|
|
Post by lonestarqb on Dec 30, 2014 21:25:44 GMT -6
I'm a 15 year old sophomore quarterback. I love football and have a huge passion for the game. I study anything I can get my hands on in every free minute I have. And I and love this site. Aspiring to become a college coach, what advice could ya'll give me? As far as how to get to that level and what I should be doing right now to get there? Thanks!
|
|
GANNO
Sophomore Member
Posts: 207
|
Post by GANNO on Dec 30, 2014 21:40:35 GMT -6
Go to some football clinics. Start a journal and reflect on what you know and don't know. Ask your head coach if there are any one night local clinics you can attend. Sit in the front and ask questions at those clinics. Don't specialize. Learn about both sides of the ball. Knowing both sides will help you going forward. Learn about all positions on the field. Go to college! Major in education! Be a great teacher first! Play football in college and/or become a grad assistant for a program you respect.
|
|
|
|
Post by spos21ram on Dec 30, 2014 22:00:04 GMT -6
I'd focus on being the best player you can be until you can't play anymore.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using proboards
|
|
|
|
Post by Coach Huey on Dec 30, 2014 22:48:40 GMT -6
Go to some football clinics. Start a journal and reflect on what you know and don't know. Ask your head coach if there are any one night local clinics you can attend. Sit in the front and ask questions at those clinics. actually, don't go to any clinics - at least not to any clinics where there are college guys speaking. that puts those guys in a bad spot - an NCAA violation.... inappropriate contact with a player. |
|
|
|
Post by coachd5085 on Dec 31, 2014 0:11:46 GMT -6
Go to some football clinics. Start a journal and reflect on what you know and don't know. Ask your head coach if there are any one night local clinics you can attend. Sit in the front and ask questions at those clinics. Don't specialize. Learn about both sides of the ball. Knowing both sides will help you going forward. Learn about all positions on the field. Go to college! Major in education! Be a great teacher first! Play football in college and/or become a grad assistant for a program you respect. I have to disagree with about everything said in this post with the exception of trying to play college ball. I wouldn't recommend going to clinics at that age. The journal thing, eh. Now since football interests you, there are many books you could get just to kind of fill your hunger for the moment. As a 15 year old, I would do exactly what spos21ram suggests. Just focus on being the best player you can be. lonestarqb as far as becoming a college coach, the most successful route is probably by playing college ball, and parlaying those relationships into graduate assistant roles as GANNO said. So the key to that is keep yourself eligible, AND depending on your talent/skill level, recognize that "college ball" is not limited to playing at Texas, Notre Dame, or FSU. Also keep in mind, that college coaching isn't limited to those types of schools as well, HOWEVER, many if not most of the college football coaching jobs might not be terribly lucrative, and yet they are extremely competitive. Schools posting a $10,000 a year, no benefits, no housing type job might get 50+applicants shortly after it posts. So another key to becoming a "college coach" is recognizing that the job is very much like one in the entertainment profession. For every Carrie Underwood making $$$$ and touring the world, there are 100 little blondes waiting tables, answering phones, and singing for $40 bucks at a bar at night. For every Will smith breaking box offices, there are 100 guys working side jobs at night so they can audition during the day. Basically, recognize that many college jobs are require you to work 70+ hours a week at below poverty level pay. |
|
|
|
Post by lonestarqb on Dec 31, 2014 0:34:17 GMT -6
Thank you all. That helped a lot. I definately plan on playing in college. If my talent only allows me to play at the D2 or D3 level, I am more then willing to play there. College ball is college ball no matter what level.
Coachd5085 are you saying that financially wise if I weren't coaching for a higher paying college job it would be financially better to coach HS?
Also one last question. Should I major in a certain field in college since I'm planning on coaching?
|
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Dec 31, 2014 5:34:35 GMT -6
Nm
|
|
|
|
Post by coachjm on Dec 31, 2014 8:33:59 GMT -6
lonestarqb
Grind and work passionately with a commitment for excellence in everything you do. 21 years ago I was in your shoes I remember reaching out to the coaching fraternity to learn more about it and how to get into it. Here is what I learned.
