How to Become a Varsity Baseball Coach
Many people think they can walk into a high school's athletic department and apply to be the head coach of the school's team. Those people typically don't realize all the requirements needed to achieve the position other than knowing certain drills and working kids hard on the field. There is much research and experience involved to be seen as the most-qualified candidate. A head baseball coach at the high school level needs to demonstrate he can deal with tryouts, angry parents, managing the schedule as well as many other things.
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Instructions
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Build an effective resume that focuses on your knowledge of baseball. This will include your playing experience (high school, college, minors or pros), coaching experience and other strengths such as a degree in Physical Education.
Many colleges offer degrees in Physical Education where you can specialize in coaching, or more specifically, coaching a specific sport.
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Find potential coaching openings in your area. This should include assistant coaching positions in order to get into an organization on the ground floor and add to your resume. Once a job as an assistant coach is found, use the head coach as well as other coaches as mentors.
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Ensure you have knowledge of how to improve the basic skills at the high school level. This will include competency in a complete set of drills in the areas of fielding, hitting, pitching and base running. Tom Emanski has a set of videos that teach fundamentals and drills in each of these areas. His material is a good resource to bulk up your knowledge of the game.
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Contact local athletic directors in your area by sending them a resume. Let them know that you are available at any level of coaching, including junior varsity, or even as a volunteer. Responsibilities could include anything from working out with the team to field maintenance.
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If you're aware that the school district you want to work in is having cutbacks, use that to your advantage. You may be able to determine if your best chance to get your foot in the door is through volunteering, which is likely to be well-received at the high school.
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To make sure you have all areas covered, research the local high school sports clinics. See if there is an opportunity to volunteer your time at a clinic. Sports clinics and camps are good places to meet area coaches and school administrators who are involved in school staffing.
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Tips & Warnings
Instill discipline to your players as these are high school aged kids and the coach is providing the foundation for further development.
Remember all eyes are upon you when it comes to your reaction and your behavior in certain situations. You are a role model.
To coach high school baseball you must have the ability to successfully deal with the different personalities of your players, parents, coaching staff and school administration.
References
Resources
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