The Ultimate Sprint Planning Checklist for Value-Driven Teams

Sprint planning is more than just selecting items from a backlog; it is an active alignment session where the Scrum team builds a shared commitment. Use this comprehensive framework across all execution phases to cut through ambiguity and prepare your team for a high-impact sprint.

Phase 1: Before Sprint Planning (Preparation Phase)

Product Owner Checklist:

• Update the Product Backlog with refined, sized, and ordered items.
• Ensure the top PBIs have clear Acceptance Criteria.
• Consider a proposed Sprint Goal (optional: collaborate early with Scrum Master and Developers).
• Communicate known dependencies and business priorities.
• Identify any items blocked by external factors.

Scrum Master Checklist:

• Remind team members to update their capacity plans (vacations, holidays, other work).
• Schedule the Sprint Planning session with all required participants.
• Ensure the Definition of Done (DoD) is reviewed and understood by the team.
• Prepare tools or boards needed (Jira, Azure DevOps, Miro, Notion, etc.).

Developers Checklist:

• Review the Product Backlog ahead of the session.
• Prepare technical questions or clarifications needed from the Product Owner.
• Update availability for the Sprint (include personal leave, training, etc.).
• Raise any potential technical risks or challenges proactively.

Phase 2: During Sprint Planning (Collaboration Phase)

Entire Scrum Team Checklist:

• Reconfirm Sprint Duration (e.g., 2 weeks).
• Agree on a clear and valuable Sprint Goal.
• Select Product Backlog Items (PBIs) that align with the Sprint Goal.
• Break selected PBIs into smaller items if needed (optional but recommended).
• Ensure each selected PBI has:
  • Clear Description
  • Acceptance Criteria understood
  • Testability within the Sprint timeframe
• Discuss and document any Risks, Dependencies, or Impediments.
• Revisit the Definition of Done (DoD).
• Timebox the session strictly.

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Phase 3: After Sprint Planning (Follow-up Phase)

Product Owner Checklist:

• Be available for clarifications during Sprint execution.
• Share the updated Sprint Goal and Sprint Backlog with stakeholders (optional).

Scrum Master Checklist:

• Ensure the Sprint Goal is visible on the team board/tool.
• Confirm that tasks are assigned (if the team assigns tasks) and the board is clean.
• Note any open risks or blockers and start mitigating early.

Developers Checklist:

• Start the Sprint with a full understanding of the goal and the Definition of Done.
• Initiate work on high-priority, Sprint Goal-related items first.
• Plan collaboration points (e.g., pair programming, swarm sessions if needed).