- Your work ethic determines a lot in life and there is great carryover to your work ethic in school/sport as there is in coaching.
- Invest in your current program you are building a philosophy right now as your mentors (your current coaches) teach you what they know about football that information and knowledge will be invaluable as your knowledge goes.
- Playing will be your only practical experience, good coaches have an understanding what it is like to have played in the game, do this as long as possible as when it is done you will have more theoretic experience but no more practical experience.
- Football and Coaching is a tough profession, do tough things now to become a tougher individual to make yourself as discipline as you can to be as successful as you plan.
- Keep an open mind, I went to college to be a politician within my first semester I decided to be a college coach after a couple stints in college I decided to become a educator/coach. Not as I had planned but in hindsight I would have been a HORRIBLE politician!
|
|
|
|
Post by irishdog on Dec 31, 2014 9:05:08 GMT -6
lonestarqb
You sound very passionate about playing football, and that is awesome! Since your tag is "lonestarqb" I assume you are in Texas somewhere. So am I. If there is any advice I could give you it would be this: Remember that saying and doing are very different things. Since you are a QB you have already taken the first step in trying to become a coach. The QB should be a leader. He should not only know everything about his position, but he also must know everything there is to know about the entire offense, and what to expect from a defense. While you are learning, start teaching. Study the game. Absorb all the knowledge you can, and help teach it to your team mates. Keep in mind…TEACH…DON'T PREACH. Teaching what you learn will help you learn it more quickly and more thoroughly, and will help you earn the respect of your peers. Which most good coaches have done! Best of luck to you!
|
|
|
|
Post by coachd5085 on Dec 31, 2014 9:29:16 GMT -6
Coachd5085 are you saying that financially wise if I weren't coaching for a higher paying college job it would be financially better to coach HS? Not exactly, but something close. I am saying that it is important to recognize that college football is not the most stable career path, and MANY college jobs are Overtime hours for below poverty level pay. At least right now (there was an interesting court case where an Intern sued a college, but it settled out of court). If we are talking about one of those jobs, then yes you are financially better off coaching HS. But keep in mind, a college career is rarely (I would almost be confident in saying NEVER) going to be one where you stay at the same position, same school, same pay for much more than 3 or 4 years. |
|
|
|
Post by fballcoachg on Dec 31, 2014 10:04:09 GMT -6
Enjoy playing now, work hard at it.
When you get in to college, if you are playing express your interest to your position coach, coordinator, strength coach, and/or HC then follow up as your playing career comes to a close. If you aren't playing do whatever you can to latch on as a student assistant and be the quickest to step up to do any and every job they need done. As far as major, even if college is your aspiration I would probably do education in a HIGH DEMAND field like special ed or math if you have an interest and aptitude in those, PE is a dime a dozen easy to replace and hard to find jobs, much higher supply than demand. This will keep options open for in case college doesn't work out or you find you like HS more. Last bit of advice if college is your end goal, do it right away. Very hard to get into it once you are out of the loop and even harder to get in to it when you have a wife and family.
