How to Break Down Game Film as a Coach: A Post-Game Blueprint

Breaking down basketball game film is one of the most valuable habits a coach can develop—and one of the most overlooked. While it’s easy to move on after a game, the real growth often happens in the hours that follow. For years, I’ve made it part of my routine to watch every game we play and create a detailed Post-Game Report with the help of my staff.

Before we dive into how to break down game film as a basketball coach, here are a some other tools you may want to add to your arsenal (check them out after this)…

1. How to Build a Winning Basketball Culture: 5 Daily Habits for Coaches
2. 7 Ways to Build a Winning Culture in Your Basketball Program
3. Embrace Adversity: Turning Tough Losses Into Opportunities
4. 5 Principles to Transform Player Development

Anyways, this article outlines that exact process—step-by-step—and how it’s helped shape our program’s success.

Basketball Post-Game Film Review Step 1: The Post-Game Meeting (15–20 Minutes)

Immediately after each game, our coaching staff gathers in the office. No film yet—just initial thoughts. We ask three key questions:

1. What went well?
2. What didn’t go well?
3. What do we want to focus on in film?

During this conversation, we jot down notes—things like transition defense, rebounding, or specific rotations. After that, we specify what the assistants should look for when they review the game. This step helps us watch film with intention, not just with emotion.

Basketball Post-Game Film Review Step 2: Upload & Efficiency Chart

That same night the game film is uploaded to our breakdown software (like Hudl). While it’s uploading, a member of our staff enters data into our Offensive and Defensive Efficiency Chart. This is a running document that helps identify patterns—good and bad.

For example, if we give up a scoring run every third quarter, I’m going to dig deeper into that trend over time.

Basketball Post-Game Film Review Step 3: The Post-Game Report

This is a critical piece. Inspired by something Kevin Eastman used to do with the LA Clippers, a member of our staff writes a full report after every game and sends it to the entire coaching staff by morning. The report includes:

• Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring & +/-
• Rebounding Comparisons (per half + total)
  (Rebounding is a non-negotiable emphasis in our program)
• Notes from the Efficiency Chart
  (How did we execute offensively and defensively?)
• Clipped Film Notes
  (Both good and bad examples—with context for each)
• Practice Adjustments
  (Drills or areas to focus on based on what we saw)

1 Rule for the Report to Work: No Ego – Everyone has to be open to feedback.

Basketball Post-Game Film Review Step 4: Clip Offensive and Defensive Possessions

Once the film finishes uploading, a member of the staff segments it into offense and defense. That way, we can focus on one side of the ball if necessary.

We also pull clips related to what we discussed in our post-game meeting while highlighting both positive plays and breakdowns. Coaches often overlook this. If players only see their mistakes, they’ll check out. Showing growth builds buy-in.

What’s included in a clip in the report:

• The clip number
• The reason it’s included
  (e.g., great help rotation, poor closeout, bench energy)

What to Look for on Film

Every program has its own emphasis, but here’s what we consistently evaluate:

Defensive Focus:

• Transition Defense – Are all 5 sprinting to the paint before matching up?
• On-Ball Defense Angles – We don’t allow middle, so hips and feet must reflect that.
• Help Side Positioning – Are we in gaps? On the white line?
• Hands and Contested Shots – No uncontested looks allowed.
• Rebounding Effort – Are all 5 players “hitting and getting”?

Offensive Focus:

• Early Offense Execution – Is the 5 sprinting to the rim? Are the wings wide? Is the 1 looking to advance?
• Spacing, Timing & Patience – Are we rushing or reading the defense?
• Shot Selection & Ball Movement – Are we making the extra pass?
• Rebounding Roles – Are we sending 4 to the glass and keeping 1 back?

Intangibles:

• Body Language – Are guys cheering, supporting, and staying engaged? Or sulking and reacting negatively?

Basketball Post-Game Film Review Final Step: Send to the Staff

Once the report is finalized, it’s sent to the coaching staff.

FAQ: Breaking Down Basketball Game Film as a Coach

Q: What’s the best way to start a post-game film review?

A: Begin with a short, focused coaching staff meeting right after the game. Ask:

• What went well?
• What didn’t go well?
• What do we want to look for in the film?

This sets the tone and gives purpose to the film session. Avoid watching the film emotionally—clarity starts with structure.

