What is the best way to learn a sport?

[VegasDave]

Obviously watching, I know.

Not just for gambling's sake, but the fact that I'm an aspiring sports journalist, I feel that it is key to know as much as possible on all sports.

I know baseball as well as anyone... can probably name every player in the league and give you a solid estimate on their stats at any point in the season.

I'm also knowledgable enough in hockey and both pro and college football.

My biggest problem is basketball, both pro's and college. Let me clarify, I know the rules and everything... just never have been a big fan... Have never really come to appreciate the nuiances of the game, it has always struck me as boring and I feel as though I am missing something.

Other than simply watching games, what do you all do to learn (and eventually master) sports that you weren't into to begin with?

[dave11486]

playing the sport helps of course

[Arilou]

Some tips that I've picked up:

1. Use gambling to your advantage, by thinking about what the odds mean. They tell you a lot about what makes teams more likely to win and what situations are good or bad and how much. Live betting and halftime lines help even more.

2. Watch the best at what they do. This is also just more fun, in my experience. When I was learning basketball two years ago, Illinois took me to school, and I got lessons aplenty from Duke and North Carolina. This year do the same things: Look for good teams and good matchups, and watch critically.

3. Talk it over. Find friends, especially gamblers, who know the sport, and ask them lots of questions. Have them point stuff out. This is vital.

4. Books and magazine articles and such are good, as is radio/TV analysis and all that, but a large part of that is teaching you how the public thinks rather than correct thinking. Be careful.

5. The sabermetric websites help you a ton. For basketball, make sure to use 82Games.com.

[VegasDave]

Thanks Arilou, certainly a start

[Santo]

Video games are also a good way to learn the basics in my experience. I learnt US football through Madden '94 or so.