Find out everything you need to know about becoming a Sports Coach.

Job Title - Sports Coach

Description

A Sports Coach teaches individuals and teams how to improve the way they play their sport by analysing their performances, instructing players in relevant skills and enhancing players' performances. They help sportsmen and sportswomen to increase their sporting skills, abilities and techniques and attempt to maximize the player’s potential.

Typical Job Activities

Observes individuals' performances to determine the level of instruction required
Organises and supervises practice sessions
Plans fitness and training programmes
Organises and liaises with sports science support staff
Teaches players techniques to acquire additional skills or improve existing skills
Keeps up with changing rules, techniques, technology and philosophies in their sport
Arranges schedules and entries into competitions
Chooses the team
Plans and directs game strategy, sometimes in consultation with club officials
Analyses the progress of games or competitions, and give signals and instructions to players
Analyses the strengths and weaknesses of athletes and those of the competition (often through the use of videotapes and films)
Revises plans and strategies as needed
Meets with media representatives and does public relations work
Undertakes related administrative tasks such as booking venues, organises tours and budgeting
Recruits players and other coaching staff
Manages coaching staff
Acquires equipment

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Related Occupations

Sport Manager
Sport Advancement Officer

Educational Requirements

Senior Certificate with matriculation exemption for a degree course in Sport Sciences/Sport Psychology at a university
Senior Certificate for diploma or BTech Degree in Sport Management/Sport and Exercise Technology

Note: Some entry-level positions for coaches or instructors only require experience derived as a participant in the sport or activity

What natural skills and/or aptitudes do I need for this occupation?

Should have a thorough understanding and knowledge of the skills, rules, techniques and psychology of the game or sport coached
Have to be physically fit
Be able to lead, motivate and work well with sports players and teams
Have good communication and instructional skills
Have good organisational skills
Have skills in evaluating the sporting ability of individual players and teams
Have to be patient, fair, and able to work well under pressure
Have to be able to face criticism

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Employment Opportunities

Low

Market Competitiveness

High

Income Potential

Moderate

Self-Employment Options

Moderate

International Employment Market

High

Possible Employers

Government - national, provincial, local councils and related organisations like tertiary and secondary institutions, sports clubs or professional sport teams
Self-employed: contractor, consultant or own practice

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Relevant Contact Details

Sports Science Institute of South Africa
https://www.ssisa.com

Career Progress and Path

Work performance
Do presentations, seminars, publish articles, etc.

Possible Career Paths

Specialist career in the specific field
Consultant/ contractor/ own practice

Employment Stability

Not very stable

Reasons to consider this career

A job in government
To work with people
To work flexible hours
To apply my special skills