A football coach essentially leads a team of players by designing plays, organizing practices, and determining a depth chart. Although organized football leagues are widely available at both high school and junior high levels, most football coaches that are full-time find plenty of opportunities at the professional and post-secondary levels. High schools and junior high frequently hire coaches for football who work as teachers.
Due to the fact that football is an extremely physical and team sport, football coaches are required to inspire team play and motivate players. They will also be required to travel for away matches and various other sporting events. In addition, a football coach will be required to work weekends and evenings as most football games are scheduled during this time. According to recent reports, the annual salary for a football coach can reach $31,000 or higher.
Football Coach Career Requirements
The requirements to become a successful coach in the world of football will vary greatly, but a bachelor’s degree in sports and exercise science, physical education, or sport coaching education is usually required. Should a coach be working at a high school or elementary school level, a teaching license might also be needed. Obviously, experience in coaching is also a necessity when it comes to football, and skills needed include:
– Physical stamina
– Excellent communication skills
– Extremely detail-orientated
– A good leader
– A good understanding of the game
Steps for Becoming a Successful Football Coach
The first step needed to become a successful football coach is to learn the game. Although not all coaches come equipped with the necessary skills and size to play the game at a high school or junior high level, its vital for prospective football coaches to have a true love for the sport at a professional, college, and high school level. Understanding the technicalities, strategies, and basic rules of the game is important to become an effective coach.
Yoru main aim will be to participate in organized football. To play the sport at a high school level might be a good option, but if it’s not possible, loads of opportunities will become available to work as a football team manager. This provides the perfect opportunity to be around the sport and to learn about pre-match and post-match rituals, team camaraderie, and practices.
Obtaining a bachelor’s degree will teach you everything you need to know about athletic training, nutrition, injury prevention, sports psychology, and physical conditioning. You can also benefit from a range of other courses, including physical education, coaching, and leadership. If you wish to coach at a high or middle school level, you will definitely need to become a teacher, requiring a teacher certification and bachelor’s degree.
To obtain a teacher certification, you will usually need to major in a particular subject area, including history, English, physical education, or math. Apart from the education standpoint, you will also need football experience. If coaching is not your passion, you can still be apart of the game by simply becoming an assistant or team manager.