Coaching is one of the noblest professions in the world. The impact that a coach has on the life of an athlete is tremendous. A coach and make or break a sportsperson. While there are many coaches around, some are good while some are not so good.
A coach must know what he’s doing; otherwise, the person who he is coaching has to face the consequences. In this article, we are going to talk about how to become a basketball coach.
The basketball coaching community is not associated with high regards as most of the coaches are a fraud. They know very little about the game and start coaching because of money and not for their passion for the game. We need those frauds to learn how to become a basketball coach. But how does a person start his coaching career?
You may want to become a high school basketball coach, or maybe you want to become your community’s basketball coach. But no matter what, you must focus on learning how to become a basketball coach in the best way possible.
How To Become A Basketball Coach. A Step by Step Guide
Being a basketball coach is not easy; it requires a hefty amount of discipline on your end and the person you are coaching. Down below is a step by step guide on how to become a basketball coach.
1. Start As An Assistant Coach
You would be surprised to know that most of the good coaches you see started their careers as assistant coaches.
Assistant coaches are as important as the head coaches. Assistant coaches are often left with more time, and therefore they can devote that extra time to focus on the development of a player. Get out of your house and talk with the best coaches in your neighborhood. Ask if they are looking for assistants.
A good head coach can assist you and give you more information on becoming a basketball coach. Following his advice, you can work accordingly and move up the ladder in the basketball coaching business.
Keep in mind that many assistant coaches’ jobs are unpaid; I’d suggest you take it even if it’s unpaid as it will help you advance in your career.
2. Start From The Bottom
Whether you aim to be an assistant coach or a head coach, you must start from somewhere. Not all the coaches get head coaches’ positions at the beginning of their career; that is relatively uncommon. You can learn the nitty-gritty on how to become a basketball coach at a very introductory level.
If you are willing to start from the bottom, I am sure one day you will make it big. Like I said before, it does not matter if you get paid or not. The experience will be very enriching and help you advance in your coaching career.
At the introductory level, most people you might end up coaching would be very young. One of the main advantages of starting to coach at an elementary level would be that you will take coaching very seriously as the people you will be coaching would be very young and new to the game.
It would help if you taught them all the basic rules with precision. This skill will help you as you will progress in your career. Finally, it is very gratifying to coach young kids, which is another bonus and learning tip on how to become a basketball coach.
3. No Job Is Too Small
Once you have started at the introductory level, do everything in your power to add some value to the job.
Often coaches fail because they frown upon the little things they need to do. They take these little things to their heart and build an ego, which is very dangerous for him and the kids he is coaching. It’s mandatory to be grateful for all sorts of opportunities that come your way.
If your head coach orders you to bring something essential for coaching, do not take it to your heart and obey him. A player is in need of a rebounder, volunteer to do it, and pass. In that case, you feel that the ground needs to be swept, sweep it.
Doing these little things will not only build your character but will also keep you in your head coach’s good books. These things may look like odd jobs, but it makes the team benefit.
4. Brush Up Your Resume
Make sure that you have your resume brushed up. Basketball coaching jobs are challenging to get, and also, there are tons of applications. Keep in mind the qualities that set you apart from your fellow applicants and showcase them on your resume.
While getting a job, a person’s resume plays a significant part. And the most crucial part is honesty which will help you learn how to become a basketball coach.
5. Get In Touch With A Basketball Mentor
The most crucial thing in a coaching career is to find a proper mentor. You can look for many retired head coaches who will be willing to mentor and guide you. Retired coaches are usually free and have plenty of time in their hands, so I am sure no one would refuse to talk about their favorite sport over a phone call or a brunch.
6. Ensure Your Coaching Portfolio Is Top-Notch
It’s imperative to have a top-notch portfolio. Your portfolio must contain your philosophy about coaching, what you expect from the boys on the court, your offensive, and defensive ideas. Always keep in mind to connect your portfolio to the needs of the organization.
For example, if the team previously has struggled with the defense, which may have cost them a game, you could focus on being more defensive.
7. Have Patience
Getting a job takes time, and that of a head coach requires time and some luck in your favor. Every profession is filled with rejection, and basketball coaching is no different. But you should be brave enough to take those rejections with your chin up.
Make sure you learn the basics of how to become a basketball coach. Always remember that slow success builds character.
Conclusion
It can be challenging to become a basketball coach. It needs a lot of character and patience. Well, Before winding up, I would like to mention one more thing: the previous playing experience does not count as coaching experience.
A background in playing is essential, but time and again, there have been a ton of coaches who had very little to no playing experience at a high level. Coaching is all about temperament. Playing and being a basketball coach are entirely two separate things.
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