A former college basketball coach, Norman Dale, arrives in the small town of Hickory, Indiana, to take over the local high school basketball team. His unorthodox methods and strict discipline initially meet with resistance from both the players and the town's residents. The team's best player, Jimmy Chitwood, is absent, grieving the death of a former coach, further complicating Dale's challenges. With tensions running high, a teacher named Myra Fleener also expresses doubts about Dale's capabilities, yet she slowly begins to see potential in his approach. Despite a rocky start, the team gradually starts to gel and embrace Dale's coaching philosophy, learning the true meaning of teamwork and perseverance.

As the basketball season progresses, the team faces various obstacles, both on and off the court, that test their resolve and commitment. Dale is joined by an assistant coach named Shooter, a recovering alcoholic with deep knowledge of the game but a troubled past. Shooter's journey to redemption parallels the team's path towards unity. As the players develop their skills and trust in each other, they begin to win games and capture the town's growing enthusiasm. Their remarkable transformation sets the stage for a tense and thrilling conclusion, epitomizing the power of belief, hard work, and community spirit in overcoming adversity.