How to email college basketball coaches

Example:

I will be competing nearby University College at Generic High School on Friday, January 15. I would really appreciate it if you would see me compete in person! I have also attached our complete schedule for the 2021-2022 season in case there is another date, or location, you would like to attend.

Whatever you do, avoid sending mass, generic emails out to all the coaches you want to contact when emailing college coaches. The coach will know if you took the time to personalize your email, and it will make a difference. Coaches want to recruit players who are genuinely interested in their program—most don’t have the time and resources to recruit an athlete who is not likely to commit to their school.

Like your subject line, your opening paragraph needs to be attention-grabbing and personalized. The opening sentence, or two, should be different for every coach email you send – this is where your research comes into play! The information you gather about the school and sports program will dictate what you say to college coaches.

If you’re looking at academically-focused schools, lead with how impressed you are by their academic record, or mention specific players who have recently won honor awards. If you’re sending emails to college coaches with a winning record, point out that you’d love to be part of such a successful legacy. Here are a few examples of how to start an email to a college coach:

“I wanted to connect with you after speaking with Amber Brown, an athlete on your team. She told me about your coaching style and I believe that, based on your emphasis on work ethic and training, I would be a great fit for your program.”

“I’ve been following your program for a while, and recently found an article about you that inspired me. I wanted to connect with you because I think that I would be a great addition to your team.”

“In researching your program, I noticed that you will be graduating 5 seniors this year. I would love to help bridge the gap left by those departing seniors.”

For an introductory coach email, you don’t need to include your whole history. A good rule of thumb, when emailing college coaches, is to keep messages short and to the point. Tease a few key stats that you think that coach would be interested in knowing. Are you the ideal height and weight for your position? Include that. Do you have an outstanding GPA and test scores and you’re emailing an academically-focused coach? Include that.

At the end of your emails to college coaches, there is an important item you don’t want to forget to include. It’s a small piece (at the bottom section of the inverted pyramid), but extremely important!

• Tell the coach what you’ll be doing next. If you’re planning on following up the email with a call, let them know to expect a call from you in the next few days. If you’d like to visit their campus, tell them you will give them a call to schedule a time to connect. You don’t need to use generic language like, “If you’re interested, feel free to call, email or text me.” If the coach is interested, they will contact you. Instead, tell them the next step you’re going to take, and then what they need to do in response.
• Add the contact information for your current coaches. This includes your high school or club coach, personal trainers, and anyone else that you have worked with for your sport. Whoever you put down as a reference, be sure to let them know ahead of time so they can be prepared to speak on your behalf.
• Provide a link to your NCSA recruiting profile where the coach can find your highlight video, all your stats and your personal statement.

Insider tip: Turn on your “read receipt” function to see if a coach has opened our email. This feature is really helpful for athletes who are too young to be contacted by a coach yet. Read receipts will let you know if a coach has received and opened your email, so you can be sure to follow up accordingly. Learn more about how you can enable this feature for your next email.

When it comes to coach emails, it can be easy to fall into the trap of copy-paste-send (especially when you’re contacting a lot of schools!). But athletes who do this have lower chances of getting their email seen. It’s important to provide coaches with the information they want to see but you must do your own research and personalize each email to the school and coach you’re addressing if you want your email to get noticed.

Use this template as a guide for sending introductory emails to college coaches:

Dear Coach [Last name],

[Write 2-3 sentences about the research you did on the school, coach and/or sports program; Highlight why you are interested in their program and school]

My name is [name]. I am a [year in school] at [high school] in [city, state] and will be graduating in the class of [graduation year]. I have a [insert GPA and/or SAT/ACT test scores].

I am [height] and play [position] for my team. Some of my proudest accomplishments are [list 2-3 athletic or academic recognitions that are relevant to the school/program]. Last season, I [insert a few key athletic stats to highlight your skills]. In the off season, I’ve been working to improve on [include 1-2 skills you are working to improve on].

To view the rest of my athletic stats, highlight video, academic stats and personal statement, please visit my online profile at: [link to NCSA profile]. Please feel free to contact my [club coach, high school coach or trainer], [coach/trainer full name], at [email and phone number for coach/trainer], for information.

Attached is my upcoming schedule. I would appreciate it if you could watch me compete in person. [be sure the attachment includes the date, location, your team’s name, opponent, your jersey number, and the name of the court/field].

I will be calling you on [date and time] to further discuss my interest in [school name]. I look forward to talking with you!

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Class or graduation year]

[NCSA Recruiting Profile or highlight video link]
[Phone]

[Email]
[Social media handle]

Below, you’ll find 6 sample letters from athletes to coaches. These examples will help give athletes a better understanding of the various recruiting topics they need to cover when writing emails to college coaches.

• Athletic-focused
• Academic-focused
• Walking on
• Visits
• Follow up to camp invites
• Follow up to request to complete a recruiting questionnaire

When to send: Student-athletes who have a strong athletic background and competitive stats should send this type of introduction email to college coaches to highlight how they can make an impact on the team’s performance.

What to include: Key athletic stats, measurables and awards; highlight video, skills video and/or game footage; schedule for upcoming competitions.

Example:

Dear Coach Smith,

I’ve been following University College for a while now and was really impressed by your team’s performance in the championship game last year against State. I am reaching out because I would love to be part of this competitive team and win a championship.

My name is Jane Doe and I’m a 6’2” junior forward at Generic High School in Chicago, IL. I am a four-year varsity starter for my high school team and was recently honored by being named the Regional Player of the Year. Last season, I averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists per game. I believe my work ethic and athletic talent would be a great match for your program.

To view the rest of my athletic stats, highlight video, academic stats and personal statement, please visit my online profile at: [link to NCSA profile].

I noticed you will be attending the upcoming Chicago AAU Tournament on July 9-11. I will be competing in the tournament with my AAU team, Team Select – Gold. Our first game is July 9 at 1:00p.m. CT on Court #3. I have attached our final AAU schedule, which includes a list of every tournament I will be competing in this summer. I would really appreciate it if you would see me compete in person!

Please feel free to contact my AAU coach, Joe Taylor, at [email protected] or 555-555-1234 before the tournament for more information about my desire to play for your program.

Thank you!

Jane Doe
Class of 2024
Junior | Forward | 6’2”
GPA: 4.0 | ACT: 32
Generic High School, Chicago, IL

NCSA Recruiting Profile
Phone: 555-555-5678

Email: [email protected]
Social media: @janedoe_34

When to send: Student-athletes who have a strong academic background or are looking to attend a high-academic school with a competitive admissions program should send this type of introduction email to college coaches to highlight their academic interests.

