as a sports broadcaster? How do you adjust your commentary to fit different levels, from high school to professional sports?
As you move through your career, you’ll find that the style and delivery of your play-by-play, colour commentary, and analysis need to evolve based on the level of play you’re calling. There’s no “one size fits all” approach. Whether you’re calling a high school game, a college matchup, or a pro showdown, understanding how to adapt your style will make your broadcast stronger, more engaging, and more effective for your audience.
Adjusting Your Energy and Tone
The first noticeable difference in commentary across various levels of play is energy. In high school sports, there’s an electric, almost chaotic energy. Every play feels monumental, and the crowd—often family and friends—adds to the enthusiasm. Your tone here should reflect that excitement. Your call might even sound a bit louder, more animated, and more dynamic.
In contrast, pro games demand a more polished and controlled delivery. The players are professionals, and they’ve seen it all. As a result, your commentary should be more analytical and less focused on raw emotion. You’re still providing excitement, but with a more measured tone, reflecting the high level of skill you’re observing.
Think about it this way: If you’re calling a high school basketball game, you can let the excitement of an unexpected three-pointer shine through. “Wow! What a shot! The underdog team pulls ahead!” But when you’re in a pro arena, you might take a more reflective approach. “And with that three-pointer, we see why this player is one of the top shooters in the league.”
Language and Vocabulary: Tailoring Your Words
When calling a high school game, your language needs to be accessible and relatable. You’re not just talking to seasoned fans but also to younger audiences who might be hearing certain terms for the first time. Avoid jargon or overly technical terms that might confuse those new to the sport.
When you step up to the college level, the audience’s knowledge of the game grows. You can use slightly more advanced terminology and delve a little deeper into tactics, but still keep your explanations clear for the average viewer. College games often feature teams of athletes who have potential to go pro, so there’s room to provide a bit more insight into their skills, stats, and aspirations.
Pro-level commentary, on the other hand, assumes your audience has a certain level of knowledge about the game. The language can get more detailed, more specific to the nuances of the game. At this level, it’s about providing expert-level insight into the strategies, trends, and individual player techniques. Terms like “pick-and-roll,” “box-out,” and “transition offense” are commonly used, and you can expect the audience to understand them.
The Pace of the Game: A Different Rhythm at Every Level
High school games tend to be faster-paced, with more turnovers, mistakes, and excitement. It’s easy to get caught up in the intensity and rush to fill every second with commentary. However, try to avoid over-explaining or speaking just to fill the space. Instead, let the action breathe and let the crowd’s reactions carry some of the emotional weight. Sometimes, a well-placed pause is all you need to enhance the drama of the moment.
At the college level, the game slows down a little. The athletes are more refined, and there’s more tactical play. Your pacing needs to reflect this shift. Instead of rushing to fill gaps, you can take your time breaking down plays and offering analysis. It’s also helpful to weave in more storytelling, perhaps highlighting a player’s journey to the game or giving context to why a certain play is significant in the larger picture of the season.
Pro games require the most controlled pacing. The athletes are masters of their craft, and the gameplay can sometimes feel more methodical. Your job at this level is to keep up with the game while providing deeper insights into what’s happening. The pace here isn’t just about speeding through the play-by-play but maintaining a rhythm that matches the more strategic nature of the game.
Using Crowd Noise: Creating an Immersive Experience
One of the greatest tools at your disposal is crowd noise. Whether you’re at a small high school gym or a packed stadium for a major league game, crowd reactions play a huge role in shaping the atmosphere of the game. At the high school level, the crowd might not always be as large, but their enthusiasm can more than make up for it. Let their cheers, boos, and gasps punctuate your call.
At the college level, the crowd becomes louder and more intense. Their reaction can elevate a simple play into something legendary, so don’t hesitate to let their energy speak for itself during key moments. In pro sports, the crowd noise is often recorded at a higher quality and becomes part of the overall production. Here, you’re working with seasoned professionals who often have their own signature chants and routines.
Don’t be afraid to let the crowd take over when needed. Pauses and breathers are crucial to keeping your call balanced. It also allows your audience to feel like they’re truly experiencing the atmosphere of the game, whether they’re watching from home or in the stands.
Storytelling as a Powerful Tool
At every level of play, storytelling is a powerful way to fill quieter moments between plays. High school sports are rich with personal stories—whether it’s the underdog team defying expectations or the senior player’s last game. Take the time to weave these narratives into your call. Personalize the experience for your audience. The college level offers similar opportunities, where you can highlight a player’s journey from high school to collegiate athlete, while professional leagues may present opportunities to tell the stories of players’ careers, growth, and challenges.
Final Thoughts: Tailoring Your Approach
Adjusting your commentary style from high school to professional levels is a crucial skill that all broadcasters need to master. Your tone, energy, pacing, and language should evolve to match the level of play. Keep the excitement alive, but tailor your delivery so it fits the audience’s expectations and understanding of the game.
Whether you’re calling a high school game where every play is a potential highlight or a pro matchup where strategy reigns, the most important thing is to remain true to your voice as a broadcaster while embracing the unique dynamics of each level. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll become a versatile commentator, ready to bring every game to life.
Key Takeaways:
- High school games demand a lively and emotional tone, while pro games call for a more polished delivery.
- Adjust your language and pacing to match the audience’s knowledge and the athletes’ skills.
- Don’t shy away from using crowd noise to enhance the atmosphere, especially at the high school and college levels.
- Storytelling can be a powerful tool for keeping the audience engaged across all levels of play.