How to Make a Depth Chart

Depth charts serve as valuable resources for every member in a sports organization. Coaches create depth charts to determine starters and divide playing time. Players view depth charts to see where they stand and use it as motivation to fight for a starting position. At the professional level, general managers use depth charts to identify positions of weakness, giving them insight into which players to pursue in free agency or trades. Creating a depth chart is a simple process for any coach who knows his roster.

Instructions

    • 1

      List every player on your roster in a column. For certain sports, such as football and baseball, split up offense and defense or fielders and pitchers.

    • 2

      Write each player's primary position next to his name. If someone plays multiple positions, pick his best spot. For example, pitchers in baseball could be marked as a starting pitcher or reliever.

    • 3

      Write down any other positions the player plays next to his primary position. For example, baseball star Albert Pujols primarily plays first base, but he also has experience at third base and left field.

    • 4

      Write down each position in a separate column, leaving ample space to list the players who play there.

    • 5

      Go through each position and determine the best option to start at that position. Write that player's name at the top of the column for that position. If two players seem like equals at a position, skip that spot. One of the players may be a better fit for another position, leaving the other spot open.

    • 6

      Continue ranking players at positions until all names have been accounted for. Some names may appear more than once. For example, your best outside defender may be your third-best option at center defender.

    • 7

      Post the depth chart where players can see it.