What to include: Key academic information, including GPA, test scores and notable academic honors; Interested area of study or major.

Example:

Dear Coach Johnson,

I’m really impressed by your team’s dedication to both their athletics and academics. I noticed that you not only had a winning record last season, but you also set the school record for the highest team GPA! As an aspiring college athlete, I am driven to excel both on the field and in the classroom, and I believe I would be a great fit for your program.

My name is John Smith and I’m a senior at Generic High School in Chicago, IL. I’m a left-handed pitcher with an 85-MPH fastball. I’m currently in the top 5% of my class with a 4.0 GPA and a 32 ACT. I plan to major in prelaw, and I’ve been researching State University’s well-known prelaw program.

You can view my profile for more information about my athletic and academic qualifications, as well as my skills video here: [link to NCSA profile]. You can also contact my high school coach, Jim Taylor, at [email protected] or 555-555-1234.

I recently filled out your online questionnaire and would like to connect with you to further discuss the opportunity of joining your program. I will be calling you tomorrow at 5p.m. CT. I look forward to talking with you!

Thank you,

John Smith
Class of 2023
Senior LH Pitcher
GPA: 4.0 | ACT: 32
Generic High School, Chicago, IL

NCSA Recruiting Profile
Phone number: 555-555-5678

Email: [email protected]
Social media: @john_smith21

When to send: For many programs, walk-on spots can be just as competitive as scholarship spots. Student-athletes who are not being recruited by a school and do not have a scholarship offer from the coach, but have interest in being a walk-on should send this type of introduction email to college coaches.

What to include: Why you want to be a walk-on recruit for their program; include your highlight or skills video, game footage, key athletic and academic stats.

Example:

Dear Coach Jones,

My name is Lisa Doe and I’m a senior at Generic High School in Chicago, IL. I’m attending University College in the fall on an academic scholarship and am interested in joining your program as a walk-on. I’ve spoken with your former player, Allie Smith, and I believe your coaching style is a perfect fit for what I’m looking for as a student-athlete.

I’m a four-year starter for my high school team and was recently awarded 1^st Team All-Conference. I’m 5’7” and play multiple positions including, setter and libero. My best asset is the ability to communicate and lead my teammates on the court.

I invite you to watch my highlight and skills video here: [Insert video link]. You can also contact my high school coach, Jane Smith, at [email protected] or 555-555-1234.

As I mentioned above, I have been accepted for the fall semester and I want to continue my volleyball career under your leadership. I will be calling you tomorrow at 5p.m. CT to further discuss a walk-on opportunity at University College.

I look forward to talking with you!

Lisa Doe
Senior | Class of 2023
Generic High School, Chicago, IL

NCSA Recruiting Profile
Phone number: 555-555-5678

Email: [email protected]
Social media: @lisa_doe

When to send: Student-athletes who are in the process of being recruited by a school and is interested in visiting campus should send this type of email to college coaches. Wait to bring up a campus visit until after you’ve had an initial phone conversation with the coach and can get a better idea about where you stand on their recruiting list and know whether it’s a good fit for you.

What to include: Available dates to visit campus, who will be attending and what you’d like to accomplish.

Example:

Hi Coach Smith,

Congratulations on a great season! I saw Jane Doe was awarded MVP and 1^st team All-Conference at the banquet. It has been a lot of fun to watch the games online this year.

As we talked on the phone, I’m very interested in scheduling a visit to campus with my parents and sister! I’d love to meet with you and the coaching staff in person along with some of the players. I’m excited to see what campus life is like during the school year. I would also like to meet with an academic advisor to discuss the areas of study I’m interested in.

Below are the dates we are available to visit campus this month.

• April 15, 17, 18, 21 or 23

I also uploaded a new highlight video from a recent tournament with Team Select – Silver in Chicago. I am #32. You can watch it here: [Insert video link].

Please let me know if one of the above dates will work for a campus visit. I will give you a call this Friday at 5 p.m. CT to reconnect. I would also like to hear your feedback on my video!

Thanks,

Taylor Jones
Junior | Class of 2024
Generic High School, Chicago, IL

NCSA Recruiting Profile
Phone number: 555-555-5678

Email: [email protected]
Social media: @tay_jones

When to send: Student-athletes who receive an invitation to a camp should send a follow up letter as soon as possible. Let the coach know you received the invite and whether you will be attending.

What to include: Call out that you received the invite and whether you will attend. If you are attending, let the coach know what you’re looking forward to most about the camp.

Example:

Hi Coach Smith,

I received your invite to the Generic University’s Elite Camp in July, and wanted to let you know that I filled out the forms online. I’m looking forward to meeting you and some of the current players. I’m also excited for the campus and athletic facilities tour after our lunch break!

Here is a link to my latest highlight video: [Insert video link] You can also contact my high school coach, Jane Doe, at [email protected] or 555-555-1234.

Please let me know if there is anything else you need from me before camp.

Thanks,

Taylor Jones
Class of 2024 – Pitcher
Generic High School, Chicago, IL

NCSA Recruiting Profile

Phone number: 555-555-5678
Social media: @taylor_smith

When to send: Student-athletes who receive a recruiting questionnaire request from a college coach should send a follow up email to the coach promptly. Always let the coach know you received the request and have completed, or will be completing the questionnaire.

What to include: Call out that you received the request to fill out the questionnaire and when you completed it; Include links to your highlight video and recruiting profile and game schedule.

Example:

Hi Coach Taylor,

I received your invite to fill out the online recruiting questionnaire and wanted to let you know that I filled out the form today! I’m very interested in Generic College’s soccer program and learning more about the team. I noticed your starting goalie is graduating next year and I believe I can help fill that gap!

Here is a link to my highlight video: [Insert video link] You can view my profile for more information about my athletic and academic qualifications, as well as my skills video here: [link to NCSA profile].

I have attached our match schedule for the remainder of this year. We have a game in your area on October 3at 1:00 p.m. CT. I hope to see you there!

Thanks,

John Smith
Class of 2024 – Goalie
Generic High School, Chicago, IL

NCSA Recruiting Profile

Phone number: 555-555-5678
Social media: @john_smith42

Athletes and parents often ask, what is the best time to email college coaches? Unfortunately, there isn’t one answer that will fit every coach’s preference. So, when it comes to emailing coaches, athletes need to think like a coach. Keep these three things in mind before hitting send.

