At the community level, coaching is so much more than calling plays and subbing players in and out. One of the most underappreciated yet powerful skills you can develop is learning to read the game from the bench.
Here are some key areas and tips to help you read the game more effectively:
1. Watch Off the Ball, Not Just the Ball
It’s easy to get caught watching the player with the ball — we all do it. But the best coaches train their eyes to look away from the ball. Ask yourself:
- Are our players moving with purpose when they don’t have the ball?
- Is anyone getting open or screening?
- Are we spacing the floor well?
- What are the defenders doing — helping too early, ball-watching, or playing good denial defense?
Tip: If you are lucky enough to have an assistant coach either ask them for periods of time to focus on ball-handlers while you scan team shape and spacing.
2. Look for Repeating Patterns
Basketball is a game of runs and habits. What trends do you see?
- Are the opposition scoring the same way (e.g. fast breaks, pick and roll, baseline drives)?
- Are your players consistently struggling with rebounding or transition defense?
- Is one player consistently left unguarded on the perimeter?
Tip: Make a quick note or a simple tally mark when something happens more than once. You can then use it as a tool as to where to direct your attention in the review or at practice the following week.
3. Tune into Energy and Effort
Reading the game isn’t just tactical — it’s emotional and physical too. Notice the body language and energy levels of your team.
- Are your players tired and flat, or buzzing with effort?
- Who needs a rest, and who is ready to go?
- Are we sprinting back on D or jogging?
- Has the vibe changed after a few missed calls or baskets?
Tip: Don’t be afraid to make subs slightly earlier than usual if you notice a trend fatigue turning into mistakes. Praise effort loudly and have a technique or method to reset team focus during timeouts.
4. Read Matchups and Mismatches
From the bench, you have the advantage of seeing the whole floor. Look for individual matchups you can exploit.
- Is one of your players being guarded by someone smaller, slower, or less experienced?
- Is one of their players dominating a matchup?
- Do you need to hide a weaker defender by switching their assignment?
Tip: You don’t need set plays to exploit matchups — a simple isolation or clear-out can create good opportunities.
5. Use Timeouts and Breaks to Reset
Timeouts are not just for giving instructions — they’re moments to assess and reset.
- What is one clear message or adjustment the team needs? Don’t overload on words and information.
- Are we sticking to our identity, or getting distracted?
- Regardless of the score, do players understand what success looks like this quarter?
Tip: One or two clear points will be more effective and remembered than five rushed ones.
6. Involve Players in Reading the Game
Players learn better when they think for themselves. If you have to be focused on the game have your assistant ask questions from the bench and feed you back relevant information:
- “What do you see happening on defense?”
- “Why do you think that shot was open?”
- “How can we get [player name] more touches?”
Tip: Rotate players next to you on the bench and have mini check-ins. Make the bench a learning zone, not just a waiting area.
7. Reflect After the Game
The best game-readers become that way because they review what they saw and learn from it.
- What adjustments worked?
- What did I miss?
- How did the players respond to feedback?
Tip: Jot down three notes post-game — one thing you read well, one you missed, and one thing to work on next time. Also do not do this in isolation, involve your assistants and in some instances players.
Remember: observe, adjust, and teach — and don’t be afraid to learn every game.
