After watching an opponent, notes like “tall” or “fast” rarely tell a team what to prepare. Scouting is not a verdict on another team. It is a way to agree on what to watch and practice. Record choices in context, not assumptions about individual players.
Choose a small observation window
Do not try to chart everything at once. Pick one or two questions:
- Where does the offense often begin?
- Who gets back after a turnover, and who stays ahead of the ball?
- Where do players gather for a rebound after a shot?
- How does the defense help on the ball and recover afterward?
Before writing “always,” note how many examples you saw and in what situation. “On two of three sideline inbounds in the first quarter, a player cut toward the corner” is more useful than “they always use the corner.” A small sample should not become a claim about the whole team.
Use a one-page note format
Separate observation (what happened), context (time, location, numbers, defensive shape), hypothesis (what might happen again), and preparation (what to rehearse). Add a confidence level to a hypothesis and mark unverified items as questions. This keeps impressions from being mistaken for evidence.
Example: Observation: “The guard drove left twice after receiving near the middle.” Context: “Half court; help arrived late.” Hypothesis: “The left lane may be a preferred gap.” Preparation: “Rehearse containing the drive and checking the help position.” This is an example of a note format, not a claim about a real opponent.
Share only the cues players need
Before the game, share one or two observable cues rather than the entire report. Avoid labels such as “weak.” Tell players what to look for. Once play begins, update the notes when the game differs from the scouting report. A useful observation can become outdated after one tactical adjustment.
Follow team policy, facility rules, and any required family communication for recording and sharing player video. Do not obtain private material without permission or circulate notes as personal criticism.
Turn the report into practice
Review whether the preparation helped players recognize a situation, not merely whether a prediction was right. After the game, ask what was observed, which hypothesis changed, and what one practice adjustment follows. Chapter 7 (pp. 15–16) of the second edition of the JBA U12 Category Coaching Guideline describes coaching that helps players notice, think through, and solve tasks in ways suited to their developmental stage and proficiency. This article uses that coaching principle as context. The guideline was published in 2021; it does not state 2026 category rules or current required procedures. This scouting template is editorial guidance, not a JBA-prescribed form.
These are general coaching suggestions. Check current team and event policies for filming and video sharing.
Sources
- JBA U12 Category Coaching Guideline, 2nd edition (published Dec. 22, 2021) — section 7, pp. 15–16. See the JBA publication notice.
Frequently asked questions
How detailed should the notes be?
Start with one or two questions and write enough context to identify the situation and how often it appeared. The goal is not to chart every possession.
When can a tendency be treated as certain?
A few examples may not establish a stable tendency. Keep observations separate from hypotheses and update the report when the game gives you new evidence.
How should video be shared?
Follow team, event, and facility rules, including any required family communication. Check who can access the footage and how long it is kept.