Coaching at the Next Level FAQ

Starting a Coaching Career

 How do I start coaching sports?

You can start coaching in several ways. Many coaches begin by playing the sport, which teaches them the game and what they like about coaching. If you have not played, learn as much as you can, watch games, and volunteer with a coaching staff, often at the high school level.

 What qualifications do I need to start coaching?

Qualifications vary by sport and level. Many sports have governing bodies that issue coaching licenses or certificates, such as the US Soccer Federation, USA Basketball, USA Football, and USA Baseball, along with many international associations.

 Can I coach without a higher education degree?

Yes. Many coaching jobs do not require a bachelor’s or master’s degree. For youth or high school coaching, a coaching certification and experience can be enough. If you want to coach at a high professional level, such as the NFL, MLS, NBA, or English Premier League, you will usually need a relevant degree and a coaching certification.

 What skills do you need for coaching?

Great coaches are flexible, think on their feet, and communicate effectively at a high level. They also listen, set goals, evaluate, give feedback, push players to improve, show empathy, and plan for games. The coach is responsible for making sure players are ready for practices, games, and tournaments.

 What other coaching roles are there?

A professional team can have more than ten coaches in different roles, including position coaches, offensive and defensive coaches, video coaches, player development coaches, and analytics staff. Each role gives you a way to help build a team and prepare it to compete.

 What business skills do coaches need?

Coaches increasingly handle funding, sponsorships, media and marketing, recruiting, and liability issues in addition to tactics. SMWW’s Coaching at the Next Level course covers these topics, which is part of what separates it from a tactics only course.

How can I learn to become a better coach?

There is no single right way, but learning from experienced coaches is a great start. SMWW’s Coaching at the Next Level course is taught by Dr. Jim Krause, a former NCAA athletic director with decades of experience, and can help you learn new techniques, sharpen your skills, and advance your career.

About the SMWW Coaching Course

Who teaches the Coaching at the Next Level course?

Dr. Jim Krause, a former NCAA athletic director, leads the course alongside SMWW founder Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, who has worked at the collegiate level as a coach, scout, recruiter, academic advisor, compliance officer, and athletic director.

What will I learn in the Coaching at the Next Level course?

The eight week course covers skill development, funding, sponsorships, media and marketing, recruitment, sports medicine and liability, leadership skills, team management, and the tools for building a championship team. It helps you go beyond tactics to develop the organizational and leadership skills needed to win on and off the field.

Who should take the Coaching at the Next Level course?

The course is for coaches who want to move up, whether you coach at the youth, high school, college, or club level, and for anyone who wants to understand the leadership and business side of coaching.

How is the course delivered?

The course is fully online over eight weeks, with weekly live, interactive Zoom chats with Dr. Krause and Dr. Lashbrook, plus coursework you can complete around your schedule.

Will the course help me advance my coaching career?

It can help, though no course can guarantee a job. You learn from experienced mentors, expand your network, and receive an SMWW Certificate of Accomplishment. SMWW also helps you redesign your resume to highlight your new skills and list Dr. Krause as a reference.

What if I need one-on-one assistance?

SMWW staff are available by phone throughout the course for one on one help with coursework, live sessions, or career questions. Call 1 877 SMWW NOW in the United States and Canada, +44 0 871 288 4799 in the United Kingdom, or +1 503 445 7105 from anywhere else. Our offices are in Portland, Oregon, and London, England.

 Do you have more questions?

Call the office and ask! 1-877-SMWW-Now in the US or Canada. In London at +44(0) 871 288 4799 Everywhere else at +1-503-445-7105