Basketball Coach Job Description
A basketball coach job description can vary depending on the age and playing level of the team members. Basketball coaches coach children in little league, middle and high school, as well as in much more competitive arenas like college and professional basketball leagues.
Position Description
A basketball coach instructs players at practice and during games. He or she is also responsible for designing plays and strategies for the team.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities of a Basketball Coach
- Knows and understands the basketball league rule book and any changes that are made.
- Studies the skills and abilities of the players on the team and puts each player in the most suitable position.
- Recognizes and uses each player’s specific talents to devise plays and playing strategies for games.
- Studies the abilities of the players on opposing teams as well as their coach’s strategies.
- Works as a teacher when coaching a middle school or high school team.
- Knows how many timeouts are left in each game and makes the best use of them.
- Asks the referee questions about calls on plays.
- Keeps up with the score throughout the game.
- Devises drills and practice exercises that will adequately prepare players for each game.
- Watches films of past games to identify playing and coaching mistakes and avoid them in the future.
- Teaches players the rules of the game and how to avoid making fouls that result in penalties.
- Works with individual players to hone their particular skills and eliminate bad habits.
- Completes any paperwork required for the job especially in a public school setting.
- Gives instructions to assistant coaches and uses them effectively to help build the skill level of the team.
- Trains assistant coaches to become head coaches in the future.
- Looks for new players and recruits them for the team.
- Participates in fundraising events and activities when coaching a college team.
- Talks to sports announcers and news reporters when coaching a college or professional team.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Understand the fundamentals of the game of basketball.
- Be in good physical condition.
- Have the ability to motivate players to reach their potential.
- Must have exceptional leadership skills.
- Must have excellent communication skills.
- Have the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.
- Be able to effectively handle stress and keep the temper in check.
- Have the ability to notice small details.
- Must have an excellent memory and superior concentration skills.
Education and Experience
- Undergraduate degree in physical education, exercise science or similar major.
- Pass a background check and drug test when coaching on the public school level.
- Have experience playing on a basketball team.
- Have past experience as an assistant basketball coach.
Work Environment
- A great deal of time is spent in a high school or college gymnasium or a large sports arena.
- Time will be spent in a locker room with players or in a film room reviewing past games.
- The noise level is high particularly during games.
- A great deal of standing, walking back and forth on the basketball court and even running up and down the court is required.
Salary
- Middle school basketball coaches average salaries of $20,000 to $30,000.
- High school basketball coaches’ salaries are in the $32,000 to $45,000 range.
- Basketball coaches at small colleges average $80,000 to $100,000 salaries.
- Basketball coaches at mid-size colleges earn salaries in the $200,000 to $400,000 range.
- Large university and professional basketball coaches can earn more than $1,000,000.
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