Do you love basketball? Would you like to spend your professional career leading a basketball team and teaching others to excel at the game? If so, maybe you've wondered about becoming a basketball coach.
In this article, we'll talk about what basketball coaches do on a daily basis and discuss the steps you can take to make your dream job a reality.
What Does a Basketball Coach Do?
Every basketball team has one or more coaches. Often, there is a head coach and one or more assistant coaches, especially on college and professional teams.
Basketball coaches work with players of all ages and skill levels, from very young children just learning to play the game to some of the world's top professional athletes.
Job Duties
The coach's job duties vary depending on the level of play and their specific type of coaching role.
Some of the many tasks a basketball coach may perform include:
- teaching players basketball rules and strategies
- leading practices and workouts to improve players' abilities
- working with individual players who need extra support
- assessing and treating injuries
- creating strategies for games
Soft Skills
Basketball coaches must have excellent leadership skills who value the importance of teamwork.
They must display sportsmanship toward their own team as well as opponents, be good communicators, and be willing to embrace their roles as mentors.
Work Environment
Basketball coaches may work in a variety of settings including:
- youth sports associations
- elementary, middle, and high schools
- colleges and universities
- professional associations
- community leagues
Coaches may work during normal business hours, but they often put in extra time on evenings, weekends, and holidays.
They must have a passion for the game that will make them willing to work whenever the job calls for it.
So, is this the career path for you? Keep reading as we discuss the step-by-step process of becoming a basketball coach.
Step 1: Obtain a High School Diploma
Preparation for becoming a basketball coach begins when you're still in school.
As you study basketball and learn all you can about the game, make sure you're focusing on your academic studies as well.
Graduating with a high school diploma is often the most basic requirement for aspiring basketball coaches.
No matter what level of basketball you hope to coach, having a diploma will help you get there.
Step 2: Consider Obtaining a Bachelor's Degree
A high school diploma may be enough to coach at the youth or community level. But if you're hoping to become a basketball coach for a school or professional organization, you'll need to take your studies further.
Often, basketball coaches at elementary, middle, and high schools are also teachers. They may teach one class or subject during the day and lead practices and games in the afternoon and evening.
If you want to coach at a school consider getting a degree in education or whatever subject you would like to teach. Otherwise, you can major in any field that interests you.
Coaches at the college and professional level may not double as teachers, but having a bachelor's degree will still be a necessary prerequisite to get these types of jobs.
Step 3: Play Basketball
If you can, join your high school and college basketball teams, or play in a community league. Immerse yourself in the game until the rules and tactics become second nature to you.
Basketball coaches must have a strong familiarity with the game, and the best way to gain that is by playing the game.
You may also want to watch as many games as you can, study practice videos, and spend time talking with or shadowing coaches. The key is to do whatever it takes to learn the game inside and out.
Step 4: Get Licensed or Certified
Every state will have different regulations you will have to meet to become certified or licensed, especially if you plan to work as a teacher in addition to coaching.
You may need to complete a CPR and first aid course, pass a background check, or complete state-specific training for being a coach.
Not all states or organizations will require these credentials. But it's a good idea to find out beforehand what licenses or certifications you will need, then take the necessary steps to obtain them.
Step 5: Meet All Job Requirements
You may find as you begin applying for jobs that additional requirements may be necessary.
You may have obtained a state certification, for example, but you may still have to complete job-specific training courses once you are hired.
You may also find that some states require you to get a license while other licenses are required by specific school districts or organizations.
Whatever the job requirements may be, take steps to meet them promptly.
Your Path to Becoming a Basketball Coach
Becoming a basketball coach can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, especially if you love sports and enjoy leading and working with others. Follow these steps to become a coach.
