A good basketball game day checklist covers four times: the night before, when you get to the gym, warmups and after the game. Know your scouting keys, your starting lineup, your substitution plan, your timeout plan and your end of game situations before you walk in. Then check equipment, paperwork and your staff’s jobs. A calm, organized coach makes for a calm team.
Game days used to feel chaotic early in my career. Once I started using a checklist, they felt a lot more under control. Here’s mine.
Game day checklist: the night before
- Finish your basketball scouting report and three keys
- Set your starting lineup and first substitutions
- Plan your rotation and playing time
- Review your timeout strategy
- Decide your end of game plays
- Print the player scout and the bench sheet
The night before: logistics
- Confirm bus time and who rides
- Check uniforms, warmups and the medical kit
- Confirm the scorebook, clock operator and stats person
- Make sure your roster and eligibility paperwork are in order
- Text your staff their jobs for the night
Know your rules too. The NFHS publishes the basketball rules most high schools play under, and your state association, like the WIAA in Wisconsin, adds its own. Rule changes catch coaches every year.
At the gym: your game day checklist
- Meet the officials and ask about any points of emphasis
- Check the scorer’s table and the book
- Find your bench and the locker room
- Make sure the film camera is set up
- Give your assistants their assignments
Warmups
Warmups should be organized and short. Players should know exactly what they’re doing. If you need a routine, our pregame warm up drills work well. Also get some game speed free throws in. Our post on free throw shooting explains why.
In the locker room, keep it simple. Three keys, matchups and one thing to focus on. Don’t give a long speech.
During the game
Have one assistant track fouls and timeouts. Have another watch the other team’s sets. You coach the game. When you know your plan ahead of time, you make better decisions in the moment.
After the game: finish your game day checklist
- Shake hands and thank the officials
- Keep the postgame talk short
- Remember your 24 hour rule with parents
- Check on any injuries
- Back up the film
- Write down three notes while it’s fresh
Why a game day checklist matters
A checklist frees your mind to coach. When the small things are handled, you can focus on your players and the game. Players notice when their coach is calm and prepared.
We have game day templates, bench sheets and scouting forms at TeachHoops.com.
