Getting into coaching

I'm also a sophomore in college but my dad is a high school coach and I know quite a few high school coaches in a variety of sports so take it for what it's worth...

You gotta have something to offer. Being a college player or even a pro player is great, but if you can't teach the players the game, then you aren't any use.

What is your subject concentration?

I have almost convinced my brother out of the history education that he was looking at doing and now he's looking for toward kinesiology and possibly PE. If he gets a history minor, he'll be much more useful than if he just had the history education degree.

One thing I'd suggest is if you want to get into coaching, it might be wise to look into some sort of weight lifting certification. Being able to do strength and conditioning as well as teach and coach a sport could go a long way.

Other than that, just coach! Experience is definitely a good thing.

Myself, I'm studying athletic training, but I really enjoyed coaching a summer high school team this past summer. Depending on work next summer, I think I'm going to try doing it again.

I'm actually an elementary ed major right now, I love the level and would really like to stick with it, but if it's going to be a crutch I really want to be a coach.

Bulldog gave you some great advice.

I agree about being able to do a lot of things. I would add getting a school bus license to drive the team bus. That has helped me quite a bit to get started. Most schools are looking to save money somehow and if they don't have to pay drivers they jump at the chance.

You don't have to be a college player to get hired but it doesn't hurt. Bulldog is correct that you have to be able to teach the game. That is the most important part of it but playing at that next level will open many doors and allow you to learn the game in a deeper manner. I thought I knew a lot coming out of high school but when I played college I learned so much more. This was at a low level too - you never know enough.

Start volunteering at local high schools (if you are not playing) on the freshman and JV levels. Most coaches are not going to let a 21 year old start coaching at the varsity level without knowing you. Give them a chance to get to know you and earn that trust to move up the ranks. Besides one day you might need their recommendation to get a job.

As for what you teach I say teach what you enjoy. There is no point going into a classroom trying to teach something you don't enjoy or know very well. Kids will know right off the bat if you know your stuff or not. Remember you will always be a teacher first and coach second (besides you get paid more for teaching). Do something that you will enjoy and the kids will enjoy it a little bit more.

That being said most schools would like their coaches "in house" but that isn't always the case. Areas of study that are in need are math, science and special ed. It seems there is always a shortage in those areas so it will help you get a job. History, english and most electives aren't that bad but there is more competition out there and harder to get a job. PE is what most coaches want to do but it has the most people working at Wal Mart waiting on a job. It's tough to get a job and some places the job is handed down in wills like Green Bay Packers season tickets.

I teach history and have a masters degree in secondary school counseling so that gives me a lot of flexibility if I decided to go for another job. I drive a school bus and coach football. I played college baseball and member of the National Baseball Coaches Association. All of that makes me look better on paper which helps me over other people but there are other things they look at. They will talk to your references to find out how good of a teacher you are first and then how successful you were as a coach.

Basically remembe these pieces of advice

1. Be a jack of all trades
2. You are a teacher first, coach second
3. Teach what you know / enjoy

It's a tougher business than what most people think but when you see a classroom or team work their rearend off and pass the state test or win a championship it makes it worthwhile.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bulldog 19:

You gotta have something to offer. Being a college player or even a pro player is great, but if you can't teach the players the game, then you aren't any use.

[QUOTE]

I might agree to a point....but all other things being equal........having played at a higher level will trump all...just a fact of life...

You can be knowledgable and be a great teacher yet come up well short of someone who has played at a higher level....

Its probably not the end all.....its only in the beginning.....get established and win...and no one will care if you played pro, d 1-3 or LL....

Have you thought about seeking a position with the college baseball team (if you don't make the team). You may have to be a manager/student assistant at first, with the goal of being a student coach eventually, but the experience you gain will be invaluable and look good on your resume. It may even lead to a graduate assistant position one day if you wish.

When I was very young, I was on our HS team and one rec team didn't have a coach. I was asked to coach. I took the team and we did well. I coached them until they all graduated HS. In the mean time, I played some college ball but I was terrible. I played some semi pro ball and did well. I also managed that team. Then, I did my student teaching. I wanted to student teach in a system that had a reputation for baseball. Little did I know then that I'd end up in that school district. During my student teaching, I volunteered to coach both basketball and baseball. I was thrown off my HS team in basketball but I knew enough to be dangerous. I am certified to teach both health and history. I worked very hard as a volunteer and so, I was given a job over some guys that had played at a higher level and were once "stars." The difference? I had to work hard to play. I am not a natural athlete. I had to be smarter than most and learn the game in order to play. One other "skill" that I seem to have is that I can get players to play. No matter what, some people just don't have that ability. It is a blessing and works for me in the classroom as well. I've never understood it. Bulldog19 has seen my players and he has seen me coach. His Dad has spoken to him about me. My main strength as a coach was always getting the kids to buy into what I needed for them to do and then do it gladly. If you can do that, you'll find a place to coach.

Be passionate about what you do. Do not be influenced by outside forces. Never waiver about what you think is right. despite what some may say winning is not everything. Striving to win is the measure of success.