This is my first year to use DakStats for basketball, and I was very frustrated when I first began using the play by play mode. Since I only use it at home games, I didn't feel comfortable with the program until mid-season. The main complaint I have is how the program will not let you move forward until you complete the play, and in some cases, the play didn't warrant what it was asking me to enter. Even though I have a great caller, there is too much room for error when one person is responsible for keeping all stats for both teams. The software is designed as such that it doesn't move as fast as the game; therefore, plays are missed and not recorded. It needs to be more user friendly in case someone would have to keep the stats due to my absence. It shouldn't have to take someone until mid-season to feel confident with its use.
I would like to ask for some specifics when you said you couldn't keep up...was that with all plays...or just certain plays like steals/turnovers or putbacks (tip-ins)?
Just to let you know in play-by-play mode...the ENTER button will become enabled when you have entered all the required data to keep the game 'In Balance'. So, the software won't let you add a Steal without a Turnover...and it won't let you add a Rebound without a Missed Shot.
A couple of tips that might help. - First make sure you have latest version of the software, we recently added some features to make substitutions much easier. You will want to at least have version 4.102 but 4.11 is the current version (downloads available at www.dakstats.com)
- I have found the two easiest ways to do subs are: 1. right click on the player in the game that is subbing out...then it will pop up a menu showing everyone currently on the bench...select the player coming in or 2. use the stats list on right hand side of screen...as the players come up to the scorer's table to get checked in. Then, right click on their player number in the stats list (far right of screen). Then, when subs happen, click on the players that head to the bench. Once you have selected the same number of players entering/leaving the little 'SUBS' button will enable. Click it...and you are done.
- Also remember, you don't have to point-and-click. You can enter plays via the keyboard using the hotkeys. So, for a BLOCK press 'B'.
- when typing in jersey numbers if you enter two digits it will automatically go to the next field...but if you only type one digit then you have to press TAB to go to next field. So, I often train people to enter '01' instead of '1' because you may then have to press TAB.
I have done lots of tournaments where I train people that same day on how to run the software. Substitutions normally take the most time to train on...but with our latest version it should be easier and faster.
I appreciate the helpful info, and will check to see what version we have. Since it is summer vacation and it has been awhile since season, I am having a hard time remembering specific instances where the program wouldn't let me move forward until all fields were completed. I understand that is the play by play mode which makes sure the stat person completes the play. What I'm saying is that sometimes the fields were asking for a player when it warranted no player. I believe it was when a player shot a free throw and there was a lane violation, but the DakStats asked me for a rebounder. I had to just feel in a player to move forward and keep up with the pace of the game. I use the right click for substituting a team and individuals- it is quicker!
I appreciate the helpful info, and will check to see what version we have. Since it is summer vacation and it has been awhile since season, I am having a hard time remembering specific instances where the program wouldn't let me move forward until all fields were completed. I understand that is the play by play mode which makes sure the stat person completes the play. What I'm saying is that sometimes the fields were asking for a player when it warranted no player. I believe it was when a player shot a free throw and there was a lane violation, but the DakStats asked me for a rebounder. I had to just fill in a player to move forward and keep up with the pace of the game. I use the right click for substituting a team and individuals- it is quicker!
