How to Do a Basketball Player Evaluation

Basketball is a team sport, but each team is made up of individual players. The improvement of each player will strengthen the team as a whole; therefore, it is imperative that players be given specific feedback on their performances throughout the season. With many players on a team it can be challenging to provide detailed feedback to each player within the confines of a practice session. This article focuses on the Player Evaluation process.

Things You'll Need

  • Coaches
  • Players
  • Parents (Optional)
  • Game Tapes (Optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      The coaching staff should determine the criteria by which each player will be evaluated. This is often the most difficult part of the process. If part of a larger program, be sure that the criteria are in line with the overall program, so the players will be evaluated consistently and grow with the program. This will provide the best opportunity for the player to reach his/her potential in the program.

    • 2

      List the criteria in the first column on a spreadsheet or sheet of paper. Try to keep it simple. Although basketball is a complex, multifaceted game, try to get the criteria down to 10 or fewer if possible. Put them into categories (Offense, Defense, Intangibles) to make it easier to document the evaluation, as well as present it to the player.

    • 3

      Complete the rest of the spreadsheet by adding two columns for "Strengths" and two columns for "Needs for Improvement." Lastly, add a "Comments" column.

    • 4

      Distribute the spreadsheet to each of the coaches. Each coach fills out an evaluation form for each player. As much as you think you know your players, it is always helpful to have some recent game films to review while doing the evaluations. This will help to provide specific feedback.

    • 5

      Have a coaches meeting to develop a consensus evaluation for each player. This consensus becomes the Player Evaluation. Be sure to be specific with your feedback. It is not important that every box is completed on the spreadsheet; however, you play a key role in their development, so give the player an accurate evaluation--"sugar coating" it is cheating the player of the feedback they need to improve. They work very hard as players--be sure that they know what they need to focus on going forward.

    • 6

      Set up an evaluation meeting time with the player and coaching staff. This can be a day set aside for the whole team or one player each day. Try to keep the meeting to no more than about 15 to 20 minutes--anything beyond that is more information than can be consumed.

    • 7

      Provide the written evaluation to the player in advance of the meeting so they can review it. This allows them to be prepared with questions and concerns.

    • 8

      Conduct the meeting in a private, quiet location where the player and coaches can have each other's undivided attention.

    • 9

      When providing the evaluation, be sure to allow for open communication between everyone. It is important that all communication is geared towards helping the player reach his/her potential.