
It’s no secret that trash-talking is a common practice in sports. Some players use it to motivate themselves, while others use it to get under their opponent’s skin. If you’re looking to gain an edge in a game, here are some things you can say to a player to hurt him:
Insult His Abilities

One of the easiest ways to hurt a player is to insult his abilities. Tell him that he’s a terrible player or that he’s not good enough to be on the field. This can be especially effective if the player is already feeling self-conscious about his skills.
Bring Up His Personal Life

Bringing up a player’s personal life can be a low blow, but it’s also a way to get inside his head. Make a comment about his family or his significant other, and he might lose focus on the game.
Call Him Names

Name-calling is another popular tactic in trash-talking. Call the player a derogatory name, such as “loser” or “idiot,” and he might get angry or upset.
Mock His Appearance

Mocking a player’s appearance can be hurtful, especially if he’s already self-conscious about it. Make a comment about his weight, height, or hair, and he might lose his cool.
Question His Manhood

Questioning a player’s manhood is a classic way to get under his skin. Imply that he’s not tough enough, or that he’s too scared to make a play, and he might feel the need to prove himself.
Bring Up His Failures

Bringing up a player’s failures can be a sore spot. Remind him of a time when he messed up, and he might become frustrated or angry.
Threaten Him

Threatening a player is a risky move, but it can be effective if done correctly. Make a veiled threat, such as “watch your back,” and he might become nervous or distracted.
Question His Intelligence

Questioning a player’s intelligence is another way to get under his skin. Imply that he’s not smart enough to make a play, and he might feel the need to prove you wrong.
Make Fun of His Teammates

Making fun of a player’s teammates can be hurtful, especially if they’re close. Imply that they’re not good enough, or that they’re holding the player back, and he might become frustrated or angry.
Insult His Family

Insulting a player’s family is a low blow, but it can be effective if done correctly. Make a comment about his parents or siblings, and he might become angry or upset.
Question His Motivation

Questioning a player’s motivation can be a way to get under his skin. Imply that he’s not playing hard enough, or that he doesn’t care about the game, and he might feel the need to prove you wrong.
Challenge His Toughness

Challenging a player’s toughness is another classic way to get under his skin. Imply that he’s not tough enough to take a hit, or that he’s too weak to make a play, and he might feel the need to prove himself.
Question His Skills

Questioning a player’s skills is another effective way to hurt him. Imply that he’s not good enough to be on the field, or that he’s overrated, and he might become frustrated or angry.
Bring Up His Personal Problems

Bringing up a player’s personal problems can be hurtful, but it’s also a way to get inside his head. Make a comment about his addiction or his marital problems, and he might lose focus on the game.
Make Fun of His Injuries

Making fun of a player’s injuries is a low blow, but it can be effective if done correctly. Imply that he’s faking it, or that he’s too weak to play hurt, and he might become angry or upset.
Question His Heart

Questioning a player’s heart is another classic way to get under his skin. Imply that he doesn’t care enough about the game, or that he’s not passionate enough, and he might feel the need to prove himself.
Insult His Intelligence

Insulting a player’s intelligence can be hurtful, especially if he’s already self-conscious about it. Make a comment about his grades or his IQ, and he might lose his cool.
Make Fun of His Religion

Making fun of a player’s religion is a low blow, but it can be effective if done correctly. Imply that his beliefs are silly or outdated, and he might become angry or upset.
Question His Work Ethic

Questioning a player’s work ethic is another way to get under his skin. Imply that he’s lazy or doesn’t work hard enough, and he might feel the need to prove you wrong.
Make Fun of His Accent

Making fun of a player’s accent can be hurtful, especially if he’s from a different country. Imply that his accent is funny or hard to understand, and he might become self-conscious or angry.
Question His Integrity

Questioning a player’s integrity is a serious accusation, but it can be effective if done correctly. Imply that he’s cheating or taking performance-enhancing drugs, and he might become defensive or angry.
Mock His Social Status

Mocking a player’s social status can be hurtful, especially if he’s from a wealthy or impoverished background. Imply that he’s spoiled or that he’s not good enough to be on the field, and he might become self-conscious or angry.
Insult His Friends

Insulting a player’s friends is a low blow, but it can be effective if done correctly. Imply that they’re not good enough or that they’re holding the player back, and he might become frustrated or angry.
Bring Up His Legal Problems

Bringing up a player’s legal problems can be hurtful, but it’s also a way to get inside his head. Make a comment about his past arrests or legal issues, and he might lose focus on the game.
Make Fun of His Name

Making fun of a player’s name can be hurtful, especially if it’s uncommon or unusual. Imply that his name is silly or hard to pronounce, and he might become self-conscious or angry.
Question His Loyalty

Questioning a player’s loyalty to his team or his country is another way to get under his skin. Imply that he’s not dedicated enough, or that he doesn’t care about winning, and he might feel the need to prove you wrong.
Insult His Fans

Insulting a player’s fans is a low blow, but it can be effective if done correctly. Imply that they’re not loyal or that they’re too annoying, and he might become frustrated or angry.
Bring Up His Age

Bringing up a player’s age can be hurtful, especially if he’s getting up there in years. Imply that he’s too old to be playing, or that he’s lost a step, and he might become self-conscious or angry.
Question His Courage

Questioning a player’s courage is another classic way to get under his skin. Imply that he’s not brave enough to make a play, or that he’s too scared to take a hit, and he might feel the need to prove himself.
Mock His Voice

Mocking a player’s voice can be hurtful, especially if it’s high-pitched or unusual. Imply that his voice is funny or hard to listen to, and he might become self-conscious or angry.
Bring Up His Past Mistakes

Bringing up a player’s past mistakes can be hurtful, but it’s also a way to get inside his head. Make a comment about his past failures or scandals, and he might lose focus on the game.
Insult His Culture

Insulting a player’s culture is a low blow, but it can be effective if done correctly. Imply that his customs or beliefs are strange or inferior, and he might become defensive or angry.
Make Fun of His Accent

Making fun of a player’s accent can be hurtful, especially if he’s from a different country. Imply that his accent is funny or hard to understand, and he might