TV Announcers

I don't mean for this to sound like it may to some but - is it just me or is it hard to listen to the commentating during the matches? I find it quite annoying at times, especially some points they try to make. Like todays match, that gal said the Germany players have to eventually come over here and play if they want to to compete.

How do you figure? They're defending World Cup Champions and and no one plays here.

I just have to shake my head. Anyone?

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Shannon Nicole;; on May 12, 2009 at 4:23pm: I wouldn't mind JP or Julie as commentators for a game or two..; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Christian lfcredusa on May 12, 2009 at 5:19pm: I was thinking the same thing - let us have a WPS Fanzone like on Sky Sports

DC DC n MB said:
Yeah, I get annoyed with the different WPS announcers after a while. Several basic mistakes about soccer and some grating voices make me head for the mute button. Granted, it's a tough job to make people want to listen to you talk for 2 hours straight, and there aren't many good announcers out there from the start. Bringing in some of the past and present soccer stars helps break up the monotony. Also, it's time to bring in JP Dellacamera to guest star and give a few pointers.

Does anyone like Fanzone? It's pretty funny and the fans know a lot about their team. I'd like the league to bring in some fans to help call some of the game.

John Madden RIP; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Christian lfcredusa on May 12, 2009 at 5:26pm: The one thing I find as well is there aren't very many former players who make good commentators. I find Balboa as if he never played and very annoying to listen to. I happen to think Wynalda is the best. He talks like a player and not like someone calling.

Too much talking annoys me with American sports. I don't care what So-and-So did when she was 12. I wanna watch the match. America doesn't sing so we can't enjoy serenades from the stands like in BPL. I agree with DC DC in MB - bring in JP. He knows the women's game. *** WPS, I'm looking for a new job.***; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by ChandlerSeth on May 12, 2009 at 5:29pm: They were truly awful; almost made the game unwatchable. Soccer announcing is really simple. Just listen to the pros who do the EPL games or who work for GOL. Tell us who'se got the ball -- these games aren't in HD and it's not as if they are using state of the art close-in cameras -- throw in a few adjectives describing the action and then SHUT UP. I do not need or want to here constant plugs for the game, the League, the exaggerated, self-aggrandizing recounting of various pre-game interviews Ms. Walker had with the players, or her theorizing on the effect of WPS on international soccer. If they can't keep a television audience -- and, let's face it, the attendance does not look good -- there isn't going to be a WPS, which would be a terrible shame. In announcing, less is often more.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Supermokh on May 12, 2009 at 9:27pm: IMO why don't the commentators, just concentrate on the game,
who cares about each player's life history? or which country have a players in WPS.
If I wanna to know their history, I'll go talk to the players personally.
I watch football, I want to know, who having the ball or who's blocking or fouling or who score the goal.
That is why I watch football LIVE in the stadium.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by kool-aide on May 13, 2009 at 7:13am: Fans don't like tv announcers? Shock. Just about every fan in every sport complains about the tv announcers. And American soccer fans never like the announcers. Even supposedly popular football announcers (ie John Madden) likely end up having more detractors than real fans. Dean & Lori did a pretty decent job, all things considered (and random nat'l team talk aside) and got most of the game calls correct. Mark & Jen seem to be more excitable. They've had a few oops moments. Keep in mind, a new league, announcers who haven't really worked together much, etc. I for one am just glad to have the FSC slot. Seriously, we could not have any tv deal.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Shobha Kondragunta on May 13, 2009 at 2:24pm: You got it wrong. She said German players got better and became world champions because of the experience they got playing in WUSA. Similar thing will happen to Brazilian players. WPS will make them good so USA better watch out. In closing, she said this is good for soccer though.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Shobha Kondragunta on May 13, 2009 at 2:27pm: Shannon Nicole;; said:
I wouldn't mind JP or Julie as commentators for a game or two..
JP is good but good lord Julie Foudy is awful. Brandi Chastain wads not ba; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by kool-aide on May 19, 2009 at 9:39am: Shobha Kondragunta said:
You got it wrong. She said German players got better and became world champions because of the experience they got playing in WUSA.

Prinz has been quoted as saying something along the lines that the Germans were not exactly afraid but maybe respected the USA WNT too much earlier on but that after playing in the WUSA, the mystique was gone and it was just another team.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Bret Leuthner on May 31, 2009 at 11:50am: As a sportscaster doing both freelance play-by-play and sports talk (one of my assignments is with the USL PDL Newark Ironbound Express, and I called the Sky Blue FC home opener vs. LA Sol on sportsnetamerica.com), I do agree with some of what's been said. Generally speaking with TV/video, the PBP guy/girl should indeed just say little and when he/she does talk, those words should just add to the vsiuals that the audience is watching. TV/video is more of a color commentators medium, as they are there to add analysis. Now granted, some color commentators tend to run a bit long and winded (and sometimes their voices can be a bit abrasive), but generally speaking if they have a vast knowledge of the game then it's a definite boost to the telecast. I try to model my PBP for soccer after the English announcers with a little JP mixed in...though even I tend to speak a bit more than needed (usually when I don't have a color commentator)!

As for the recounting of pre-game interviews...this is a staple of sportscasting. It's all in the game prep. There's a lot of pre-game chatter among the media and players, all to give them backdrop into what's going to take place that night. There's nothing more frustrating than listening to a announcer (PBP or color) go into a game and not know ANY of the storylines for the game that night. The pre-game interviews are a great way to get information and to get a snapshot of a teams mindset. Some announcers like to use those notes more than others, but it's all part of the sportscasting game.

In closing, I firmly believe that when doing a TV/video broadcast, the description of the game should be more CONVERSATIONAL than anything. You all, as listeners, are inviting us into your living rooms (or wherever you ahve the TV or computer set up). It would only be apporpriate and proper for us to have a conversation with you, the fans, during that time!

ChandlerSeth said:
They were truly awful; almost made the game unwatchable. Soccer announcing is really simple. Just listen to the pros who do the EPL games or who work for GOL. Tell us who'se got the ball -- these games aren't in HD and it's not as if they are using state of the art close-in cameras -- throw in a few adjectives describing the action and then SHUT UP. I do not need or want to here constant plugs for the game, the League, the exaggerated, self-aggrandizing recounting of various pre-game interviews Ms. Walker had with the players, or her theorizing on the effect of WPS on international soccer. If they can't keep a television audience -- and, let's face it, the attendance does not look good -- there isn't going to be a WPS, which would be a terrible shame. In announcing, less is often more.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Bret Leuthner on May 31, 2009 at 11:53am: If I'm not mistaken, JP does Red Bull NY games when not on ESPN duty...so his soccer plate is full (not to mention EPSN is competing with FSC on soccer now, so there's no way JP would get one FSC airwaves). He also does PBP for the Atlanta Thrashers during NHL season.

DC DC n MB said:
Yeah, I get annoyed with the different WPS announcers after a while. Several basic mistakes about soccer and some grating voices make me head for the mute button. Granted, it's a tough job to make people want to listen to you talk for 2 hours straight, and there aren't many good announcers out there from the start. Bringing in some of the past and present soccer stars helps break up the monotony. Also, it's time to bring in JP Dellacamera to guest star and give a few pointers.

Does anyone like Fanzone? It's pretty funny and the fans know a lot about their team. I'd like the league to bring in some fans to help call some of the game.

John Madden RIP; ▶ Reply to This