You have been asked to keep the score at the next game, but are not sure what to record. This guide is for first-time scorekeepers, team managers, parents and new coaches. It covers the basic items to track, how a paper scoresheet is organized, and where a scorebook app can help.
BoardStrategist is a basketball tactics-board and scorebook app. The basic principles below apply whether you use paper or an app; app records are for team use and do not replace the official method required by a competition.
What does keeping score involve?
“Keeping score” can mean several levels of detail. Start with these four essentials:
- Points: which team scored and how many.
- Fouls: who committed them and the team-foul total.
- Timeouts: how many each team has used or has remaining under the event’s procedure.
- Substitutions: who left the court and who entered.
In an official game, use the federation or tournament’s scoresheet and instructions. In a practice or informal scrimmage, a simple team-made table that captures the score and fouls may be enough. Once the basics are reliable, you can add rebounds, assists, turnovers and other stats. Trying to track every detail before you are comfortable can lead to missing points or fouls.
Paper scoresheet basics
A paper scoresheet commonly has sections for scoring, fouls, timeouts and player substitutions, filled in as the game proceeds. Official forms often specify symbols and correction procedures. Those details can differ by federation and event; read the tournament’s instructions or attend its scorekeeper briefing rather than relying on a generic online explanation.
For informal team records, an easy-to-read home-made sheet can work. Prioritize something you can update quickly during play. For an official assignment, follow the required form and correction process exactly.
Paper or app?
Paper needs no battery and can be easy to check with officials and benches. A scorebook app can calculate totals as events are recorded, make it easier to correct a mistaken entry and capture more detail, such as shot location. The right choice depends on the game and the organizer’s requirements.
An app-generated score is a team or personal record. It does not take the place of an official scoresheet or the duties assigned to official table personnel. For an official game, use the organizer’s designated process.
Recording a game in BoardStrategist
BoardStrategist is designed primarily for iPad and also works on iPhone. To start, select an opponent from saved teams or enter a guest opponent. During the game, the scorebook can record made and missed two- and three-point shots, free throws, offensive and defensive rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, turnovers, fouls, timeouts and substitutions. Shot location and shot type can be included when the corresponding detail setting is enabled.
Recorded plays update the score and player statistics. The game view can show the score, remaining timeouts, team fouls and shot clock. If an entry is wrong, Undo can reverse the most recent play; older events can be reviewed in Play by Play and edited or deleted. The resulting box score and player stats can be used for a team review. Read the scorebook feature details for current supported functions, devices and plan information, and our basketball stats guide for ideas on using the data after the game.
Frequently asked questions
I am keeping score for the first time. What should I learn first?
Start with points, fouls, timeouts and substitutions. For an official game, also learn the event’s required form and procedures.
Where can I learn the official scoresheet notation?
Check the rules and scorekeeper guidance from the federation or competition organizer. Their specified instructions take precedence over a general beginner guide.
Should I use paper or an app?
Use the method required by the event for official records. For team practice and personal records, choose the method that is easiest to operate and review.
What can BoardStrategist record?
It records scoring, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, turnovers, fouls, timeouts and substitutions, among other play events. Recorded events feed box-score and player statistics; shot-location tracking can support a shot chart.