|
|
|
|
Post by fantom on Dec 31, 2014 10:12:51 GMT -6
Enjoy playing now, work hard at it. When you get in to college, if you are playing express your interest to your position coach, coordinator, strength coach, and/or HC then follow up as your playing career comes to a close. If you aren't playing do whatever you can to latch on as a student assistant and be the quickest to step up to do any and every job they need done. As far as major, even if college is your aspiration I would probably do education in a HIGH DEMAND field like special ed or math if you have an interest and aptitude in those, PE is a dime a dozen easy to replace and hard to find jobs, much higher supply than demand. This will keep options open for in case college doesn't work out or you find you like HS more. Last bit of advice if college is your end goal, do it right away. Very hard to get into it once you are out of the loop and even harder to get in to it when you have a wife and family. Once you have a wife and kids and a car payment it becomes very difficult. On your own you can do whatever it takes but nobody wants to watch their kids eating Top Ramen. |
|
|
|
Post by coachd5085 on Dec 31, 2014 11:25:26 GMT -6
Also one last question. Should I major in a certain field in college since I'm planning on coaching? This--is a much more complex question in my opinion, because of the varied nature of "coaching" as a career. In most college jobs, coaching pays the bills (even if it is one of those below poverty wage jobs, it is still your primary job)--in High School however, 99% of the time TEACHING pays the bills, and coaching pays about $0.30 an hour, give or take. But that is the catch--you have to teach. I have a hard time recommending the education profession in the current climate to individuals who WANT to be teachers. I would NEVER EVER recommend someone enter the teaching profession because they wanted to coach football, and that was the way to do it. That is just me though, I don't see the point of being miserable from 7am-3pm just to coach from 3-7. I definitely can't agree with fballcoachg on this. No WAY would I suggest a career in special education just so you can get a job coaching football. One goes into special education because one wants a career in special education. No other reason (again, thats just me). I think one needs to be cautious when trying to create a "Marinovich style" type of career in coaching (or in anything really). Just concentrate on At 15, concentrate on being the best you can be everyday. Get the best grades you can, work as hard as you can, and you will continue to give yourself Options and Opportunities. Heck, that advice works for all ages, but keep in mind at 15, you are going to be changing a great deal as you mature. |
|
|
|
Post by brophy on Dec 31, 2014 11:31:29 GMT -6
I'm very interested in the motivation here....
WHY would you want to teach football, when you can (still) PLAY football?
I'd really like to understand the rationale
You like the game, more power to ya and we'll all help.
If you want to be a leader in sports, calling the shots....there are some headaches ahead.
If you want to do play-calling....its not all its cracked up to be.
Football coaching is really about teaching technique and relating to others (staff and players) on a personal level. Then its about controlling the environment to ensure a consistent product (performance). Football *football* is kinda different than coaching (IMO)
If you like the game.....the true joy is PLAYING. Coaching is a distant second to the rewards of athletic performance and grinding with your teammates.
|
|
|
|
Post by fantom on Dec 31, 2014 12:01:42 GMT -6
I'm very interested in the motivation here.... WHY would you want to teach football, when you can (still) PLAY football?I'd really like to understand the rationale here I'm 61 years old and wish every day that I could still play. |
|
|
|
Post by fballcoachg on Dec 31, 2014 12:24:06 GMT -6
I'm with you coachd5085 which is why I said "have the interest and aptitude" in those subjects.
Like many on here, I have a very hard time telling students to go in to debt to become teachers because of the issues that have been discussed many times on here, however if it is what they have an interest in, so be it.
What would you suggest degree wise? I have no idea what college coaches major in, just assume it's ed or athletic based.
|
|
|
|
Post by lonestarqb on Dec 31, 2014 15:12:59 GMT -6
I'm very interested in the motivation here.... WHY would you want to teïach football, when you can (still) PLAY football?I'd really like to understand the rationale You like the game, more power to ya and we'll all help. If you want to be a leader in sports, calling the shots....there are some headaches ahead. If you want to do play-calling....its not all its cracked up to be. Football coaching is really about teaching technique and relating to others (staff and players) on a personal level. Then its about controlling the environment to ensure a consistent product (performance). Football * football* is kinda different than coaching (IMO) If you like the game.....the true joy is PLAYING. Coaching is a distant second to the rewards of athletic performance and grinding with your teammates. I love playing the game and will continue to play for as long as possible! I'm just looking ahead for after my playing time is over....as all things come to an end eventually. |
|
|
|
Post by lonestarqb on Dec 31, 2014 15:17:50 GMT -6
And thank you all so much for the advice. I plan on majoring in business, so I'm not quite sure how that will work out. But we will see.
