Unlocking the Secrets of Today's Sports Puzzle Challenge

Ever felt stuck on a puzzle and wished for a nudge in the right direction? Today's Sports Edition puzzle is no walk in the park. It's a brain teaser that might leave you scratching your head, especially if French soccer isn't your forte. But don't worry, help is here.

How to Play

This puzzle isn't your typical New York Times game. It's a special edition brought to you by The Athletic, a site dedicated to sports news. You won't find it in the usual NYT Games app, but you can play it for free online or through The Athletic's app.

Hints to Get You Started

Yellow Group (Easiest)

• Theme: Something you wear on your head.
• Hint: Think about what you might put on your noggin to protect yourself or just to look cool.

Green Group

• Theme: A prefix that comes before a part of the year.
• Hint: It changes the meaning of the word "season."

Blue Group (Challenging)

• Theme: French football (Ligue 1 teams).
• Hint: If you're not familiar with Ligue 1 teams, you might find this one tricky.

Purple Group (Toughest)

• Theme: Something associated with Louisville Slugger, a famous baseball equipment brand.
• Hint: Think about what you need when you're up to bat.

Answers

Yellow Group

• Words: cap, hat, mask, visor

Green Group

• Words: mid, off, post, pre

Blue Group

• Words: Lens, Marseille, Nice, PSG

Purple Group

• Words: average, gloves, practice, stance

Final Thoughts

Remember, puzzles are meant to be challenging, but they're also meant to be fun. Don't get too frustrated if you can't figure it out right away. Take a break, come back later, and give it another shot.