What does an Assistant Coach do?
Each Assistant Coach will typically have different tasks assigned to them depending on the needs of the team and head coach. Ultimately, their goal is to help the head coach lead the team to victory, whether it be an individual sport such as tennis or team sports including basketball, football and baseball. Assistant Coaches of youth sports teams have the added responsibility of being a positive influence on the children they’re coaching, in addition to communicating with parents regarding game schedules and roster changes.
Assistant Coach skills and qualifications
An effective Assistant Coach must be able to adapt to changes and leverage a wide array of skills such as:
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Strong communication skills to clearly convey performance and technique issues to players
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An in-depth understanding of the rules and skills related to the sport their team is playing
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Quick problem-solving capabilities to identify and address challenges posed by the opposing team
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An analytical approach to game play footage to help determine the focus of upcoming practices
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A passion for helping others achieve peak performance in their position
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The ability to stay calm and focused under pressure in potentially loud environments
Assistant Coach experience requirements
Assistant Coach positions can have a wide range of experience requirements that change between sports, leagues and age groups that they’ll be working with. Most assistant coaches will have experience with the sport as either a previous player or coach with additional training happening on-the-job. Candidates with a strong history of coaching may have additional skills they can offer such as professional training experience or specific strategy knowledge that can be adapted to their new team.
Assistant Coach education and training requirements
The type of sport and size of team being coached can directly impact the minimum education requirements you set for your posting. Ideal Assistant Coach candidates will have received a bachelor’s degree in a field such as physical education or sports medicine in order to bring additional skills to the team. A master’s degree in kinesiology or sports management could identify a candidate ready to take your college or professional team to the next level.
Assistant Coach salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an Assistant Coach is $19.53 an hour. The hourly rate and other compensation offered will vary depending on their experience, skills and the location of your team.
Job description samples for similar positions
For roles similar to Assistant Coach, you can start with our job descriptions for positions that share some of the same skills and duties.
Assistant Coach job description FAQs
What makes a good Assistant Coach job description?
Showcasing the character and priorities of your team in the job description can help attract candidates with a similar mindset and approach to the game. Remember to outline the season’s game and practice schedule to set expectations on when the candidate will need to be available.
What’s the difference between a Head Coach and an Assistant Coach?
While a Head Coach is ultimately responsible for the overall success of the team, Assistant Coaches will often specialize in helping players in specific positions or by focusing on either defense or offense. A team will also only have one Head Coach but may have several Assistant Coaches.
How does an Assistant Coach support the Head Coach?
Assistant Coaches will collaborate with the Head Coach on the goals of the team and program, using their skills and resources to help deliver on those goals. They may spend one day running drills with a specific group of players, while the next is spent watching the prior night’s game with the other coaches to evaluate the team.
What are the different types of Assistant Coach?
Assistant Coaches may work best when they’re given the opportunity to focus on their strengths. An Assistant Coach could be designated as an offensive or defensive coordinator, a special skills coach or a technical recording or communications equipment operator, depending on how the team is performing and the individual’s previous coaching experience.
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