Connections: Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 14, 2026, puzzle No. 659

July 14, 2026 - 06:23

Welcome back to the coach's corner. Today's puzzle, number 659, offers a fresh set of sports-themed challenges for July 14. If you are looking for a nudge in the right direction without a full spoiler, here are some general hints.

First, scan the grid for anything related to team names, player positions, or common game terminology. One category might group together terms associated with a specific piece of equipment used across multiple sports. Another could focus on verbs that describe a common action during play, like what a referee does. Keep an eye out for words that can double as slang for a type of win or a decisive moment in a game.

If you are still stuck, remember that the purple category is usually the trickiest, often involving wordplay or a less obvious connection. For today, think about words that sound like they could be a part of a uniform or a piece of gear, but are actually something else entirely.

For those ready for the full answers, here is the breakdown. The yellow category is "TENNIS SHOTS" with the words: BACKHAND, DROP, LOB, VOLLEY. The green category is "GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP" with: CLASS, GRACE, HONOR, RESPECT. The blue category is "NFL PLAYER POSITIONS" with: CORNERBACK, END, GUARD, TACKLE. Finally, the purple category is "___ BALL" with: CUE, EIGHT, FOUL, SNOW. Good luck with the next puzzle.