Rules for Keeping Basketball Stats

Basketball statistics can be an illuminating guide for which players are most effective. Stats are kept by coaches, parents, scouts and even some fans to get a better barometer of what each player does. Keeping statistics can be done by hand or with computer software. Each requires a strong focus and a sharp eye for detail.

  1. Manual Player Statistics

    • The simplest way to keep basketball statistics is with a spread sheet. Sports retailers and sporting departments at larger stores sell books for this. A coach can enter each player's name and number on the left side of the page, then enter the players' stats on the right side as the game progresses. Common categories are shots attempted and made, free throws attempted and made, personal fouls, rebounds, steals, assists and blocked shots.

      Depending on your experience, you might want to start slowly, taking only the most essential stats. Also, don't add up totals until after the game so as to maintain concentration.

    Computerized Player Statistics

    • As coaches increasingly rely on computers for keeping stats, software products have become more popular. One such program is Turbostats, which allows you to watch the game court side and enter stats via a computer keyboard. The statistical totals are compiled in fractions of a second, so coaches have access to how their players are performing at any time. Programs such as Turbostats also allow coaches to easily keep updated season stats on hand, enabling them to chart a player's progress over the season and see if team and individual play improve as coaching changes are implemented.

    Team Statistics

    • While most basketball fans are interested in how many points a player scored or how many rebounds he grabbed, team statistics are vital to coaches. These can be kept either in a notebook or computer, and sometimes require more than one person to keep track of. Statistics such as points off turnovers, deflections and charges taken are not readily accessible just by looking at a boxscore. Having assistant coaches or team personnel keep track of these areas during a game allows head coaches to acquire a deeper insight into his team.