Try filling the basketball player evaluation form out in our PDF editor and save some time, or grab a copy and complete it offline - it's up to you. Just stick to this simple guide.
1. Evaluator and Player Details
Get started by filling in the coach's name and the player's basic details like first and last name, birthday, school year, height, and weight.
In the experience section, just write a quick summary of the player's background in basketball. Coaches usually have the following info on hand to include:
• Years of playing organized basketball
• Previous teams, leagues, or school programs
• Camp, club, or travel team experience
• Any recent competitive level (recreational, school, academy, club)
Keep it brief - one or two lines is about right.
2. Review the Rating Scale of the Player Evaluation Form
Before you start scoring, take a gander at the rating scale on the side of the form. It ranges from 'could do better' to 'got it spot on'. Just bear it in mind so you can give players some decent, fair feedback - and try and be consistent.
3. Rate Basketball Skill Categories
At this point, you're watching live, and you're getting to see how the player actually handles the game - not what you think they should be doing. Just pay attention to how they react to pressure and how their closely related skills hold up as the drills get progressively tougher.
Here are the areas you're mainly looking at when evaluating players:
• Just how consistent is their ball handling and shooting?
• Are they using the right defensive positioning and effort on the court?
• Can they move their body around okay, and do they have the stamina to keep it up?
• Are they showing some awareness and making good decisions out there?
You've also got to go through each of the key skills in basketball - shooting, dribbling, passing, defense, rebounding, and athleticism. Just score the player on what you see, and mark the rating that best fits what you've observed.
And remember, the key thing is to keep your scoring fair, without letting your expectations or any preconceptions get in the way.
4. Check Specific Skills and Behaviors
Use the checkboxes to tick off any key actions, habits, or strengths you've observed, like court vision, effort, positioning, or ball control. These will help explain why you gave the player a certain score and what areas they need to focus on.
5. Game Play and Coachability
Try to evaluate them in game situations - and not just at the end of the game. Also, take a look at how they respond to coaching and their teammates.
6. Comments and Court Position Notes
Use the comments section to jot down any thoughts or recommendations you've got for the player. Then mark the half-court diagram with an 'O' where the player fits on offense and an 'X' where they fit on defense. If applicable, just add the player number.
