How to Keep Statistics at a Football Game

Keeping statistics at a football game provides a better understanding of what is happening on the field, and why. Although the naked eye is good for a general impression, statistics help define which players are doing well, and a team's strengths and weaknesses. Though different methods exist for taking statistics, certain guidelines apply to all.

Instructions

  1. Options

    • 1

      Decide which statistics to keep during the games. Statistics like rushing yards, passing yards, receiving yards and tackles are staples. Among other helpful statistics are first downs, penalty yards, sacks, kick return yards, punting yards, fumbles and interceptions. Time of possession is also useful to know.

    • 2

      Choose a method of how to write down the statistics. A common way is to write down the play-by-play on one piece of paper, while keeping running totals of the statistics on another. This initially requires more work, but saves time at the end because you don't have to go through each play to compile the statistics. Having the play-by-play at hand provides a backup so you can make sure the statistics are accurate.

    • 3

      Devise a method of shorthand that is easy to understand. Make it clear what the starting yard line is for each series. If the ball is on the offensive team's 20, write own 20. If the ball is on the defensive team's 20, write the initials of the other team and the yard line. For example. if the team on defense is Penn State, write PS 20. If No. 15 runs the ball for 5 yards on a play that starts at his 20, write 15 + 5 to 25. If No. 19 throws a 20-yard pass to No. 88 on a play that starts at their 30, write 19 to 88 + 20 to 50. Record who made the tackle after writing down what happened on the play. Using the running play as an example, write 15 + 5 to 25 T-54. The T stands for tackle. If something else happens on the play such as a first down or fumble, make a note to yourself and record it on the second page with the running totals. The second page should have blocks or spaces for each statistic that you can fill in easily.

    • 4

      Add up all the individual and team statistics at the end of the game. You can also do this at halftime to have a better breakdown of how the game unfolded.