I want to coach basketball when i get older and i was just wondering if you have to play basketball to coach it? I played youth basketball but i didn't play school basketball. I am helping with the girls basketball team now, I am a junior in high school.

I don't think you need to play in order to coach. However, it does help because you can relate to the players easier. If you have a solid understanding of the game and can communicate effectively, you should be an effective coach.

Best of Luck!



Joe Haefner

Breakthrough Basketball LLC

Playing can certainly help but not required. Lawrence Frank, head coach of the New Jersey Nets never made his high school basketball team. But now he is coaching at the highest level.

Devour as much information as you can. Get some successful mentors. Get experience. Network yourself with other coaches. Many times knowing the right people will get you a coaching job.

I am don't think that you don't need to play to become a coach.
( I didn't play in high school ) yes, playing helps because it gives you a little different perspective of the game. Maybe I was too hard on my players because of this but I know that I got the very best from them each and every game.
Talk to other coaches at every level that you get a chance to. Go watch your high school team practice, talk to the head coach and the assistants. Watch games at every level and go to clinics if you can. Start to develop a philoso[hy of the game now knowing that it can change as you grow in knowledge.
You have taken the first step towards that career, help as much as you can and take in as much knowledge as you can from every coach you come in contact with. I felt that IF I could learn one or two things from a coach and use it in my program I would become a better coach.
Most schools want their coaches on staff, so you will have to go to college and get a degree in education. It's a pretty good career, and they are always looking for GOOD teachers.
Meet as many coaches as you can, a good network might help you get your dream job in the future. Good luck!

Coach Sar

Definition of a coach:

"A person who has an extreme passion for the game while PLAYING and STUDYING the game for the purpose of aquiring more from the game to teach others. "

Although there is a certain neccessity to having played the game, studying can help to compensate for a lack of playing time.

My first time playing competitve organized basketball was as a walk on in college. However, I then spent two years studying the game at the collegiate level. Something irreplacable.
http://bit.ly/3wV9Sg

Remember, the biggest thing with coaching is being to able to communicate the game well enough for it to be understood and applied. Doesn't mean you have to of played tons.