I have both observed as well as scouted Basketball games in my 33 years of coaching. Usually a scout will arrive as inconspicuously as they could to a game. They find a good place to sit where nobody will bother them. However, a good and loyal fan will recognize them immediately. The scout will do his work and then make it a point to leave before the game is over. However, when they leave, they make it a point to be seen by everybody in the gym. It is almost like saying, “this game doesn’t matter, so I am leaving.” If the game didn’t matter, then why are they there scouting?
Here are some good ideas for scouting. Always take a tablet with lots of paper. Take two colored pens with you, one should be red. Use the red for anything that you have never seen before. When, you arrive at the game, get there a little before the tip off and talk to the fans in a friendly way. Be gracious and respectful of their school and program. Try to find out if any of the players have been hurt or are playing with injuries. See if any players have had discipline problems. Things like ejections or technical fouls are important to know about. Find out if certain players have missed games because of academics or personal problems. You can usually get this information from one of their loyal fans.
As the game begins, count the number of players on the bench and court. Match them up with those on your program. Are they all there? If not, find out why. Make notes of the gum itself. Checkout things like cleanliness of the floor, lighting, scoreboard, bench location, traffic of the crowd, closeness of the crowd, where do the cheerleaders stand, dressing room locations, and security. Which basket do they like to shoot at? All of these are minor but, could become major factors, if you play there.
Watching the first three minutes of the game and start of the second half is critical. Do not miss it. Most teams will start right a way in their set offense and defense. Players will drift to their favorite spots on the floor. Observe where they like to go and especially where they don’t like to go. For example, some players don’t like contact, so they stay out of the lane. Some teams will try to get the ball inside right away to their bigger players. Who are the players making these passes? Who are the players that they are trying to get the ball too? Which player takes the most shots in the first few minutes?
Other things to look for. The player that handles the ball. When he dribbles, which side of the court does he take the ball? Some players will only go one way. Which ball handlers hate pressure or can’t handle the defensive pressure? Which player commits the most turnovers? Who is their best rebounder and best defensive player? Who are their top three outside shooters? Who is their worst shooter? Who makes free throws and who doesn’t? Which player is lazy? Which players are hot heads? Who is the first and second players off the bench as subs? Make notes of all these things.
Observe the teams offensive sets. What is the easiest thing to take away with your defense? (Right this in red.) Where do their players like to shoot from? Who would best match up with them defensively from your team? Can you defend the post player? If so, on the right or left? Will you have to double team the post player?
Observe the team defense. Can you easily get the ball where you want to, when you are on offense. Can you run on them? Will they let you cut across the court on them with your offense? Do they hard trap the ball? Do they play man or zone defense? If zone, what type is it? Who is their weakest /strongest player? Do they use a press? Is in full court, 3/4, or half court? Is it a man or zone press? What is the best way to attack it? Do they play zone or man defense on out of bounds plays?
Once you have answered these questions, only then can you start recording the type of offensive plays they use. This is where you use your X and O’s on your play diagrams. Keep in mind that these have variations and can change with personnel in the game.
Lastly, don’t leave before the game is over. It is rude and shows a lack of class. Besides that, you might learn something about a last second shot for the game. Knowing how to defense this could be the difference in winning or losing your game. Also after the game is over, see if the players are good sports or if there is any confrontations. This helps because it could protect your players in heated situations.
A good scout will realize that they can’t solve everything. But, it does help prepare your team for your contest with them. If you can disrupt their offense or defense by taking away one or two things, it could go a long way in winning your game.
