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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/44496
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

Use inner dialogue to create tension. Watching a sporting event as a fan always includes constant, intense inner dialogue (and some not so inner dialogue). There is no need to change POV. That could get confusing. You do not need to create a personal connection with one of the players. Even a casual fan already feels a connection to ALL of the players (By casual I mean someone who attends games often but not always). You know their names, their positions, their strengths and weaknesses. And you want them to win.

I'm partial to basketball, so let's start there.

Your team is introduced and they come onto the court. The crowd stands, clapping and shouting. You get caught up in the excitement immediately. As the game progresses You alternate between cheering and watching. And inner dialogueing.

"Bob is wide open, why doesn't Gary see him?"

"Holy cow, I can't believe he made that shot!"

"John looks like he's about to pass out, I wonder how long he can last."

"Why are they switching Joe out now? There's still 2 minutes on the clock."

"They need to put Bill back in or they'll never catch up."

"That's not going to go in. Oh my gosh, it did!"

"#24 just double dribbled! Are the refs blind?" The rest of the crowd will also notice the double dribble and everyone is yelling now at the refs. I doubt there has ever been a refereed sporting event in history where a call wasn't missed. This tends to upset the crowd.

By the end of the game, your hands are sore from clapping, your voice is hoarse from yelling and you're pumped full of adrenaline. Unless your team lost, then everyone is a little more sullen. Or still mad at the refs.

Drop hints about the event you have planned into the inner dialogue. Make the game and the plot compete for the POVs attention.

Original score: 0