“Unravel the Mysteries of the Sports Connection: Strategies to Decode Connections #97”

**Connections Sports Edition: Hints, Tips, and Strategies to Solve the Puzzle**

The New York Times has launched a new daily word game called **Connections Sports Edition**, a sports-themed spin-off of its popular word game, Connections. In this edition, players need to find the common thread between four words that share a connection in the world of sports. In this article, we’ll provide you with hints, tips, and strategies to help you solve the puzzle and get better with each new day.

**What is Connections Sports Edition?**

Connections Sports Edition is a collaboration between The New York Times and The Athletic, a New York Times property that provides sports coverage. The game can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices, and requires players to group four words that share a common thread. The game features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. The sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there’s only one correct answer.

**How to Play Connections Sports Edition**

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. Players need to find the common thread between the four words in each set. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake – players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

**Tips and Strategies to Solve the Puzzle**

Here are some tips and strategies to help you solve the puzzle:

* **Rearrange and shuffle the board**: Players can rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier.
* **Color-coded categories**: Each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple.
* **Share the results**: Players can share the results with their friends on social media.
* **Take your time**: Don’t rush through the puzzle. Take your time to think about each set and the connections between the words.
* **Look for common themes**: Look for common themes, patterns, and associations between the words.

**Hints for Today’s Puzzle**

Here are some hints for today’s puzzle:

* **Yellow:** Keep from scoring
* **Green:** Used in England’s summer sport
* **Blue:** Offensive players who play or played in LA or St. Louis
* **Purple:** Athletes known by their father’s name

**Today’s Connection Sports Edition Categories**

Need a little extra help? Today’s connections fall into the following categories:

* **Prevent a goal**
* **Cricket equipment**
* **Rams WRs past and present**
* **Famous juniors**

**Today’s Solution**

Are you ready for the answers? The solution to today’s Connection Sports Edition #97 is:

* **Prevent a goal:** BLOCK, PARRY, SAVE, STOP
* **Cricket equipment:** BAIL, BALL, BAT, STUMP
* **Rams WRs past and present:** BRUCE, HOLT, KUPP, NACUA
* **Famous juniors:** BECKHAM, EARNHARDT, GRIFFEY, RIPKEN

**FAQs**

Q: How do I play Connections Sports Edition?
A: Players need to find the common thread between four words that share a connection in the world of sports.

Q: How many mistakes can I make?
A: Players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Q: Can I share the results with my friends?
A: Yes, players can share the results with their friends on social media.

Q: What if I didn’t manage to guess it this time?
A: There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we’ll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

**Conclusion**

Connections Sports Edition is a fun and challenging word game that requires players to think creatively and make connections between different words. With these hints, tips, and strategies, you’ll be better equipped to solve the puzzle and get better with each new day. Good luck, and happy puzzle-solving!