off topic

[catoosanumber22]

I know this has nothing to do with OU basketball, but I would like to become a basketball coach, and I don't know where to start. I'm only 16, and I do play for my school (JV but still). Does anyone know where I can start, I would like to start coaching ASAP and work my way up to being a head coach for a high school team. Thanks in advance.

 

[SoonerBounce13]

There is this university in Norman that might be hiring....

 

[htownSOONER]

There is this university in Norman that might be hiring....

You have almost as much experience as the recent hires for assistants. You may want to submit your resume to Joe.

 

[SoonerDan74012]

You have almost as much experience as the recent hires for assistants. You may want to submit your resume to Joe.

This makes me even more depressed than I already am.

 

[thebigabd]

I would talk to your high school coach about working as a manager or something to start... Just offer to help them with the varsity team while you play for the JV team.

I am not a coach though, nor did I stay at a Holiday Inn last night.. Thats just what I would do at first.

 

[htownSOONER]

I would talk to your high school coach about working as a manager or something to start... Just offer to help them with the varsity team while you play for the JV team.

I am not a coach though, nor did I stay at a Holiday Inn last night.. Thats just what I would do at first.

I actually came back to post a serious thread. I have friends that did this while playing. They sat in on some coaches meetings and did some busy work for coaches in exchange for getting a foot in the door. I have a friend that was a high school "ga" while going to college. When he graduated college he got a job pretty easy.

 

[StoopsBros]

Listen to ABD. My HS coach got me my first coaching gig (7th grade in Tulsa). Talk to him and it also wouldn't hurt to read some books by Coach K, Wooden, Dean Smith, etc.

 

[thebigabd]

I agree with Jesse about the reading... start reading books about coaching, leading, etc. If you have a particular philosophy, style, etc that you want to model yourself after, its better to do that young than to walk in a room as a new coach not knowing anything specific about what you are trying to do.

A friend of mine just stayed in touch with his high school coach as a player and while he was in college (you will need to become a teacher to coach, which im sure you know) and that coach rewarded him with opportunity when he came looking for a job as a coach.

Network, go out and meet new coaches, go to coaching clinics, etc. Hell, it wouldnt hurt to email the coaches at TU, ORU, etc (they know the Tulsa area and know all the coaches) and get their advice. They were all just players at one point too, and they have tons of experience. If they don't answer, you just lost 5 minutes writing an email.

 

[StoopsBros]

Off-topic, I'm assuming you're from Catoosa....Are there any Replogles still playing ball there?

I'll echo another thing ABD said, in order to be real coach, you must obtain a college degree.

 

[campbest]

If I was you...this is what I would do:

1.) Decide which level you want to go after, HS/college/NBA. (anything is possible)

2.) Go to a university which has an established basketball program, almost any high major Division I university or reputable Division II will do. Volunteer as a manager/video coordinator and work your way up the next four to five years. Learn about recruiting, strategy and learning to deal with 13 different personalities.

3.) When you graduate, you will be a shoo-in for many HS assistant jobs and the possibility is out there to continue coaching college via a graduate assistant program. If you're interested in professional, take an internship level position (most likely through a video coordinator role).

4.) After that, it is all networking. Coaching is a HUGE fraternity at all levels. Best thing you can do is work the summer circuit of team and individual camps many universities offer. I know my coaches in JUCO worked the Denver, KU, Washburn and Mizzou camps on a regular basis.

Another option if you don't want to work for the university's team (such as an OU or OSU) look into coaching at the local middle school. For example, I know Norman Public Schools are always looking for at least assistant coaches for their 7th/8th grade teams. In fact, I know many guys who have coached at Whittier Middle School (head coach mind you, which means you get paid) while in college. Classes in the morning, practice in the afternoon.

Just my two cents, I think about getting back into it everyday...but being an official may just have to do. :ez-laugh:

 

[JBaker]

I have a good friend who has recently gone through this process. Here's what he's done and where he is.

He became a manager at his high school in the San Diego area his senior year of high school.

He then went to San Diego State and became a student manager. He worked his way up to head manager by his junior year, and stayed there for 3 years as he took 5 to graduate.

After graduating, he worked as the assistant coach back at his high school for a year.
The next year, the SDSU Women's coach hired him as the director of player development. Recently, an assistant coach left the program, and I think he might be a contender to take his place. Which would be huge, as it would make him a mid-major D1 assistant at 24. Not sure what's happening there though, but that's where he stands now.
I'd recommend a similar path. Just get to know coaches, get them to like you, and they'll pass you on to other coaches.

 

[Soonerborn03]

I know this has nothing to do with OU basketball, but I would like to become a basketball coach, and I don't know where to start. I'm only 16, and I do play for my school (JV but still). Does anyone know where I can start, I would like to start coaching ASAP and work my way up to being a head coach for a high school team. Thanks in advance.

There's a lot of good advice in this thread so far.

I was in this same position about 5 years ago.

Talk to your coach about it now. Show an interest and he'll likely impart a lot of knowledge your way, and he can be very valuable as a reference once you start your search for a coaching job.

I got my high school baseball coaching job through calling up the coaches around the area and interviewing. Don't expect to make money right away. Just tell them you're looking to get your foot in the door and gain experience. Be positive and reliable, and you should be in good shape.