Each week Coach Bass brings his 30 years of NFL coaching experience to USA Football. Coaches, e-mail Coach Bass your question to CoachBass@AOL.com.
Steve asked the following question.
Coach,my son started playing football this year and I want to support him by acting as a volunteer for his high school team. My question is where do I go to learn how to be coach? I don't just want to be the guy video taping the game. I want to contribute something on the field.
Hi Steve,
One of the first things I would suggest for you to do is to become a member right here on usafootball.com and then take our online Coaching Course. We currently have two levels of the course and the material that is presented includes both instruction and animation and is ideal for a veteran coach or a coach, like you, who is just embarking on his coaching career.
After each section in the course your will find a short quiz that focuses on the important areas that you should take away from that section. After reviewing each section, taking each quiz and scoring 80% you will receive a certificate of completion from USA Football.
All positions on the team are presented, including offense, defense and special teams, and the basic skills and techniques need to successfully play that position are covered for you.
In addition to the techniques to teach the players, there are other sections that focus on safety, communication, working as a staff, teaching procedures, motivation of your players, and much more.
Your membership will also give you access to the practice planner, the drills library, the playbook site where you can design your very own playbook, a needed insurance policy and the mailings from USA Football.
This step is going to get you started thinking and planning the way successful coaches prepare for the season, each practice, and every game.
The next thing to do, once you feel you understand the basics of being a coach; you need to set up a time to meet with the Head Football Coach. Tell him of your desire to help the team on the field and ask if there is an area on the staff that could use more help. Coaching staffs always need additional coaches and I would certainly set up this appointment as soon as possible before the staff is finalized.
There may be school and conference rules and regulations that you will need to meet. This is true for every team. Expect him to ask you about your background so that he can place you in a position to succeed.
As a new coach it will be your responsibility to learn and understand the procedures the team uses, the terminology that is in place and the various offensive plays, defensive schemes, and special team assignments before you ever step on the field.
‘Being a football coach is one of the most rewarding careers that you can do. Seeing the light go on in young player’s eyes will really excite you the first time it happens on the field.
Remember, only when player knows that you care about him as an individual will he begin to care about the team. Good luck, stay positive, tell the players what to do and not what not to do, praise before criticism, treat every player the same and above all make sure your players get to play and have fun, Coach Tom Bass.