Very Interested in Coaching

[Josh]

Let me begin by saying that I am young. I'm only 20.

But I missed out on my opportunities to play basketball. Now I have to take my game to the YMCA. I actually played middle school basketball but quit before high school. I really should have kept it up but I felt like politics would get in the way and I would never be given a fair opportunity. My height (I'm only 5'6") was also a factor.

And as I am getting older, and getting into college, I'm getting a growing interest in wanting to coach. I love the game of basketball and it has always been one of those outlets for me to be able to get away from everyday life. And I feel like coaching would be something I would love to do.

But I'm not really sure how this process gets started. I'm not sure if it hurts that I will have not played ball in college or high school, and I'm not sure if it hurts that I am young. But I would like to get started doing something and work my way up. I feel like my knowledge of the game is always growing and I have a passion to be successful.

Anybody have any thoughts or opinions, or words of advice they could share with me?

[lighthouse]

I can only tell you how I got started coaching when I retired from officiating. I coached a youth team at my church. Then I went to The Cabbage Patch and asked if they needed any volunteer coaches. I spent 7 years coaching kids that were great players, but didn't make their High School team mostly because of grades. It was a really good experience and places like Boys Clubs or the Y will always need coach's.

To get a feel for the game from a coaches angle, I contacted 3 High School coach's and ask them about what type practice drills I might use. They showed me some simple offensive plays I could run, and how to run a couple different defensive presses. They were more than happy to help, and they can give you the information you need to move into coaching at a school.

Good luck!

[Madiblue]

I would go to the KHSAA website, find out who is looking for coaches, keep in mind there are some regulations as far as Coaches in some areas, 64 hours of College to get paid in some districts, also just go to any school, these days finding guys who are hungry and willing to learn is difficult, pay your dues and KEEP everything on paper, break down as much film as they will let you take home, next is to be patient, this is a process that takes time, dont be afraid to ask questions. As you get your foot in the door, go to clinics pay your money then go to the nearest lounge and catch these guys in a relaxed mood, you actually learn more then than some boring meeting on their philosophy, once you get Your team, be prepared to take the good with some bad, do not dwell on failure and always celebrate success, then find yourself a woman who loves sports, this is important, basketball is 360 days in this state, the hours are long and it can be frustrating being away from home so much-believe me I know! Once you get a strong background drop me a line and I'll explain the do's and don'ts, especially the don'ts--Good Luck!

[DCWildcat]

I'm 21 and coached 4-6 graders and was an assistant on an 8th grade squad. It's fun as hell. I don't really know how to get "connected," though...my 4-6 stuff was CYO ball I got through a high school teacher, and I was an assistant for my old middle school coach when in high school.

[Josh]

It's been a while for this topic ...

... as I think about my career paths, I keep looking at trying to become a basketball coach. It's just too much of a passion for me that I can't ignore it.

I'll be heading off to a university next year, possibly to get into teaching, but is there some kind of education required to try to make it as a coach? As of this moment I have my Associate in Arts degree but will be pursuing my Bachelor's.

[lighthouse]

Josh.
I would advise you to go to the BB coach at Madisonville/North Hopkins and ask him what courses you might need to take so you can coach wherever you teach. Or talk to the AD. Good Luck.

[Dr. H Lecter]

I hate to say this but your age rather than your lack of HS or college experience would be the biggest factor for me. Great players do not normally make good coaches. They just have the "cred" that you lack.

Why the age issue? I'd chalk that up to maturity or a perceived lack thereof. If I were a parent I'd like to have my kid coached by an "adult" who I could count on to schedule practice, be on time, and one who would not be "bullied" by a head-case parent into giving unearned playing time.

I'm not saying that you are not mature enough...I'm just prejudging you based on other 20-yo to whom I wouldn't entrust my dogs obedience lessons.

All that said, go to the "Y" or to a church league or the local rec association and either get a team or assist one of the dads who gets a team. Then "act" like an adult by being there every practice and game and learning how to deal with parents and the people who run the league. Then put in for your own team. And then don't worry at first about winning. At the "Y" or church league winning is less important. Be fair and work hard. Work up the ladder. Plan your practices ahead of time. Do everything possible to keep your players busy and not standing around pinching butts. 2 kids dribbling and 8 kids watching is BAD. And get good assistants.

GO TO COACHING CLINICS.

Oh and did I say...GO TO COACHING CLINICS.