Chapter - 33

Scouting

The scouting report | Team characteristics | Individual characteristics | Miscellaneous information | Scouting hints

Because of the increase in the number of offensive and defensive patterns being used in modern basketball, scouting has become increasingly important. A detailed scouting report on each opponent will reduce the chances of surprise and allow adequate preparation for each opponent. A particular offensive pattern can be better defensed if several days of practice are devoted to a defense for the pattern. A team can expect to score more easily against an opponent's troublesome zone if they have had opportunity to practice against this type of defense and its specific weaknesses prior to gametime. These are but a few of the many items a detailed scouting report can reveal that may be used to improve the chances for victory.

The Scouting Report

The detailed scouting report should include the following:

Team Characteristics

Offense

Team Offense (Half-court)

Method for keying offensive plays

Fast-break patterns

Jump-ball plays

Free-throw alignment

Zone attack

Attack for pressing defenses (both zone and man-for-man)

Freezing pattern

Rebounding responsibilities

What defense gives the offense the most trouble?

Defense

Basic team defense

Types of other defenses used

Pressing defenses (who are the best pressers?)

Defense (Cont.)

Method of combating screens 

Weak areas of team defense Rebounding responsibilities Defensive free-throw alignment

General

General condition of team

Experience

Speed

Shooting ability

Rebounding ability

Depth

Teamwork

Individual Characteristics

Offense

Characteristics of each player (height, weight, speed, position, favored

shooting hand)

Types of shots and location Outside shooting ability

Driving ability (can he drive both left and right?)

General ball-handling ability

Rebounding ability

Condition

Attitude

Defense

Characteristics of each player (stance, footwork, position)

Rebounding

Eye position (does he turn his head to look for ball?)

Aggressiveness

Talk

Miscellaneous Information

Type of court (size)

Type of goals (fan, glass, wood)

Officiating

Fan reaction

Scouting Hints

1. A more detailed report can be compiled if more than one scout can cover the opponent. One scout can compile charts while the other watches the offensive and defensive patterns.

2. Arrive early and observe individuals during warm-up.

3. Compile the report immediately after the game while it is fresh in mind.

4. Scout the opponent several times if possible.

5. Study the scouting report thoroughly and use its information in planning for the opponent. Use skull sessions and work on the practice floor against the patterns learned from the report.

6. File scouting reports for future reference.

Are You Ready To Move Onto The Next Lesson? Click Here...