• Is it season? Coaches are extremely busy in season with practices and games, but that doesn’t mean you can’t email college coaches during this time. Be mindful of their game schedule
• What time is practice? Ask coaches what time they practice during the week so you have a better idea of when they will be available to read your email.
• How late is too late? When it comes to communicating with college coaches, a good rule of thumb is to avoid sending any communications between 11p.m. and 6a.m in their time zone.

Insider tip: Try sending your email between 4-8 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday. Our data show that this is the best time to send an email to college coaches.

B.J. Dunne, head basketball coach at Gettysburg College, and his coaching staff aim to answer athlete emails in the morning or before their 4 p. m. practice. Hear more on the best time to email coaches below.

How to go about sending film to college coaches

When it comes to sending film to college coaches, follow these steps:

1. Upload the athlete’s highlight video to their NCSA Recruiting Profile and YouTube to increase exposure.
2. If this is the first time the athlete is reaching out to a coach, draft an introductory email with the recruit’s basic information, a description of why they are interested in the program and a link to their Recruiting Profile and highlight video.
3. If the recruit has already been in contact with the coaching staff, include a link to new highlight videos in an email about the athlete’s latest athletic achievements and a schedule of upcoming tournaments, showcases, etc.
4. The right person to send your video to will vary depending on the program and division level. Research the program to see if they have position-specific coaches or a recruiting coordinator and include them in the email, as well as the head coach. NCSA’s college coach search feature gives student-athletes access to coach contact information, including email addresses and phone numbers, from every school across the U.S. This resource helps student-athletes save time and focus their energy on contacting and building relationships with coaches.

Read more: How to get coaches to view your highlight video

In some cases, emailing the head coach is in the athlete’s best interest. But depending on your sport and division level, you may have better luck contacting someone other than the head coach. Larger sports programs typically have multiple coaches and coordinators on staff, which can make it difficult for student-athletes to know who to email first.

If the program has a recruiting coordinator, start there. This is oftentimes the best person to send your introductory email to as they oversee all things recruiting for the program. If there is not a designated recruiting coordinator, look for a position coach or an assistant coach. No matter who you contact, be specific with your coach content and address their name.

Learn more about the different roles in coaching and how they might play a factor in your recruiting.

How to get college coach emails using NCSA’s Message Center

Another great tool to find and communicate with college coaches is the NCSA Message Center. Users can search NCSA database for the coach contact information of any college, directly through the app – which means less time searching the internet for coach email addresses and phone numbers. With the help of your Recruiting Coach, create and manage custom email templates and sort your incoming college coach emails by camp invites, requests and more. Imagine having all your coach emails organized and in one place.

Download the NCSA app in the App Store or on Google Play to get notifications when coaches message you.

Feeling more confident in how to write an email to a college coach? Great! Before you hit send, there are a few things you’ll want to make sure you do. Remember, a good coach email can put you on their radar, but if you aren’t prepared for a coach to research you (or even better, respond!) then, you can quickly fall off their recruiting list.

Here are three things to do before you email college coaches:

• Clean up social media. If a coach is interested in learning more about you, they will look at your social media. Do a quick sweep of your social media accounts to make sure there is no content that a coach would find offensive. You should have already included your Twitter or Instagram handle in the signature of your coach email – and if not, they will search for you. Learn more about how to use social media for recruiting.
• Update your highlight video. Sending a highlight video link in your introductory email to college coaches is a great way to get a coach’s evaluation of your athletic skills. You’ll want to use your most recent highlight video so the coach can make an informed decision. Learn more about how to create a highlight video.
• Talk to your current coaches. At the end of your coach emails, it’s a good idea to list the contact information of your current coaches. Be sure to let them know before you email college coaches, so they can prepare to talk about your coachability, academics, and athletic skills. Also, talk with your current coaches about what your goals are for playing sports in college. Learn more about how to be coachable.

Before you send, edit, edit, edit

You’re so close to sending that email, but before you do, run spell check and re-read. A great way to catch strange wording or grammar errors is to read your email out loud. When you hear a phrase that sounds wrong, you’ll know you need to fix it. You can also cut and paste your email into Google Translate and listen for any errors.

Still not sure if the email is error free? Have your parents take a look to double check. Make sure that you have included all your contact information, your call to action and a link to your full recruiting profile

Congratulations—now you know how to email college coaches, from the research to the subject line, from address to the email body! But your work is not done yet.

How to Contact College Coaches

Contacting college coaches by email, text, DMs, and phone calls 

How to contact college coaches is a question families ask every day. While coaches have their different methods for scouting out new talent, the best way to ensure a coach knows about you is to contact the coach yourself. Email, texting, phone calls and even social media messages are all acceptable ways for student-athletes to contact college coaches. Learn more about when and how to reach out to college coaches using these methods below.

Quick Links

4 steps to contacting college coaches

Coach contact (example scenarios and next steps)

Preparing for coach communication

Additional tips for effective coach communications

Which coaches should you contact?

How to find coach information

Can high school athletes contact college coaches?

When can college coaches contact you?

When should I start contacting college coaches?

Pay attention to recruiting calendars

How to let coaches know you’re interested

How to let coaches know you’re NOT interested

Should you email or call a college coach to decline an offer?

How to prepare questions for college coaches

Common coach questions for recruits

Parent and coach communication

How long do college coaches take to respond?

4 steps to contacting college coaches

Here’s how to get in contact with college coaches.

1. Send an introductory email
2. Follow-up with a phone call
3. Respond to any recruiting letters
4. Keep in touch with coaches

Send an introductory email to the coach

The best way to contact college coaches is through email. An introductory email is an important first step in the process and is a great way to initially send your key information to college coaches. Read more about how to write an introductory email that will get a college coach’s attention.

Follow-up with a call to the coach

If the contact period has started for your sport (June 15 after sophomore year or September 1 of junior year), following up with a phone call to the coach is an important step. Since D1 coaches are not allowed to talk to you before the contact period, there is not much value in giving them an early call. Read more about how to call college coaches—as well as how to leave your best voicemail. 

Respond to recruiting letters from college coaches

Though recruiting relies primarily on digital methods, coaches may still send different types of recruiting letters to athletes. And recruits should respond. Learn more about the different types of recruiting letters you may receive—and how to respond.

Keep in touch with coaches and update them with new stats

Sometimes the most difficult part of the recruiting process is keeping the lines of communication open with college coaches. A few great reasons to reach out to a coach include: when you have new athletic or academic stats, you’re planning on visiting their school and want to set up a meeting, or you want to invite them to an upcoming tournament where you’ll be competing. Learn more about texting college coaches or direct messaging coaches through your social media platforms.