|
|
|
|
Post by shocktroop34 on Dec 31, 2014 16:08:35 GMT -6
A couple thoughts here based on the collective ideas already shared: 1) I agree with dsqa for a few reasons when he stated, "An Education degree with a particular core discipline (math, English, History physical, etc.) is probably great for pursuing a coaching path rising through High school..." a) The first reason is that I know this to be true from a personal standpoint. I have been a head coach at three different schools and two different sports, in two different states. The fact that I was an English teacher was a major factor in my hiring. Math and English positions are available in almost every school, every year. In the hiring process, one of the first questions that come up is, 'Can we get him in the building?' When you teach Math or English, the answer will almost always be, 'Yes.' History is more difficult as there is little movement, meaning teachers stay in that discipline for longer periods. b) The next reason is that, as someone else pointed out, college coaching is not a stable employment environment. If you want proof, just watch footballscoop.com over the next few months and look at how many college assistants drop down to the H.S. level for employment (by choice or necessity). When I was in college I was going to see my adviser to declare my major/minor. I had the pen in my had and he stopped me. He said 'look, I know your a PE guy, but why don't you pick a core class to major in and choose PE as a minor. That way you will be much more marketable. Then, if you get in, you can make a lat move if a PE job opens.' It was some of the best advice I ever received. I've been able to move schools, sports, etc. because of being a core teacher. I even had a chance to teach PE and declined it. I'd rather be in the classroom, for numerous reasons, but that is another discussion. Now, knowing you one day want to give college a try, know that it is important who you serve under. Some may disagree, but the connections that the head coach you work for in college is important. Find a coach that has a good reputation. A man of strong character. His recommendation (and the coaching circle in which he runs) can help your career if you are determined to stay on that level. There is much more I could add, but at your age just be willing to start at the bottom and work your way up. Good luck, kid. |
|
|
|
Post by coachd5085 on Dec 31, 2014 18:15:06 GMT -6
What would you suggest degree wise? I have no idea what college coaches major in, just assume it's ed or athletic based. I would suggest to study something one is interested in. Full disclosure, I "was" lonestarqb when I was 15 as well. As early as 8 or 9 I "invented" the GAM defense or something similar to the Celina 10-1 using Star Wars action figures to stop the Oklahoma wishbone. When I was a sophomore, I "invented" the idea of multiple camera angles filming games (tight and wide sideline shots, had not "invented" the idea of an endzone shot). NOTE: Before someone misses the point and ruins the thread, by "invented" I simply mean that I came up with the idea without any knowledge that such things were already done. I think that is kind of impressive as an 8 year old 
I actually did a HS research paper on coaching football, complete with an interview with Hank Stram. That is when I discovered my first football coaching books (Bob Reade's Coaching Football Successfully, Tom Smythe's The Explosive Double Slot Offense and Bill Siler's Football's Super Split: The Underdog Defense. I am betting lonestarqb is very similar to how I was...hopefully with more talent and guidance. Sadly, I didn't really have much of a football program around me, and was not a terribly good player...so I didn't understand how to be a college player. Wasn't going to play in the SEC..and at that point, that was pretty much my limited college football universe. I had no clue about various divisions and such. So why all the background? Because I no longer coach ball. Oddly enough after thinking it was what I was meant to do (and seriously, can't you see that background story as a part of the 20 hours of pregame coverage had I been coaching in a Superbowl...) for a long long time, after coaching Jr High, HS, and Div 1AA ball, ...I grew bored with it. So I worked my way back down the latter, thinking being less involved would be more suitable. Nope.. Just really lost interest. Thankfully, I left myself with options and opportunties, so I am not stuck with a future burdened by choices I made "to be a coach" when I was younger. |
|
|
|
Post by gammelgaard on Feb 1, 2015 5:29:34 GMT -6
