Translating Product Backlog into Sprint Backlog
Every time a project is initiated there is no understanding, time-consuming effort to write down all foreseeable tasks or requirements. Usually, a project writes down what is obvious, which is almost always more than enough for a first sprint. The Product Backlog is then allowed to grow and change as more is learned about the product and its customers.
During the Sprint Planning Meeting the Product Owner along with the responsible team, prioritizes the items in the Product Backlog and describes them to the team. The team then determines which items they can complete during the coming Sprint. The team then moves items from the Product Backlog to the Sprint Backlog. In doing they expand each Product Backlog item into one or more Sprint Backlog tasks so they can more effectively share work during the Sprint. Conceptually, the team starts at the top of the prioritized Product Backlog list and draws a line after the lowest of the high priority items they feel they can complete. In practice it is not unusual to see a team select, for example, the top five items and then two items from lower on the list but that are associated with the initial five.
