If you’ve ever been in the booth for a high school, college, or professional game, you know that there’s a fine line between showing enthusiasm for your team and giving the opponent their due attention. How much should you talk about the opponent without making it feel like you’re not supporting your team? Should you give more airtime to one side, or should you play it down the middle?
This is a tricky balancing act for sports broadcasters. When you’re broadcasting for one team, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the home crowd. But when you’re calling a game for a third-party network or league, where impartiality is key, you need to know how to make both teams feel equally important.
Here’s how to find that balance and deliver an exciting, engaging broadcast without tipping the scales too far in one direction.
Focus on the Game, Not Just Your Team or Opponent
When you’re hired by a team, it can be tempting to focus almost entirely on the players in their jerseys, the stats that shine the brightest, and the plays that land in their favour. However, there’s a greater responsibility at play. It’s your job to provide context and keep the narrative alive for both teams, even if you’re working for one side.
General Rule of Thumb: If you’re broadcasting for the home team, aim to spend around 60-70% of your focus on them, but don’t neglect the opponent completely. If you ignore the other team, it can feel one-sided and uninformed. Your listeners still want to know how the opponent is shaping up, especially when they’re making a big play.
If you’re covering a key moment in the game where the opponent is in control—like a game-winning drive or a comeback attempt—be sure to give them the credit they deserve. Recognizing their skill or intensity in those situations doesn’t mean you’re betraying your team; it just makes you sound knowledgeable and well-rounded.
Impartiality in Third-Party Broadcasts: A Delicate Dance
On the other hand, when you’re hired by a third-party broadcast company or league—like those covering multiple teams or high-profile events—impartiality is essential. This is where you have to shift gears a bit.
In these broadcasts, the focus should be 50/50. You want your audience to feel like they’re getting the full picture, and this means not tipping the scales toward one team. The key here is neutrality, and it’s something you should actively aim for in your play-by-play delivery.
When you cover both teams fairly, the audience feels like they can trust your commentary. Whether a local team or national audience is listening, they won’t think you’re rooting for one side over the other, and that’s essential for keeping the broadcast engaging and credible.
Practical Tip: Adjust your enthusiasm. When you talk about the team you’re covering, you can lean into the excitement, especially during a successful play. But with the opponent, keep the excitement neutral—show respect for their skills, but don’t get carried away.
Don’t Ignore Key Players on the Opposing Team
When you’re focusing on your team, it’s easy to overlook the standout players on the opposing side. But ignoring them completely can hurt your broadcast. The truth is, some of the best moments in sports come from the other team—whether it’s an incredible individual performance or a well-executed play. Your audience expects you to acknowledge the significance of these moments.
For example, let’s say the opposing team has a star player who just made an amazing interception or hit a game-changing three-pointer. Even if you’re announcing for the home team, acknowledge it. Give a brief but respectful description of what that player did and why it’s important to the game. This adds depth to your commentary and keeps the broadcast grounded in reality.
Keep the Focus on the Game, Not Just the Teams
Regardless of who you’re broadcasting for, the game itself should always be your focus. The action, the strategy, the momentum shifts—these elements need to be just as much of your commentary as the players on the field. An entire broadcast can’t just revolve around a team’s stats or their fan base’s emotions. The ebb and flow of the game is what ultimately captures the listeners.
For instance, if you’re announcing a basketball game and the home team is on a scoring run, talk about what changed in the game. Did the opposing team adjust their defence? Did the momentum shift because of a particular matchup? Highlighting the storylines behind the plays gives the audience a better understanding of how and why things are unfolding the way they are.
Use Balanced Phrasing for Opponents
To avoid favouring one side, your phrasing should always be neutral. If a player from the opposing team makes a great play, you don’t have to say, “That was incredible by the opposition.” Instead, try something like, “That was a spectacular move by number 12 from the opposing team, and he’s really been a force out there tonight.” It’s neutral, but still acknowledges the accomplishment.
On the flip side, when a player on the team you’re covering performs well, it’s okay to show some enthusiasm, but it’s important to stay aware of how much you show. Keep your tone passionate, but don’t make it sound like you’re overly biased—your listeners will appreciate the authenticity.
Key Takeaways:
- Balance is key: If you’re broadcasting for one team, focus 60-70% on them, but don’t neglect the other team.
- Impartiality in third-party broadcasts: For impartial broadcasts, aim for an even 50/50 split between teams.
- Acknowledge the opponent: Don’t ignore standout plays or key moments from the other team.
- Focus on the game: Talk about the flow of the game, not just the players or the teams.
- Neutral phrasing: Use balanced, respectful language when referring to both teams to avoid bias.
Reflection:
In sports broadcasting, the key to a good call isn’t about cheering for one team over the other—it’s about capturing the game’s essence. You want to keep the energy high, but also provide your listeners with the full picture. Whether you’re working for a team or a third-party company, your audience expects authenticity. Giving fair, accurate attention to both teams will ensure your call is always engaging and professional.
Think about it: if you were a fan listening to a broadcast, wouldn’t you want to hear both teams discussed fairly? Wouldn’t you prefer a broadcast that offers you a deeper understanding of the game, the players, and the moments that matter?
Remember: It’s not just about your team—it’s about the game as a whole.