How to Interview a Coach After a Game

Quotes from a coach can make or break a game story. Colorful and insightful quotes motivate readers to continue through the entire article. Coaches boast varying degrees of openness with the media. The challenge is to extract the most that can be expected out of a particular interview.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Pen
• Paper
• Tape recorder

1. Think of at least 3 questions that need to be asked based on key factors in the game. Keep them entrenched in your thoughts.
2. Sidle up to the coach respectfully. Wait for him to acknowledge you before beginning the interview.
3. Follow a conversational approach. If the first reply leads to another pertinent question, ask it. If not, take the interview in another direction. Inquire about key moments in the game and how strategies played out.
4. Brace against being intimidated by the anger of a losing coach. Ask the questions that need to be asked. If the coach responds angrily, write about it. Perhaps she will exercise more self-control the next time.
5. Translating quotes word-for-word is a sure-fire way to fall behind in the interview. Write down key words in each sentence to make certain you've captured the gist of what the coach said and kept up with what was said. There's nothing that will turn a coach off with more certainty than being misquoted. Foster a relationship of trust.
6. End interviews in time to pursue other ones. Plans to speak with a coach and 2 players can be ruined if the interview with the coach takes so long the players have already departed.

Tips & Warnings

• When taping post-game interviews, keep an eye on the timer. Know where on the tape particular quotes were made or write down the quotes so you know where they are. It will be frustrating if you cannot find the best quotes on the tape recorder, especially when time is short.
• A lack of respect will rightfully anger a losing coach. He has likely poured his heart and soul into his work. Don't ask accusatory questions simply to illicit an emotional response.