Sports fiction is a genre that combines the excitement and drama of sports with the narrative and character development of fiction. However, there are various other terms used to describe this genre. "Athletic fiction" or "athleticism fiction" are synonyms that emphasize the physical and competitive aspects of the genre. "Sporting literature" is another descriptor which implies a more traditional or classic approach to sports-themed stories. "Sports novels" or "athletic sagas" refer to the more expansive and epic stories that follow athletes or teams over a longer period of time, while "sports-themed books" or "athletic tales" convey the diversity of stories that fall under this genre.