Dot book

A dot book (also dotbook or dot-book or drill book) is a small notebook utilized by marching bands (especially high school show bands and drum corps) in order to aid the learning of formations on a field.

The dot book was invented by Leslie Allard, a prominent high school band instructor and all-star percussionist.

The general layout of a dot book contains the "longitudes" and "latitudes" of an American football field.

This would mean that the player is 3 steps inside (towards the 50 yard line) from the 45th yard line from the right side (facing the press box) and is five steps in front of the back hash (see Field and players of American football for an explanation of terms).

Dot books are considered essential by many high school band instructors to the progress of drill.

An example of a complex dot book. Note how it is upside down: this aids in the reading of the book when it is strung around the neck. This particular player is AS10 ( Alto saxophone 10)