Playing Time Template

Understanding and managing player playing time in WLBL Basketball games

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Playing Time Rules

Minimum Playing Time Rule (Applies to All Scenarios)

  • Each player MUST play one full quarter (start to finish, no substitution) in the first half
  • Each player MUST play one full quarter (start to finish, no substitution) in the second half

Maximum Playing Time Rule

This rule applies ONLY when BOTH teams have 7 or more players to START the game.

If one team does not have 7 players, then the maximum rule does not apply for either team.

  • No more than 6 players on the court at a time
  • Each player MUST sit one full quarter (start to finish) during the entire game

Playing Time Management Grids

The following grids show examples of how to manage playing time for teams with 7, 8, or 9 players. An "X" indicates the player is on the court for that quarter.

8 Players Team

Player QTR 1 QTR 2 QTR 3 QTR 4 Sits
Player 1 X X - X QTR 3
Player 2 X - X X QTR 2
Player 3 - X X X QTR 1
Player 4 X X - X QTR 3
Player 5 X - X - QTR 2
Player 6 - X X - QTR 1
Player 7 - X X - QTR 1
Player 8 X - - X QTR 2

9 Players Team

Player QTR 1 QTR 2 QTR 3 QTR 4 Sits
Player 1 X - X X QTR 2
Player 2 X X - X QTR 3
Player 3 X - X - QTR 2
Player 4 - X X - QTR 1
Player 5 - X X - QTR 1
Player 6 - X X - QTR 1
Player 7 X - - X QTR 2
Player 8 X - - X QTR 2
Player 9 - X - X QTR 1
In this scenario the only player who can be "subbed" out during the 4th quarter would be Player 1. And the only players who could be subbed in are those who have sat a full quarter already.

7 Players Team

Player QTR 1 QTR 2 QTR 3 QTR 4 Sits
Player 1 X - X X QTR 2
Player 2 X X - X QTR 3
Player 3 X - X X QTR 2
Player 4 X X X - QTR 4
Player 5 X X - X QTR 3
Player 6 - X X X QTR 1
Player 7 - X X - QTR 1

Important Notes

  • These grids are templates and examples. Coaches may adjust as long as the minimum rules are followed.
  • The maximum rule only applies when BOTH teams start with 7 or more players.
  • Always ensure each player gets their required full quarters in each half and their required sit quarter.
  • Communication with players and parents about playing time is essential.