Coach contact (example scenarios and next steps)

College coaches rely on phone calls, texts, emails, letters and social media to start communication with recruits. At times, it can be hard to determine what a specific type of coach communication really means. Below we’ve outlined the different types of coach contact and how to respond to each.

A mass email from a college coach

College coaches send out mass emails with the expectation that student-athletes who are interested in their program will respond. If an athlete skips over a generic email, the college coach may assume they aren’t interested and move on. Here are steps student-athletes can take to turn generic emails into opportunities to build a relationship with college coaches.

How to respond to mass emails from college coaches

Whether the athlete is seriously considering the program or not, they should draft a response thanking the coach for their email. It’s important for athletes to leave a good impression, regardless of their interest level in a particular program. If the athlete is interested, they should include a link to their NCSA Recruiting Profile and the contact information of a previous or current coach who the college coach can reach out for a reference.

A personal email from a college coach

Personalized college recruiting letters are a good indicator that a college coach is interested in recruiting an athlete. Coaches reserve these letters for athletes who have passed their initial evaluation and use them as a way to gauge if the recruit is interested in that program.

How to respond to a personal email from a college coach

Recruits should respond to personalized emails as soon as possible. Address any questions the coach asked and include your upcoming schedule. It’s a good idea to follow up with a phone call, or provide your availability to schedule a phone call and begin discussing a campus visit.

A personal letter from a college coach

When a college coach takes the time to send a handwritten recruiting letter, it’s a clear sign that the recruit is high-valued. However, don’t take this gesture as a sure sign that the recruit will receive an offer. Until a recruit has an offer in hand, they still need to prove to the coach that they would be a great addition to the team.

How to respond to a personal letter from a college coach

The best way to respond to a handwritten letter is with another handwritten letter. Write a simple thank you note, acknowledging that you received their letter. Recruits should also follow up with a phone call to let the coach know they appreciate their message and that they are interested in the program.

A phone call from a college coach

College coaches will set up phone calls with recruits that they are strongly interested in. These conversations give coaches and recruits an opportunity to build a relationship and ask important recruiting questions.

How to prepare for, and respond to, a phone call from a college coach

Before the call, research the school and program and prepare questions for the coach. It can also be helpful to practice the call with a family member or friend to work out any kinks. After the phone call, the athlete should follow up with an email letting the coach know they enjoyed the conversation. Include any additional piece of information the coach may have requested over the phone, as well as any questions the recruit didn’t have a chance to ask on the call.

More and more, college coaches are using social media to vet and communicate with recruits. The direct message feature, aka DM, is a fast, efficient way for college coaches to introduce themselves and their program. A DM conversation will oftentimes lead to a scheduled phone call if a coach is interested in recruiting you.

If you received a direct message (DM) from a college coach on social media, respond promptly. Social media moves quickly, so coaches will expect faster response times compared to an email. However, you still need to do your research. Before you respond, familiarize yourself with the coach, sports program, and school. DMs should be short and to the point. Thank the coach for their message and answer all questions asked. Be straight forward with the coach in your response. If you’re interested in being recruited, tell the coach you’d like to schedule a phone call to learn more about the program.

A college camp invite from a coach

College coaches send two different types of camp invites: personalized and generic. Regardless of the type, receiving a camp invite from a college coach provides athletes an opportunity to start a conversation with a coach and the chance to develop as a player.

A personal camp invite is a good indication that you are on the coach’s radar and one of the select few invited to the camp as a recruit! How do you know if it’s a personalized camp invite? A good indicator is if the coach mentions the athlete’s highlight video or has viewed their recruiting profile. Another good sign is if you’ve already had recruiting conversations with the coach and they include their personal contact information, like a cell phone number.

Much like a mass recruiting email, a generic camp invite is sent to a long list of student-athletes. If you receive a somewhat generic invite to the camp, it probably means you aren’t currently on the coach’s list as a recruit. Keep in mind, there is still value in attending as a camper. Camps are a great way to visit a campus, get great coaching advice, and see how you stack up against other recruits!

How to respond to a college camp invite from a coach:

Student-athletes should respond by thanking the coach for the invitation and confirm whether they will attend. If you plan to attend, let the coach know you are looking forward to the camp and follow the registration process. If you are unable to attend, include a schedule of your upcoming games and tournaments so the coach has other opportunities to watch you compete.

Regardless of whether you plan to attend a camp, always respond. Ignoring an invite is never a good recruiting move. Responding to a personal or generic camp invite is a great way to open conversation with a coach. If you’ve received a generic invite, the recruit should also include their highlight/skills video and link to their NCSA Recruiting Profile. You might even get your name on the list of recruits they’ll be evaluating a camp!

A coach request to complete a recruiting questionnaire

A recruiting questionnaire is generally the first request recruits receive from college coaches. These forms are designed to educate the student-athlete on the school and collect some information that the coach can use as they build their list of prospective recruits. Today, recruiting questionaries are typically located online but sometimes they can be mailed.

How to respond to a coach request to complete a recruiting questionnaire

If the recruit is or might be interested in the program, complete the recruiting questionnaire. The earlier, the better. This is just one of many steps that student-athletes will take as they start their recruiting journey and communication with coaches. If the recruit is an upperclassman, they should contact the college coach to let them know that they filled out their questionnaire and are very interested in the program.

Learn more: How to use recruiting questionnaires in the recruiting process

Preparing for coach communication

Start your outreach by gathering all the information you’ll need to include in your communications with college coaches. Your NCSA Recruiting Profile is a great place to keep all your important recruiting information. When communicating with college coaches, don’t forget to include a link to your profile so they can easily view everything they need to see to conduct their initial evaluation of you. Key information includes:

• Your highlight or skills video
• Your best athletic stats—verified, third-party stats from a combine or other event are preferred
• Academic information, such as GPA and ACT/SAT scores if applicable
• Contact information for you, your parents and your club/high school coach, plus the contact information for any personal trainers that you have
• Schedule of where and when you’ll be competing throughout the upcoming season
• Write down what you’re looking for in a college, team and coach. What is most important to you as you narrow down schools? Academics? Division level or size? Be honest with what YOU want.
• Research the school and team to show the coach that you are personally invested in their program.
• Have questions prepared and be ready to take notes. The information you gather will be helpful when recalling your conversation and comparing schools at a future date.

