Coaches teach athletic skills, provide generalized fitness training, and train athletes to perform in physical and competitive environments. Being a coach requires the successful juggling of these various caps. Individuals who find themselves satisfied in coaching have strong teaching skills, an abundance of motivation to work additional hours, and excellent communication skills. What sport and age-level you wish to coach will have a substantial impact on what preparation is needed beyond knowing your chosen sport very well. The skills required to coach high-school volleyball, for example, are quite different from the skills required to coach professional volleyball.
Progression is difficult within and between coaching levels.
Many coaches enjoy going to conferences to meet other professionals and to learn new methods of fitness training and injury prevention. Coaching different age levels requires different sets of skills. Having worked for a youth league or summer camp as a coach works to your advantage. Applicants should have at least three semesters worth of physical training and a history of success coaching at the high school level or above. Many college coaches are hired in part because of personal relationships with the coaching staff, so cultivate contacts.