| Pre-Game Video | Live Game | Final Report |

A good scouting report is a "must" in successfully meeting and beating the many divergent game plans that teams often face in today's modern game. Hooptactics has developed a threefold scouting procedure designed to assist coaches of all teaching levels how to formulate an accurate, concise, and thorough game plan against each and every opponent to be faced. When passed on and interpreted, each player should be better prepared and far more confident in meeting whatever defense and offense the opponent is utilizing.

Sample NBA Scouting Report - Utah Jazz Sample WNBA Scouting Report - LA Sparks

Printable (PDF) NBA Scouting Report - Philadelphia

Preparation: When possible contact prior opponent(s) of the team to be scouted. Find out what they thought was successful and what was unsuccessful. Find out what they would do differently. However, because of the differences in player personnel and playing styles, use this information as a basis of starting your own observations and game plan. Do not take for granite what worked for them will work for you.

Phase 1. Pre-Game Scouting (video)

The first scouting segment is a pre-game video breakdown of an immediate opponent in a recent game action. Coaches chart an opponent's offensive and defensive possessions and, from such observations, a pattern of offensive and defensive strategies is established. Also, an overall philosophical view of the opponent tactics can be ascertained, along with individual player strengths and weaknesses. Pre-game video viewing should provide coaches with an initial understanding and overview of the opponent they will soon face.

Offensive Video Review: With the use of the remote control, chart each half court set play or pattern. Diagram exact movements of each offensive player by number, and when possible record offensive "calls" being used. Use only one diagram for each different set. When a play is repeated make a mark in the frequencies box. Be sure to record any organized fast break and early offense transitions. Follow the same procedure for baseline out of bounds, sideline out of bounds, and end of period plays. When finished viewing total all the offensive possessions. This offensive frequency breakdown chart will then be used for the actual live scouting phase.

Offensive Sets & Charting Frequencies Worksheet Examples of Play Diagrams

Printable (PDF) Offensive Sets & Frequencies Chart

Defensive Video Review: Use a second viewing of the video tape to record defensive actions and frequencies for each possession. There can be several entries for each possession. For example, against the "UCLA " set would entail defending against high post rub, post ups, down screens, and side screen entries. When completed a defensive profile can be compiled. The defensive profile will then be verified during the actual live game scouting.

Defensive Scenarios & Frequencies Checklist Examples of Zones and Combination Defenses

Printable (PDF) Defensive Scenarios Frequency Chart

Personnel Video Review: A third video viewing is used to compile individual player profiles. Just analyze the top seven or eight players. Note their physical attributes such as speed, strength, jumping ability, and aggressiveness. Determine their offensive and defensive roles as well as their strengths and weaknesses. Use a shot chart to note shot location for each player. If a shot chart is not available then manually record shot locations and types on court diagrams. When completed use this information to establish "How to play them " along with possible match ups.

Starters Player Profile Form Bench Player Profile Form

Printable (PDF) Player Profile Forms

Phase 2. "Live" Game Scouting

This scouting phase confirms and reinforces the info gathered from viewing the video segment. "Seeing is believing" is, in fact, true, and scouting in person adds even more authentic info on the offensive and defensive strengths of your opponent-to-be. Game scouting is charted similarly to the video viewing reports. Using the Offensive Plays and Defensive Profile summaries compiled from the video breakdowns, chart the frequency of each offensive and defensive possession. If a new set play or defense is seen be sure to diagram it. Confirm and add play calls. Verify and enhance each individual player profile as needed.

Video and live data results are then compared to formulate the most used offensive sets and defensive scenarios as well as individual player profiles to help team members prepare for their individual assignments. Final game and season stats, obtained before leaving the arena, brings all of the relevant data together and leads to an educated and well thought out game plan.

Printable (PDF) Offensive Plays and Frequencies Form
Printable (PDF) Overall Defensive Profile Form
Printable (PDF) Depth Chart and Player Rating Form

Sample Box Score Report
Printable (PDF) Sample Team Shot Chart & Scoring Breakdown (CyberSports)
Printable Sample Individual Shot Chart & Scoring Breakdown (CyberSports)

Phase 3. Organization for Playing Smart (Final Report)

Organizing and creating a scouting report. Find a quiet location and review all of your video and game charts and notes. After studying them carefully formulate a game plan and prepare your final written report. This final report should include the following:

Offensively Strengths and Weaknesses Defensively Strengths and Weaknesses Individual Player Strengths & Weaknesses Depth Chart and Player Ranking Game Plan: How to play them smart.

Playbook: Most Commonly Used Plays and Out of Bounds Plays (Click to view play diagrams) Transition & Early Offense Most Used Sets Lesser Used Sets Situations

© 2005 Ernie Woods, HoopTactics