Additional tips for effective coach communication

In addition to the list above, here are four ways that student-athletes can better prepare for coach contact:

• Narrow down the college list. Research the schools that the recruit is interested in or received mail from to see which programs best meet their needs athletically, academically, financially, and socially. Then, create a realistic list of schools that the recruit can begin contacting.
• Send an introductory email to college coaches. Every introductory email should demonstrate that the recruit has researched the program and explain why, specifically, they would make a great addition to the team. Learn how to make an introductory email personalized and memorable.
• Use social media to get recruited. College coaches are using social media more and more to connect with recruits. A great way to get the attention of a college coach is by sending a direct message to their Twitter or Instagram account. Learn more about how athletes use social media for recruiting.
• Pick up the phone. This is generally the most effective way to connect with college coaches who have busy schedules. Before picking up the phone, recruits should prepare questions for the coach and practice with a friend or family member.

Being proactive in your recruiting is essential to connecting with college coaches. And like everything else in the recruiting process, student-athletes should go into it with a set strategy. For example, when there are multiple coaches in a program, who do you reach out to first? Should you email the head coach or assistant coach? Your plan of attack for coach communication will depend on the college, size of the program and sport.

Consider this your go-to guide when searching for the right coach to contact:

• What is the division level? The size of the program plays a factor in who you should contact. Division 1 programs typically have multiple full-time coaches who take on the recruiting responsibilities. Whereas the coaching staff at Division 2 and Division 3 programs tend to be smaller or has one full-time coach.
• Does the program have a recruiting coordinator? Larger programs tend to have a recruiting staff, including recruiting coordinators. All recruiting will funnel through that person, so when you’re looking to send an introductory email, this is the best person to start with.
•  No recruiting coordinator? See if the program has a position coach. A great next person to contact is the coach for your position.
•  No position coach? Check for an assistant coach. When the previous two options fail, look for the contact information for the assistant coach.
• No assistant coach? Check for a graduate assistant coach. Graduate assistants typically help with duties outside coaching, but they can lend a hand in recruiting at smaller programs. Consider them your last-ditch effort.

At times, you will find the head coach is the best person to email after exhausting other options. Just keep in mind that head coaches are very busy, and depending on the division level, they can be a little more difficult to get ahold of initially.

Insider tip: Always go down the list, not up. Let’s say you email the recruiting coordinator at a school you’re interested in, but you haven’t heard back. Now, you’re considering emailing someone else. To maximize your efforts, make sure you go down the hierarchy to a position coach. You never want to work your way up.

Are you wondering how to find college coaches email? Finding coach contact info is easy—99% of college coaches have their email addresses or phone numbers listed on the school’s website. There are two places student-athletes should look for college coaches email list. The first is under the coaches’ bio, which can be found under the team’s roster. If you can’t find the info there, look under the staff directory for the athletic department.

To make this process easier, NCSA has a College Search feature that provides the contact information for coaches at every school across the U.S. Saving you time from searching the internet for email addresses and phone numbers, and keeping all your recruiting communication organized in one place.

If you’re having trouble finding coach contact information online, ask your high school, or club coach for assistance. There is a good chance your coach will know someone in athletics who has a connection to the coach you are searching for. Student-athletes can also turn to social media. These days, most coaches and sports programs have a Twitter or Instagram account.

Can high school athletes contact college coaches?

In short: yes. Unless you’re one of the top athletes in the country, you’ll need to be proactive to get recruited by college coaches. There’s a common misconception that high school athletes aren’t allowed to contact college coaches until their junior year of high school. Athletes can reach out to coaches any time they want—NCAA rules only limit when college coaches can contact recruits. Even when college coaches can’t directly respond, they can still read your emails and follow you on social media. 

A common question that families have is “when can college coaches contact high school athletes?” For most sports in the NCAA, coaches can start contacting recruits starting either June 15 after their sophomore year of high school or September 1 of their junior year (check the recruiting rules to find out the exact date for your sport). The NAIA has more relaxed rules, and coaches can generally contact athletes at any point. However, because NAIA schools tend to have smaller programs with more limited budgets, they usually don’t start the recruiting process as early as NCAA Division 1 and Division 2 schools.

• Football, baseball, softball, men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse, women’s basketball: No coach communication until September 1 of junior year.
• All other D1 sports: No coach communication until June 15 after sophomore year.
• Men’s ice hockey: No coach communication until January 1 of sophomore year.

Insider tip: Your high school or club coach can play a key role in your recruiting process. They can reach out to college coaches on your behalf at any time. Before college coaches are allowed to communicate with you, your high school or club coach can contact them to find out their level of interest in you as a recruit. They can also recommend you to college coaches in their network to help you get discovered. To support high school or club coaches during the recruiting process, we launched NCSA Team Edition.

When should I start contacting college coaches?

The recruiting process is starting earlier each year, with recruits as young as 12 or 13 years old getting interest from college coaches. However, that does not mean every athlete is ready to start reaching out to coaches as an 8th grader. Start researching schools and understanding the level of play expected at each one. Then, when you have developed your skills to be able to stand out to the coaches at those schools, begin your outreach. For athletes who play up on varsity during their freshman year of high school, they may be ready to start contacting college coaches then.

For athletes who play up on varsity during their freshman year of high school, they may be ready to start contacting college coaches then. For athletes who hit their stride later in their sophomore year, this could be a better time to initiate contact with college coaches. All you need to know about coaches and recruiting services.

It is advisable to try to reach out to coaches before the athlete’s junior year, but this is not a hard and fast rule. For athletes who hit a later growth spurt or mature later, junior year may be the best time to start contacting college coaches. For major Division 1 sports, it’s the norm for athletes and families to begin reaching out and going on unofficial visits as early as 8th grade or freshman year.  

If you are not sure whether you are ready to initiate communication with coaches, contact our recruiting force at 866-495-5172. We will conduct a free evaluation of where you are in your recruiting, explain how to contact college coaches and walk you through your personalized next steps.

Pay attention to recruiting calendars

While college coaches recruit all year round, they have more time to actively search for recruits and conduct evaluations after the season ends. So, if you want to know how to get seen by college coaches, an effective strategy would be to contact a coach based on their recruiting calendar. For example, the peak recruiting season for fall sports (football, soccer, volleyball) is during late winter and early spring. During the summer, student-athletes should give coaches a heads up on camps and showcases they plan to attend.

The NCAA limits when college coaches can communicate with athletes. Current NCAA recruiting rules prohibit all phone, text and email communication between athletes or their parents/guardians and Division 1 coaches until June 15 after their sophomore year or September 1 of their junior year, depending on the sport. However, student-athletes have no restrictions when it comes to contacting college coaches. Take advantage of this by reaching out early to get on their radar and coach email list. Even before college coaches can begin recruiting, they can read recruits’ emails and follow them on social media to track their athletic progress.

