Sports Strategy Vocabulary

noun a hidden advantage or resource that can be used if needed

preposition in

• The company's ace in the hole is their innovative research and development team.
• I heard that John has an ace in the hole for getting out of trouble.
• She always keeps a spare key as her ace in the hole.
• His ability to speak multiple languages fluently is his ace in the hole when it comes to landing international clients.

noun a group of people leading an action or movement

• The advance guard was tasked with scouting ahead to ensure the safety of the main group.
• The advance guard always gets to the best camping spots before everyone else.
• The advance guard is like the VIP crew leading the way.
• In the world of business, being part of the advance guard means being at the forefront of innovation and progress.

verb to expect or predict something to happen in the future

• The company anticipates a successful year ahead based on current market trends.
• I anticipate a fun weekend with friends coming up.
• I didn't anticipate the party being so lit!
• She could anticipate his every move, like they were connected on a deeper level.

noun a baseball play in which the batter holds the bat steady and tries to tap the ball lightly into play

verb to hit a baseball lightly without swinging the bat hard

• The baseball player attempted a bunt to advance the runner to second base.
• I saw the batter lay down a bunt to surprise the defense.
• The batter tried to bunt but missed the ball completely.
• In order to navigate the tricky situation, she decided to bunt and take a different approach.

noun the act of directing someone away from the correct path or direction

• The magician used misdirection to deceive the audience.
• She tried to use misdirection to avoid answering the question.
• The con artist pulled off the scam with some clever misdirection.
• His misdirection of blame onto others only caused more problems.

noun a substitute or replacement for someone in any situation

• The coach decided to bring in a pinch hitter in the ninth inning.
• The team put in a pinch hitter to try and score some runs.
• The pinch hitter came in and knocked it out of the park.
• She always serves as a pinch hitter when the team needs someone to step up and help out.

noun a physical action of moving something in a forward direction

verb to exert force on something in order to move it forward

• In order to achieve our goals, we must continue to push forward with determination and focus.
• Hey, let's push forward and finish this project before the deadline!
• Come on, don't give up now, we gotta push forward and get through this!
• Despite facing many obstacles, she found the strength to push forward and overcome the challenges in her way.

noun a meeting or discussion to brainstorm ideas or solve problems, especially in an informal setting

• The team held a skull session to discuss their strategy for the upcoming game.
• We need to have a skull session to figure out how to solve this problem.
• Let's have a quick skull session to brainstorm some ideas.
• The professor's lecture felt like a never-ending skull session.

noun a situation in which two parties or groups are unable to reach an agreement or compromise

verb to remain at a distance or maintain a neutral position in a conflict or competition

• The two countries engaged in a diplomatic stand off over the disputed territory.
• The two teams had a stand off before the game, trying to intimidate each other.
• The gang members had a stand off in the alley, ready to fight.
• The debate between the two politicians turned into a stand off as neither was willing to concede.

noun a plan or strategy for achieving a particular goal

adjective relating to or constituting actions carefully planned to gain a specific end

• The marketing team implemented a new tactic to increase customer engagement.
• She always has a tactic up her sleeve to get what she wants.
• His tactic of ghosting people when he doesn't want to talk is so rude.
• Using humor as a tactic to diffuse tense situations can be very effective.

adjective showing adroit planning; aiming at an end beyond the immediate action

• The military developed a new tactical strategy to outmaneuver the enemy.
• Let's come up with a tactical plan to win this game.
• We need to be more tactical about how we approach this situation.
• She approached the negotiation with a tactical mindset, carefully navigating the conversation to her advantage.

noun a period of time during which one waits for a particular outcome or resolution

verb to remain in a place or situation until a particular event or period of time has passed

• We will wait out the storm in the safety of the shelter.
• Let's just wait out the traffic before we leave.
• We should wait out the drama and see how it plays out.
• Sometimes the best strategy is to wait out your opponent and strike at the right moment.

noun a person or thing with only one special feature, talent, or area of expertise

• The musician was worried about being labeled as a one-trick pony because of his repetitive style.
• Don't be a one-trick pony, try to show off your other skills too!
• He's just a one-trick pony, don't expect too much from him.
• Being a one-trick pony in this industry won't get you far, you need to be versatile.

noun a list of songs or pieces of music that a band or performer is going to play during a concert or performance

• The band carefully curated their setlist for the concert.
• I can't wait to see what songs are on the setlist for tonight's show!
• The setlist for the gig is gonna be lit!
• In life, we each have our own setlist of priorities that we need to follow.