From post-game to play-by-play

Abstract

As a field of research or possible sub-discipline, sports geography has not realized its full potential. This paper summarizes some of the main subjects investigated and approaches taken to date, then using this as a launching point, describes a particular way forward for research. It is argued that a better engagement with, and showing of, the physicality, energy and feeling of sport might be achieved through employing non-representational theory, itself involving an emphasis on exposing the immediate and moving in life, including the less-than-fully conscious practices, performances and sensations involved. In particular, these arguments are framed by discussions of some of the fundamental qualities of ‘movement-space’ that might be more clearly animated in future scholarship – specifically rhythm, momentum, vitality, infectiousness, imminence and encounter – and are supported by highlighting some pathbreaking sports geographies that have already begun to convey them. It is argued that, whilst these qualities are critical to sport in their own right, importantly they interplay with social, political and economic processes in sport that geographers already have a modest record of engaging with.