Sports Coach

A coach is a person involved in the instruction, training, and direction of the operations of a sports team or of individual athletes. In high school or middle school, a coach is usually a teacher. A coach is usually supported by one or more assistant coaches and other specialist support staff including trainers and coordinators. Coaching is one of the most important aspects of sport, and a coach can impact not only a game but also the lives of every athlete they coach.

Education

While a college degree is not necessary to become a coach, many coaches will earn a degree, so it is strongly recommended. Most coaches achieve a degree in physical education. This helps them study the many aspects behind leading a successful sports team. You also decide what sport you want to coach. There are many different sports to choose from, such as football, hockey, tennis or track. You will want to start small. Get experience by coaching youth leagues or assisting with local high school teams. You want to learn about the basics of coaching while building a relationship with other local coaches. You also want to go to clinics because continuous learning is essential. There are a variety of clinics available for each sport, including football (https://www2.usafootball.com/resource-center/coaching/clinics) and hockey (https://www.usahockey.com/viewallclinics.aspx). You need to apply for the right jobs. Do not apply for jobs for which you are under qualified. It is important to find a job that fits your experience and skill set. Becoming an assistant coach is a great way to network with other coaches and gain experience before you decide to become a head coach.

Job Description

Coaches work with athletes and instruct and prepare them for competition. They help athletes play their best by teaching them necessary skills and providing them with strategies to achieve success. They are experts on strategies, techniques, and the rules of their sports. Coaches work in youth leagues, secondary school sports, college sports, and professional sports. They also work at camps, clinics and clubs designed specifically for teaching. Coaches have to pick players for their team and cut players who they feel don’t belong for whatever reason. Coaches also look for players by sending out scouts to watch players in other leagues or on other teams. After the team is made, coaches help the athletes on his team work out strategies and plays to be successful. High school coaches are responsible for many administrative tasks, including maintaining supplies and equipment, scheduling practices, and reserving playing facilities.

Pros & Cons

Because most coaches are involved in a sport they truly love, coaching gives them the opportunity to continue to contribute and work in the sport even if they can no longer play it. For a lot of people, coaching comes as a transition from playing. Coaching also provides you with many learning opportunities. You can learn more about the sport and yourself from players, from games, and from practices. Coaching is an exciting position which gives you the thrill of competition. It is also very rewarding to see the work both you and your players put in each practice pay off during the game. There are some difficulties that come with coaching, however. Losing can be difficult, especially when it is due to circumstances beyond your control. Heartbreaking losses can be devastating to players which can be difficult and painful to deal with. You may also be coach of a team that loses every single game, which can be depressing and discouraging. High school coaches and youth coaches often have to deal with difficult parents. While many parents are supportive of coaches, some might have stronger feelings about competition or their kid’s ability. Cutting players can be extremely difficult too. As a coach, you have to identify the players who can best contribute to the team, and that often means cutting players who may be extremely nice or with whom you have a positive relationship with. This can be a really tough blow to a player, and is often a very difficult task for a coach.