Use a simple post-game debrief template to keep your reviews consistent and actionable.

Q: What software should I use to break down basketball film?

A: Most coaches use Hudl or Krossover, but any software that allows tagging, sorting, and sharing clips can work. The key is speed of upload, ease of tagging, and accessibility for staff and players.

Choose a platform that fits your budget and workflow—but prioritize speed and tagging flexibility.

Q: What’s included in a basketball post-game report?

A: An effective post-game report should include:

• Quarter-by-quarter scoring and plus/minus
• Rebounding comparisons
• Efficiency metrics (offensive and defensive)
• Labeled film clips with context
• Suggested practice adjustments

Create a report template that staff can update immediately after each game for faster analysis.

Q: How should I tag film clips for coaching?

A: Each clip should be:

• Numbered for easy reference
• Labeled by reason (e.g., great help rotation, poor closeout)
• Categorized as either positive or constructive
• Linked to your team’s core teaching points

This structure makes film review sessions more focused and digestible for players.

Start small—tag 5 offense and 5 defense clips per game that support your teaching goals.

Q: What do great coaches look for when reviewing basketball film?

A: Top coaches track consistent themes like:

• Defense: Transition effort, on-ball angles, help-side discipline, contested shots, rebounding
• Offense: Spacing, timing, shot selection, ball movement, rebounding roles
• Intangibles: Body language, communication, bench energy

Build a film checklist aligned with your team values and systems to guide every review session.

Q: How long should a post-game film session be with players?

A: Keep it concise—15 to 20 minutes max. Focus on 3–5 key clips per topic and rotate between offense, defense, and intangibles. Highlight both breakdowns and great efforts to balance feedback.

Use film sessions to reinforce identity, not just critique mistakes. Purpose builds buy-in.

Q: Should you include players in the film tagging or review process?

A: Absolutely. Inviting captains or leaders to tag or review clips fosters ownership and accelerates learning. Even reviewing clips 1-on-1 with players can deepen their basketball IQ.

Start with your PG or vocal leader—give them a simple tagging task post-game to build engagement.

Q: How do you turn film review into actionable next steps?

A: After reviewing, identify 1–2 habits to reinforce in the next practice. Link each film session to a tangible drill or cue. For example: if rebounding effort was lacking, open the next practice with a competitive rebounding drill.

End every film review with a sentence: “Based on what we saw, here’s what we’ll improve today.”

Q: How do I prevent players from getting discouraged during film review?

A: Show wins. Every player needs to see themselves doing something well. Always highlight positive moments—great closeouts, team communication, or hustle plays. Growth-minded film sessions keep morale high and learning sharp.

Balance every critique with a praise clip to foster confidence and teach through success.

Q: Where can I learn how to break down basketball film like a pro?

A: Join the PGC Coaching Community—a membership that provides access to film breakdown tutorials, templates, and weekly coaching insights used at the highest levels. Learn from experienced coaches and grow your game IQ.

Start your 7 day FREE trial and gain the tools to make film breakdown a competitive advantage.

Final Thought

Film breakdown isn’t just for college or pro coaches—it’s a tool every coach can use to transform their team. Start small, stay consistent, and let film guide your teaching and your team’s growth.

If you’d like to explore even more resources just like this, grab a free 7-day trial to get access to our members-only content.

TJ
Check more practice Program Administration & Off-Court Management resources here.

About the Author

TJ Rosene

Coach TJ Rosene, head coach of the Emmanuel University men’s basketball team and Director of Coach Development for PGC Coaching, has spent his career shaping young athletes both on and off the court. With over 400 career wins and 12 seasons of 20+ wins, Rosene’s coaching experience is extensive and impressive. His teams have competed in six national championship games, winning three NCCAA National Championships. Under his leadership, the Lions made their NCAA Division II debut in 2018-19 and quickly captured two season titles and one tournament title, along with an appearance in the NCAA Division II Sweet 16 in 2021./p>

Rosene’s success expands far beyond the scoreboard. He’s been named National Coach of the Year three times and Conference Carolinas Coach of the Year twice. But for Coach Rosene, the most meaningful part of his work is the lasting impact he has on his players’ lives. As he puts it, “Coaching is a rare opportunity to shape and mold the lives of young people. It’s a privilege that I never take for granted.”