Connections: Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 11, 2026, puzzle No. 656

July 11, 2026 - 02:29

Welcome back to the daily huddle for puzzle No. 656. Today's set of 16 words might throw a few curveballs, but we have the hints you need to avoid striking out. If you are looking for a gentle nudge before the full reveal, read on for the category clues.

First, a quick reminder: you are looking for four groups of four. The yellow category is the easiest, followed by green, then blue, and finally the tricky purple group.

Here are your hints for today's puzzle:

Yellow category: Think about the basic equipment you need to start a game.
Green category: These are specific actions taken by a player to gain an advantage.
Blue category: These terms describe the final moments of a close contest.
Purple category: Each word in this group can be preceded by the same word to form a common sports phrase.

Still stuck? The yellow group is "GEAR." The green group is "MANEUVERS." The blue group is "FINISHING STRETCH." And the purple group is all about adding "WILD" in front of each word.

If you want the full list of answers, scroll down.

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The final answers for puzzle No. 656 are:

Yellow (GEAR): BALL, GLOVE, HELMET, PADS
Green (MANEUVERS): DODGE, FAKE, JAB, SPIN
Blue (FINISHING STRETCH): FINAL LAP, LAST MINUTE, OVERTIME, SUDDEN DEATH
Purple (WILD ___): CARD, CAT, GOOSE, PITCH

How did you do? Share your score and any close calls in the comments below. See you for the next puzzle.