Training resources library

General resources

Debate theory

Worksheet: Writing an argument
Worksheet: Rebutting arguments using the three types of rebuttals

Debate prep

Training video: Topic Analysis in Debate
Training video: Basic Researching for Debate
Worksheet: Writing a plan or a counterplan for a debate on a policy resolution
Training video: Building Contentions for Debate
Worksheet: Basic case worksheet
Sample: Basic Affirmative case

Live debating skills

Training video: Intro to Flowing
Training video: Public Speaking in Debate
Training video: Perceptual Dominance in Debate
Training video: How to Use a Countdown Timer
Training video: Signposting in Debate
Activity: About You in One Minute
Activity: Mascot Game

Format-specific resources

IPDA format

International Public Debate Association Constitution & Bylaws (see Article 1 for event description)
Printable IPDA flow sheets (letter size and legal size)
Google Sheets IPDA flow sheet template and sample flow (note that IPDA prohibits digital computing devices in round)
Sample IPDA debate recordings: 1, 2, 3, 4

Lincoln-Douglas format

Lincoln-Douglas debate format overview
Printable Lincoln-Douglas flow sheets (letter size and legal size)
Google Sheets Lincoln-Douglas flow sheet template and sample flow

Public Forum format

Public Forum debate format overview
Printable Public Forum flow sheets (letter size and legal size)
Google Sheets Public Forum flow sheet template and sample flow
Sample Public Forum debate recording (featuring novice debaters)

Ready Set Debate format

Team Policy format

Team Policy debate format overview
Printable Team Policy flow sheets (letter size and legal size)
Google Sheets Team Policy flow sheet template and sample flow

2024-2025 competition season resources

American Speech & Debate Association (ASDA)

Ready Set Debate’s ASDA Lincoln-Douglas strategy guide (coming soon!)
ASDA Resources page (contains ballots, rubrics, handbook including rules, Lincoln-Douglas sourcebook, etc.)

Ready Set Debate Member Handbook (7th Edition)

Note that this version of the handbook is now outdated and is not actively used in our teaching.