The Best Basketball Scorebooks To Buy in 2024

Have you ever been asked to keep the "book" at a basketball game?

Some of you might shake your head and be like, "what's the book?" Others will smile and say, "Oh yeah!" 

The "book," or scorebook, is the official record of a basketball game. At youth levels, volunteers will sit at center court to operate the game clock and keep records in the scorebook. At higher levels, paid staff perform both activities to ensure their are no errors. 

Today, we're going to take a closer look at a basketball scorebook, what's inside, why it matters, and which ones you should buy. 

If you're preparing for a tournament or simply need a new basketball scorebook mid-way through the season, we've got you covered. 

What is a Basketball Scorebook?

A basketball scorebook, also known as a basketball score sheet or scorecard, is a document used to record the details and statistics of a basketball game. It serves as an official record of the game and contains information about each team's performance, individual player statistics, and the overall outcome of the game.

What Goes in a Basketball Scorebook?

Typically, a basketball scorebook consists of multiple pages, with each page representing a specific game. The scorebook includes various sections and columns where the scorer or statistician can record relevant information. Some common elements found in a basketball scorebook include:

Team Information: This section includes the names of the teams participating in the game, as well as their respective coaches.

Game Details: Here, you'll find fields to record the date, time, location, and any other pertinent details about the game.

Starting Lineups: This area allows the scorer to note the players' names, jersey numbers, and positions for each team's starting lineup.

Scoring Summary: The scoring summary section allows the scorer to keep track of each team's points scored throughout the game. Typically, there are columns to record field goals made, free throws made, three-pointers made, and the total points scored by each player.

Fouls and Substitutions: This section allows for recording fouls committed by players and the subsequent free throws awarded. It also includes space to note substitutions made during the game.

Individual Player Statistics: In this part, individual player statistics such as points scored, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and turnovers can be recorded.

Team Statistics: This section provides space to record overall team statistics, including total points, field goal percentage, free throw percentage, rebounds, assists, and other relevant data.

Why Does it Matter?

​By maintaining a basketball scorebook, coaches, players, statisticians, and fans can refer to the recorded data to analyze team and player performances, identify trends, and make informed decisions for future games.

​The scorebook is important because if there is a dispute of any kind, it serves as the official record of the game. For example, a team believes their starting point guard has three fouls but the official scorebook says four. Four fouls it is. 

What Basketball Scorebooks Should I Buy?

1. SR Basketball Scorebook

Buy On Amazon

The SR Basketball Scorebook is a great option and should last most teams all season. 

Price (at time of post): $14.90

​Games: 35

2. Mark V Scorebook

Buy On Amazon

The Mark V book has an old school look but is as reliable as they come. This book scores 30 games. 

​Price (at time of post): $12.99

​Games: 30

3. Murray Basketball Scorebook

Buy On Amazon

The Murray basketball scorebook has room for 35 games and up to 15 roster spots. 

Price (at time of post): $15.99

​Games: 35

Need Help Doing the Basketball Scorebook?

The video below gives a great tutorial and is easy and straightforward to follow. If you have any questions, send me an email here. 

Additional Resources

I hope you found value in this article and a scorebook that works for your team. 

For additional books on basketball, check out our Best Basketball books page here. 

We also have a lot of basketball content in that section of our blog. 

All the best and keep ballin'! ​