High School Basketball: Senior Night is a GREAT Celebration

Youthbasketball123 is a website designed to provide ideas, drills by gradebooks, teaching tools, basketball jokesguest blogsbasketball quotes, and so much.

Senior Night

Senior night is a special night that recognizes the senior basketball players. It usually occurs during the final two weeks of the season and is one the last home games. The coach or athletic director scheduled the evening. In an ideal world, the game can be against an opponent where all seniors can receive a good amount of playing time and the team can still come out with a win. . The night of the week often is factor that might impact the turnout. 

How to prepare for a Senior Night:

  1. Inform players and parents in advance: The date might be selected at the start of the season. If a schedule is published on a website, make sure the senior night is listed clearly 
  2. Order flowers for parents: Flowers are a great way to honor moms and parents. 
  3. Speech: The coach should prepare a speech for event. It can be as simple as an explanation of the night and calling the players and parents to half court. 
  4. Senior Cheerleaders / Dance Team: Many basketball have cheerleaders who perform at each game. This is also a special night for the senior members on this team. The basketball captains can present each senior member with flowers. Parents will also be called out to honor each senior cheerleader. 
  5. Inform visiting coach of night and delay during pregame. Stop the warm-ups with 5 minutes left. Have the teams return to the benches and start the ceremony. After the ceremony is completed, allow the players 5 minutes to warm-up before the opening tip. 
  6. Thank You Cards: This is one option for the players. Each player should prepare a card for the parent(s). The players should purchase a card ans spend a little time writing a personal note to the parents for all the support over the years. A player may choose to present one card to a set of parents, or give one separate card for each parent. 
  7. Player Posters: A poster for each player and hung around the court is a nice touch. These posters can be made by parents, or probably a little easier and more memorable, would be to hire a local photographer. Be sure to allow plenty of time for this. Pictures can be taken early in the season and the posters can be ready later. The season goes quick so do not put this off. 
  8. Thank the Athletic Trainer: This is a great opportunity to thank an athletic trainer for all the support of the team an athletes. A small token gift or flowers could be presented too. 
  9. Post Game Celebration: After the big night, in the lobby or locker room, the players can have a little food and drink. Pizza, soda, water, cupcakes, or cake are all great options. Local businesses might even be willing to donate some of the goods. 
  10. Senior Presents: In addition to the posters, senior parents may want to purchase a few presents for the seniors. A t-shirt, yeti, sweatshirt are just a few ideas. The presents do not have to be expensive, but it is a nice way to honor the players. 
  11. Playing Time: This can be a tricky one, but get ALL seniors in as much as possible. 4 years is a BIG commitment!