I'm very interested in the motivation here.... WHY would you want to teach football, when you can (still) PLAY football?I'd really like to understand the rationale You like the game, more power to ya and we'll all help. If you want to be a leader in sports, calling the shots....there are some headaches ahead. If you want to do play-calling....its not all its cracked up to be. Football coaching is really about teaching technique and relating to others (staff and players) on a personal level. Then its about controlling the environment to ensure a consistent product (performance). Football * football* is kinda different than coaching (IMO) If you like the game.....the true joy is PLAYING. Coaching is a distant second to the rewards of athletic performance and grinding with your teammates. I think I have an answer. Here in Denmark, most youth coaches are still playing. I started coaching 10-14 year-olds when I was 17 and playing "High School" ball. It was only 5 hours/week so it wasn't much but I enjoyed it, I gave back and I got experience from it. Two years later here I am. Injuried, so I won't play this year, but that just means I can focus on coaching. |
|
|
|
Post by fantom on Feb 1, 2015 15:48:59 GMT -6
I'm very interested in the motivation here.... WHY would you want to teach football, when you can (still) PLAY football?I'd really like to understand the rationale You like the game, more power to ya and we'll all help. If you want to be a leader in sports, calling the shots....there are some headaches ahead. If you want to do play-calling....its not all its cracked up to be. Football coaching is really about teaching technique and relating to others (staff and players) on a personal level. Then its about controlling the environment to ensure a consistent product (performance). Football * football* is kinda different than coaching (IMO) If you like the game.....the true joy is PLAYING. Coaching is a distant second to the rewards of athletic performance and grinding with your teammates. I think I have an answer. Here in Denmark, most youth coaches are still playing. I started coaching 10-14 year-olds when I was 17 and playing "High School" ball. It was only 5 hours/week so it wasn't much but I enjoyed it, I gave back and I got experience from it. Two years later here I am. Injuried, so I won't play this year, but that just means I can focus on coaching. The OP's screen name, lonestarqb, indicates that he's in Texas, USA. Player/coaches are not the norm there. |
|
|
|
Post by coachd5085 on Feb 1, 2015 16:00:49 GMT -6
I think I have an answer. Here in Denmark, most youth coaches are still playing. I started coaching 10-14 year-olds when I was 17 and playing "High School" ball. It was only 5 hours/week so it wasn't much but I enjoyed it, I gave back and I got experience from it. Two years later here I am. Injuried, so I won't play this year, but that just means I can focus on coaching. The OP's screen name, lonestarqb, indicates that he's in Texas, USA. Player/coaches are not the norm there. Other than Lance Harbor-- Interim coach of the West Canaan High School Coyotes. |
|
|
|
Post by agap on Feb 1, 2015 22:05:44 GMT -6
Focus on playing football, not coaching football in the future.
|
|
|
|
Post by gammelgaard on Feb 2, 2015 5:39:31 GMT -6
I think I have an answer. Here in Denmark, most youth coaches are still playing. I started coaching 10-14 year-olds when I was 17 and playing "High School" ball. It was only 5 hours/week so it wasn't much but I enjoyed it, I gave back and I got experience from it. Two years later here I am. Injuried, so I won't play this year, but that just means I can focus on coaching. The OP's screen name, lonestarqb, indicates that he's in Texas, USA. Player/coaches are not the norm there. Who in their right mind said that the norm is the best? And as var as I can see, he just wants to be prepared, so that the day he can't play anymore, he will have the best opportunities to start coaching, and be a good coach from day one |
|
|
|
Post by spreadpowero on Feb 2, 2015 6:38:35 GMT -6
Have fun playing the game.
|
|
|
|
Post by RoCro23 on Feb 3, 2015 9:37:53 GMT -6
Lonestarqb my suggestion would be to spend as much time with your DB coach and your Defensive Coordinator as you do with your position coach and Offensive Coordinator. Probably tough to do in season, so now would be the time to do it. This will give you some balance in your overall football knowledge and let you see what they are trying to defend and how. Learn what the strengths are of their defense and their weaknesses. Ask them to explain what techniques they teach and why. Ask them about Leverage and how they use it and how they lose it? It should give you an inside look into how defenses are attacking what you are trying to do on offense. Hope this helps.
|
|