For international athletes, it’s important to be proactive to get noticed by a college coach, instead of waiting for a coach to reach out to you first. In our recruiting guide for international athletes, we include tips for contacting college coaches.

How to let coaches know you’re interested in their program

During the recruiting process, it is essential that prospective student-athletes reach out to college coaches. Not only are coaches busy, but this also shows initiative on the part of the prospect. But how should prospects show that they are interested in a program? Personalize your communications.

Can college coaches respond to email? Yes, following the appropriate NCAA contact rules. But keep in mind, coaches receive thousands of emails from prospective recruits. They are more likely to respond if your email is personalized and reflects genuine interest in the program. Including a sentence or two about why you would like to join their program goes a long way. If you need help on what to say to a coach when you want to be recruited, follow these tips:

• Address the coach.Always include a coach’s name in the greeting.  
• Introduce yourself. Who are you? Where are you from? What do you want?
• Express why you’re interested in the program. Find something that stands out to you about the school or team (prove you did your research!).
• Key athletic and academic info. Coaches need to know this information upfront for eligibility purposes and to see whether you fit their recruiting needs.

In the video below, Gettysburg College men’s basketball coach B.J. Dunne shares how student-athletes can communicate with coaches and show that they are proactive.

How to let coaches know you’re NOT interested in their program

It might not seem like it, but if you find yourself in the position where you need to decline a scholarship offer, or let a coach know you’re no longer interested in their program, consider yourself lucky. This probably means that you have multiple colleges interested in you and it’s time to narrow down your top choices!

Telling a coach, you’re not interested in their program can be difficult. But it is always in your best interest to do so. Know that coaches are used to having recruits decline their offers. There are polite ways to tell a coach you are not interested. And they would much rather hear “no” from you versus someone, or somewhere, else. When declining, be honest and direct. Express gratitude for the offer, or coach’s interest in recruiting you, and make sure you tell the coach why you are declining.

Many athletes ask whether they should call or email a college coach to let them know they’re no longer interested, or committed to another school. f you’ve already established a relationship with a coach, it is best to pick up the phone and call. Having a difficult conversation over the phone portrays maturity. But, if you’ve never had a conversation over the phone, or a coach is reaching out for the first time over email, then sending an email response is appropriate.  

The most important thing to remember is, always respond. Never ignore a coach communication. It is disrespectful to a coach’s time and effort in recruiting you. And remember, coaches talk to one another and you never know where that coach has personal connections.

How to prepare questions for college coaches

Before contacting a college coach, it is important for the recruit to prepare questions. When recruits ask questions, it shows the coach that they are genuinely interested in the program and want to learn more. When deciding what to ask college coaches, recruits should focus on four categories: academic, athletic, cultural and financial fit.

Learn which questions you should be asking college coaches.

Common coach questions for recruits

A conversation with a college coach is very similar to a job interview. Coaches are trying to learn more about a recruit and will come prepared with a set of questions to ask. While this might be intimidating, when coaches ask questions, it means they’re interested in the student-athlete.

Check out the list of common questions college coaches ask recruits.

Parent and coach communication

Understanding your role as the parent of a student-athlete during the college recruiting process can be confusing, especially when it comes to coach communication. Talking to college coaches can be intimidating for student-athletes, so parents may be tempted to pick up the phone for them. But this can actually do more harm than good. While the athletic recruiting process is a team effort, parents should encourage their athlete to take the lead when it comes to contacting college coaches.

Learn more about a parent’s role in coach communication.

How long do college coaches take to respond? When should I stop reaching out?

After sending an introductory email to a college coach, recruits can expect a response within one to two weeks. If you receive a response within this timeframe, a coach is most likely interested in recruiting you. Keep in mind, coaches have busy schedules and depending on the time of year it may take longer to read your email.

When should you stop reaching out to a college coach? While recruits are encouraged to send coaches athletic and academic achievements and new highlight videos every few months, it is important to know when it’s time to stop reaching out.

Recruits should stop reaching out to a program:

• If they do not qualify athletically or academically. Research the school’s academic criteria and discuss with the coaching staff whether the recruit meets the team’s athletic standards.
• If the coach has directly told the recruit that they are no longer recruiting for their position.
• If the program has finalized their roster for the student-athlete’s recruiting class.

America's Top 20 College Basketball Teams

In the United States of America, sporting events are very popular and athletes are encouraged to start investing in their desired athletic career from an early age.

College sports offer athletes the opportunity to take their sport to a whole new level after graduation.

This is also encouraged because it increases the funding for these colleges and gives these athletes the opportunity to attend college at lower or almost free prices.

Basketball is very popular, so it's no surprise that college basketball is extremely popular and profitable.

College basketball is basketball or league played by teams from various colleges and universities in the United States of America.

The most popular league is the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The NCAA is divided into 3 divisions: Division I (top level), Division II, and Division III.

Division I is divided into 2 depending on the gender of the players (men and women). Teams in each division play in annual tournaments to determine national champions. These tournaments are called "marching madness".

NBA - National Basketball Association. It is a North American professional basketball league with players from all over the world.

Many players enter the NBA from college basketball; however, it is not the same. The scope of this tournament is different from that of college football and is considered the pinnacle of a player's basketball career.

1. The shot clock is the time allowed for the attacking team to attempt a shot. In the NCAA, the shot time is 35 seconds, while in the NBA it is 24 seconds. This means that NBA games have more points and go faster than college basketball games.
2. Fouls - In the NBA, a player is allowed six personal fouls before a "foul". Only five players are allowed in college basketball.
3. Possession - In the NBA, possession disputes are resolved by a jump ball. In college basketball, however, possession is simply rotated between teams. A possession arrow is often placed on the scorer's table to indicate which team will receive possession in the next situation.
4. Season - The number of games a team plays in an NBA tournament is about 82 games in just six months. College teams only have to survive 30 or 35 games in a season that lasts 4 months.

Despite these minor differences, at first glance, the NBA and NCAA are basically the same because the rules of basketball are the same anywhere in the world.

Why is college basketball popular in America?

Many basketball fans claim that college basketball is more interesting and has more heart and passion than the professional NBA because it is a game in which every team really has an equal chance of winning the title.

This is because every college basketball game is important and there are no always good or bad teams. It's not like the NBA where the championship seems to be reserved for the Lakers and Celtics.

Minor changes to the NBA rules that make the game more professional seem to limit the need for real tactical play and are more one-on-one, which provides a certain level of predictability.

