Professional basketball coaches teach professional basketball players the skills they need to succeed on the court. Most professional basketball coaches have demonstrated a winning record as an assistant or head coach at the college or professional level. Professional basketball coaches run practices, recruit players and call plays during games. These coaches often analyze the strengths and weaknesses of their team as well as those of their opponents. Professional basketball coaches evaluate and keep track of individual performance and create plays that take advantage of their players’ strengths. They often oversee a team of assistant coaches. The following chart gives you an overview about entering this field.
Although there is no minimum education requirement to become a professional basketball coach, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) states that many coaches start their careers at the high school or collegiate level (www.bls.gov). A bachelor’s degree may be required for these positions. Coaching-related bachelor’s degree programs include physical education or exercise science. You’ll complete coursework in lifetime fitness and wellness, anatomy and physiology, motor development and kinesiology.
