20 Questions

Questions to Ask Coaches on a Visit

Navigate coaching visits with strategic questions that help you understand their coaching philosophy, program culture, and expectations while ensuring you find the right fit for your athletic development.

1

What's your coaching philosophy and approach to player development?

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Why this works

Reveals their coaching style while helping you understand their approach to developing athletes and building skills.

2

What's your approach to working with different types of players and skill levels?

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Why this works

Shows their adaptability while revealing how they work with players of varying abilities and backgrounds.

3

What's your approach to building team culture and chemistry?

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Why this works

Demonstrates their leadership while revealing how they foster team unity and create a positive team environment.

4

What's your approach to handling different types of game situations and pressure?

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Why this works

Shows their strategic thinking while revealing how they prepare players for various game scenarios and high-pressure situations.

5

What's your approach to working with different types of parents and families?

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Why this works

Demonstrates their communication skills while revealing how they manage relationships with parents and family members.

6

What's your approach to handling different types of conflicts and challenges?

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Why this works

Shows their problem-solving while revealing how they resolve disputes and handle difficult situations within the team.

7

What's your approach to working with different types of training and practice methods?

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Why this works

Demonstrates their coaching expertise while revealing their training philosophies and practice strategies.

8

What's your approach to working with different types of competition and opponents?

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Why this works

Shows their strategic planning while revealing how they prepare for various opponents and competitive situations.

9

What's your approach to working with different types of injuries and health issues?

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Why this works

Demonstrates their player care while revealing how they handle player health and injury management.

10

What's your approach to working with different types of academic and personal commitments?

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Why this works

Shows their understanding while revealing how they balance athletics with academics and personal responsibilities.

11

What's your approach to working with different types of feedback and communication?

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Why this works

Demonstrates their communication style while revealing how they provide feedback and communicate with players.

12

What's your approach to working with different types of goals and expectations?

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Why this works

Shows their goal-setting while revealing how they establish and work toward team and individual objectives.

13

What's your approach to working with different types of leadership and team dynamics?

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Why this works

Demonstrates their team management while revealing how they develop leadership and manage team relationships.

14

What's your approach to working with different types of technology and training tools?

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Why this works

Shows their innovation while revealing how they incorporate technology and modern training methods into their coaching.

15

What's your approach to working with different types of rules and regulations?

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Why this works

Demonstrates their compliance while revealing how they navigate rules, regulations, and league requirements.

16

What's your approach to working with different types of media and public relations?

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Why this works

Shows their professionalism while revealing how they handle media attention and public relations.

17

What's your approach to working with different types of community and school involvement?

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Why this works

Demonstrates their community focus while revealing how they engage with the community and school environment.

18

What's your approach to working with different types of career development and opportunities?

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Why this works

Shows their mentorship while revealing how they support players' career development and future opportunities.

19

What's the most rewarding aspect of coaching for you?

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Why this works

Focuses on positive aspects while revealing what they find most fulfilling about their coaching role and career.

20

What's the most important thing for players to know about your program?

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Why this works

Provides key guidance while revealing what they consider most critical for players to understand about their program and expectations.

Mastering Coaching Visits

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Best Practices

Assess Coaching Philosophy

Ask about their coaching approach and philosophy to ensure it aligns with your goals and values. This helps you understand their coaching style.

Evaluate Program Culture

Ask about team culture and environment to ensure it's a positive and supportive place for your development. This reveals the program's values and atmosphere.

Understand Expectations

Ask about their expectations for players to ensure you can meet their requirements and thrive in their program.

Question Sequences

The Philosophy Explorer

1
What's your coaching philosophy and approach to player development?
2
What's your approach to working with different types of players and skill levels?
3
What's your approach to building team culture and chemistry?

The Challenge Handler

1
What's your approach to handling different types of game situations and pressure?
2
What's your approach to working with different types of conflicts and challenges?
3
What's your approach to working with different types of injuries and health issues?

Common Pitfalls

Don't Focus Only on Winning

While winning is important, also ask about player development, team culture, and personal growth. These factors greatly impact your experience.

Avoid Generic Questions

Don't ask questions that don't reveal their specific approach and philosophy. Ask about their unique methods and strategies.

Don't Ignore the Personal Fit

Consider how well you'll fit with their coaching style and team culture. This is crucial for your success and enjoyment.

Conversation Templates

The Philosophy Explorer

1
Step 1: Start with: "What's your coaching philosophy and approach to player development?"
2
Step 2: Follow with: "What's your approach to working with different types of players and skill levels?"
3
Step 3: Deepen with: "What's your approach to building team culture and chemistry?"

The Challenge Handler

1
Step 1: Begin with: "What's your approach to handling different types of game situations and pressure?"
2
Step 2: Explore with: "What's your approach to working with different types of conflicts and challenges?"
3
Step 3: Connect with: "What's your approach to working with different types of injuries and health issues?"

Further Reading

"The Inner Game of Tennis" by W. Timothy Gallwey
"Coaching for Performance" by John Whitmore
"The Champion's Mind" by Jim Afremow

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