Fans and passion for college basketball games are undoubtedly the best. These college students don't need music to bring the whole stadium to life, and their passion and excitement is very infectious.

It's impossible to sit through a college basketball game without immersing yourself in the colors and euphoria of the stadium fans.

College basketball teams have the privilege of maintaining and maintaining their traditions over the years, which gives the games a certain sentimental value.

How to become a college basketball player?

The chances of a high school basketball player to make the college basketball team are very low due to the very limited opportunities available to young players.

It is important that everyone who chooses this path be realistic about their opportunities, problems and chances at any given time.

Anyone trying to make the college basketball team is expected to know their basics. This includes;

1. Appearance - It is clear that anyone who wants to play basketball at a higher level must be well above average height. You also need to be coordinated, athletic and stamina.
2. Skill - A ball player must have outstanding skills and talent to stand out in the eyes of these college basketball coaches. You have to be IMPRESSIVE with a capital M. Raw talent goes a long way in getting the attention you absolutely need if you're making the college basketball team.
3. Work Ethic / Commitment - you should want this more than anything because it's what will get you through extremely long hours in the gym. In this case, talent can only take you so far. You'll get a healthy dose of hard work and perseverance.

If you've gotten this far, I'm assuming you've already mastered the basics. So now the most important thing is to get on the college team of your dreams.

Not only do you have great basketball skills, it's also important to remember that colleges are still for academic purposes, so you will be judged largely on the basis of your grades.

Good grades (well above average) will go a long way in getting your application processed.

The AAU is an amateur sports union. This refers to non-school basketball teams that play in tournaments. These commands can help improve your skills and profile.

This can also give you some experience playing in a semi-professional team. They also participate in some "exhibition" tournaments, which can be your opportunity to gain some notoriety.

Some colleges have these elite camps and they can give you the opportunity to compete with peers and people with similar interests to get a true sense of your talents.

It's not difficult because you'll need to send these videos to the schools you want to get into.

In many colleges, the email addresses of coaches and sports personnel are available on Google.

You can email them with a personal introduction, why you want to play for them and attend their school, the required personal and professional history, including applicable basketball statistics, your contact information, a link to your highlights video, and details of your school in high school. basketball or AAU team schedule.

The benefits of playing professional basketball at the college level cannot be overestimated. This is a great opportunity to get an education while constantly pursuing your dream.

On a personal level, you receive proper training with sufficient equipment available at your college, and you also gain a comprehensive academic experience with the help of some college teachers when you inevitably miss classes.

If you enjoy traveling, seeing new places and meeting new people, then college basketball can help fulfill that aspect of your soul. This gives you a great opportunity to travel around the games as well as meet people in the places you are going to visit.

College basketball offers access to scholarships. Colleges allocate certain amounts to scholarships for athletes, and as a player, you can access this funding at your college if you qualify.

College basketball games are broadcast all over the country, so it attracts attention. This gives you the opportunity to be seen by anyone from talent scouts to coaches from across the country.

Basically, a college basketball career is worth it, even if it may be short-lived.

One of the most current ranking systems for college basketball teams is the AP Poll.

AP Poll is an Associated Press Poll. It provides weekly rankings of the top 25 NCAA teams in Division 3 college sports. These sports include football, men's basketball, and women's basketball.

The Associated Press is made up of 65 sportswriters and broadcasters from across the country. Each of them ranks all 25 teams and their individual rankings are matched for AP polls.

In college basketball, this poll is used to compare teams throughout the season. The poll is usually published every Monday and the ballots are published.

This is a short list of college basketball teams that have been nationally top ranked over the years.

These rankings are based on their results over many years in national championships. The AP polls also play an important role in these rankings as they are nationally recognized and transparent.

This is the University of Kansas intercollegiate men's basketball team. They are classified as Division I and compete in the Big 12 Conference.

Considered one of the most prestigious college basketball programs in America with over 5 championships; 3 NCAA Championships and 2 Helms National Championships.

They were national silver medalists 6 times and consecutive conference title holders with 14 titles, a streak that ran from 2005 to 2018.

In addition, from February 232 to February 2009, they ranked 2022 in the AP polls. This is the longest streak in AP poll history.

2. Villanova Wildcats men's basketball

The Villanova Wildcats men's basketball team represents Villanova University in college basketball.

Each year they compete in the NCAA Division I. Because of their level of influence, they are called the Wildcats.

They are officially one of the top five teams in the state of Philadelphia. They share a healthy rivalry and competition.

In addition, they have won national championships three times. They have won the Philadelphia Big Five 27 times.

The Virginia Cavaliers men's basketball team represents the University of Virginia. They compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference in Division I of the NCAA.

They have won one NCAA division, one game and two national invitational tournaments and three ACC tournaments. He is coached by Tony Bennett and plays home games at the John Paul Arena, which opened in 2006.

They represent Gonzaga University. He competes in the West Coast Conference in Division I of the NCAA.

Their home stadium is the McCarthy Athletic Center in Spokane, Washington. They have 15 players who have won the WCC Player of the Year award, and two of its players were nationally ranked in 1961 and 2006.

Illinois Fighting The Illinois men's basketball team competes in NCAA Division I basketball; Big Ten conference.

They represent the University of Illinois and their home games are played at the State Farm Center.

Over the years they have won seventeen Big Ten regular season championships. Coached by Brad Underwood.

The Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team represents the University of Michigan. They compete in the Big Ten Conference in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

The Wolverines play their home games at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. They have won an NCAA Championship and 2 National Invitational Tournaments. He is coached by Juwan Howard.

The Baylors Bears Men's Basketball are at home at the Ferrell Center, coached by Scott Drew.

The team represents Baylor University in Waco, Texas. They play in the NCAA Division I, Big 12 Conference.

The West Virginia Mountaineer basketball team is affiliated with West Virginia University.

They have won 13 conference championships and 29 NCAA tournament games. They competed in 16 national invitational tournaments and won 2 of them.

They're from The Ohio State University with home games at the Value City Arena at the Jerome Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio.

The arena was opened in 1998 and has served as a home ever since.

For Florida State University, this intercollegiate basketball team competes in the NCAA as well as the ACC.

They play all of their home games at the Donald L. Tucker Center located in Tallahassee, Florida.

The Duke blue devils, coached by Mike Krzyzewski, represent Duke University. Their home arena is the Cameron Indoor Stadium located in Durham, North Carolina.

They have won 5 NCAA championships and appeared in 11 championship games, 16 Fours finals and have the best NCAA record.

