How to Sign "Sport"

To sign 'sport', form both hands into 'A' handshapes with your thumbs pointing upward. Hold your hands in front of your chest with your palms facing each other. Move your hands forward and backward in an alternating motion, so one hand goes forward while the other comes back, and repeat this a couple of times.

Examples Using "Sport" in a Sentence

1

What is your favorite sport?

Sign 'YOUR', 'FAVORITE', 'SPORT', and 'WHAT'. Use the alternating 'A' handshapes for 'sport', and remember to furrow your eyebrows at the end since it is a 'wh-' question.

2

I like to play sports.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'LIKE', 'PLAY', and then use the alternating 'A' hands for 'SPORTS'. Keep the back-and-forth motion energetic.

3

We are watching sports on TV.

Sign 'WE', 'WATCH', 'TV', and 'SPORTS'. The sign for 'sports' uses the same alternating back-and-forth motion to show the competitive action.

How to Sign "Sport"
To sign 'sport', form both hands into 'A' handshapes with your thumbs pointing upward. Hold your hands in front of your chest with your palms facing each other. Move your hands forward and backward in an alternating motion, so one hand goes forward while the other comes back, and repeat this a couple of times.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'sport' is highly iconic, visually representing the concept of competition. The two 'A' handshapes symbolize two individuals, teams, or opposing forces. The alternating back-and-forth motion depicts them racing against each other or vying for the lead, which is the core element of any sport or competition.
Signing Tips
Keep your movements crisp and energetic to convey the active nature of sports. Make sure your thumbs stay pointing upward and your palms face each other throughout the motion. The alternating forward and backward movement should be relatively small and contained within your chest area, rather than large, sweeping arm motions.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is moving both hands forward and backward at the exact same time, rather than alternating them. Remember that one hand should move forward while the other moves back. Another mistake is using 'S' handshapes (thumbs wrapped across the fingers) instead of 'A' handshapes (thumbs resting alongside the index fingers).
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Sport" in a Sentence
1

What is your favorite sport?

Sign 'YOUR', 'FAVORITE', 'SPORT', and 'WHAT'. Use the alternating 'A' handshapes for 'sport', and remember to furrow your eyebrows at the end since it is a 'wh-' question.

2

I like to play sports.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'LIKE', 'PLAY', and then use the alternating 'A' hands for 'SPORTS'. Keep the back-and-forth motion energetic.

3

We are watching sports on TV.

Sign 'WE', 'WATCH', 'TV', and 'SPORTS'. The sign for 'sports' uses the same alternating back-and-forth motion to show the competitive action.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'sport' the same as 'compete'?

Yes, the sign for 'sport' is exactly the same as the sign for 'compete' or 'competition'. The context of your sentence will make it clear whether you are talking about playing a sport or entering a competition.

Does it matter which hand moves forward first?

No, it doesn't matter which hand starts the forward motion. As long as the hands are alternating back and forth past each other, the sign is perfectly clear and correct.

Can I use this sign for specific sports like basketball or soccer?

This sign is used for the general category of 'sports'. If you want to talk about a specific sport like basketball, baseball, or soccer, there are unique signs for each of those individual games.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!