This team represents the University of Houston in NCAA competition. They were founded in 1945.

Their arena is the Fertitta Center in Houston, Texas. They are currently coached by Calvin Sampson. They have won 9 regular season conference championships in their history.

Their first season was in 1903 and they represent the University of Kentucky. Their arena is the Rupp Arena at the Central Bank Center.

The current head coach is John Calipari. They have the most NCAA appearances with 59 appearances. They also won the national invitational tournament twice.

They represent the University of Iowa and are coached by Fran McCaffery. Their arena is the Carver-Hawkeye Arena with a capacity of 15,400 people.

They played in 27 NCAA tournaments and 8 NIT tournaments. They have won the Big Ten tournament twice.

Created for Creighton University and nicknamed the Blue Jays.

They currently play in the Big East Conference and play home games at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska. The current head coach is Greg McDermott.

16. Texas Tech Red Raiders 9 basketball team0012

They are 6th in the big 12. They are from Texas Tech University located in Lubbock, Texas.

Their house is called United Supermarkets Arena. Since their founding in 1925, they have won 12 regular season conference championships and 5 post-season conference championships.

17. TEXAS LONGHORNS BASKETBALL TEAM.

They are 3rd in the Big 12. Their first season was at 19'06 and their current head coach is Chris Beard.

Their arena is the Frank Ervin Center in Austin, Texas. They rank 17th in total wins among all NCAA Division I college basketball programs.

They have won 28 conference championships in 35 games.

18. Oregon Ducks Basketball Team

They are the number one team in the Pac-12 Conference. They work at the University of Oregon and are coached by Howard Hobson.

Their arena is the Matthew Knight Arena located in Eugene, Oregon. They have played 17 times in the NCAA and won 8 conference championships.

19. Arkansas Razorbacks Basketball Team

They are second in the NCAA Southeastern Conference. Their home arena is the Nolan Richardson Court at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Arkansas. They have relatively fewer wins than other basketball teams on this list, however they still rank very high even with limited NCAA appearances.

Conclusion

College basketball is a very important part of American college and sports culture and creates great opportunities for young players to have both a college education and an athletic career.

Recommendations

• https://www.rulesofsport.com/faq/what-is-the-difference-between-professional-and-college-basketball.html
• https://www.google.com/amp /s/syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/649559-ten-reasons-nba-doesnt-compare-to-college-basketball.amp.html
• https://proskillsbasketball.com/how-to-play-basketball-in-college/
• https://en. m.wikipedia.org/wiki/AP_Poll
• https://www.espn.com /mens-college-basketball/rankings
• https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/basketball-men/d1/associated-press
• https://illinoiscollegeathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball

How to Become a College Basketball Coach • BUOM

By Indeed Editorial Team

March 12, 2021

If you are good at basketball and enjoy teaching others how to play, you might consider becoming a college basketball coach. These professionals work with college students on the basketball team and teach them how to be more effective in the sport. College basketball coaches require a certain amount of experience and education to be considered for this position. In this article, we'll take a look at what a college basketball coach does, the requirements to become one, and the steps you can take to choose this career.

What does a college basketball coach do?

College basketball coaches teach students how to play basketball as part of a team. Many college students who are part of a basketball team already have some level of skill in the sport, and a coach must help team members hone those skills and work together as a team to win basketball games. A college basketball coach should expect and be able to:

• Perform administrative duties including filing medical forms, completing lists, budgeting for the team, developing training schedules, and ordering equipment needed for training and practice.

• Learn the rules and objectives of the various basketball organizations that must be followed when playing as part of that organization.

• Keep team members safe during training and games.

• Recruit new basketball players for the college team.

• Work one on one with players to help them develop their skills.

• Select players to fill certain positions in an efficient way.

• Organize team building events to promote a sense of teamwork and camaraderie.

• Development of team rules and enforcement of rules during practice and games.

• Create game plans for each game based on knowledge available to the other team.

• Participate in public relations activities to increase awareness of the basketball team and the college as a whole.

• Conduct media interviews and participate in fundraising events to raise money for the team.

How to Become a College Basketball Coach

Here are the steps you need to take if you want to pursue a career as a basketball coach:

0081

Most college basketball coaches originally started as players themselves. If you're in high school, join the basketball team and learn everything you can about how the game works. Spend time every day playing basketball to better understand the ins and outs of the game and the skills needed to be a better player.

2. Get a bachelor's degree

After you graduate from high school or get your GED, you should continue your undergraduate studies. Common subjects that aspiring college basketball coaches choose to study include physical education, coach training, and related fields. Majors that emphasize leadership are also good choices for those looking to pursue a career as a college basketball coach. There is no specific specialty that a basketball coach must master; rather, most colleges that hire basketball coaches just want to make sure you get your bachelor's degree in general.

3. Gain coaching experience

Most college basketball coaches are not hired straight out of college. Rather, they usually spend time coaching lower levels such as high school or high school before they qualify to coach at the college level. One idea is to teach part-time and coach at a local middle or high school. Schools are more likely to hire sports coaches who also teach at their school.

Once you have gained experience as a lower-level basketball coach, you can apply for a college basketball assistant coaching position. You may also want to consider applying to be the manager of the college basketball team you would like to eventually coach. Both of these positions give you hands-on college-level coaching experience and teach you the finer points of learning and preparing for practice.

Most college basketball coaches spend several years training on the staff of the basketball program, so every position you hold on that staff will be valuable to your future coaching career.

4. Get certified as a basketball coach

Many colleges that hire basketball coaches are looking for candidates who are certified as basketball coaches. One of the most popular basketball coach certifications is the USA Basketball (USAB) Associate License. This license requires a background check and a series of courses. Once this is done, you will receive a license for the season. You can also get a USAB Coach Gold License, which is required for those who coach at NCAA certified events. Other certifications that are important for college basketball coaches include first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

5. Choose whether you want to coach men's or women's basketball.

Another important step in your college basketball coaching career is deciding whether you want to coach men's or women's basketball. Although there is no significant difference between the two, it would be nice to understand how each type of basketball differs and what are the expectations for each of them individually.

6. Participate in networking activities

There are several opportunities for networking in the field of college basketball. USA Basketball Coaches Network is the place to find and build relationships with other aspiring and current college basketball coaches. You can also use online networking platforms or attend college basketball events that will be attended by other coaches and coaching staff members. A good network can help you find a job as a college basketball coach, as well as if you decide to change positions in the same field in the future.

7. Continue to gain professional experience to advance to higher positions.

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