For those who have passion for football, a career as a football coach can be an ideal path to choose and it can be rewarding especially for the ones who have an interest in helping others to reach their full potential. This career path often involves sports-specific training, skills and education. Not everyone can become a football coach even when the passion is there, which is why understanding the qualifications, experiences and skills required to successfully obtain an available role is important. In this article, we help you to get an understanding of what a football coach is, roles and duties and as well essential skills that help in pursuing a job as a football coach.

What is a football coach?

A football coach is a specialist who leads, trains and supports football teams and their players at professional, collegiate and amateur levels. They instruct and manage players, intending to help them win football games. One can be a football coach for children, at entry level or professional football players. Football coach duties vary depending on the football coaching levels and the coach is the driving force that plans what his team will do on the pitch.

Roles and duties of a football coach

A football coach is responsible for teaching players the basic fundamentals of football and this is done through a number of practice sessions, physical training and giving the athletes feedback to improve their skills and performance on the field. Besides passion for sports, a football coach has to possess the following skills. Leadership, team building , decision making and problem solving, confidence, empathy , communication and attention to detail. These skills help the coach to be able to perform the following roles and duties efficiently leading to the success of the team/s he will be coaching.

• Explaining and communicating all football rules and regulations to players
• Providing motivation during games and helping the team to improve mentally and physically. It is the coach’s role to help the players to maintain a positive mental attitude
• Creating strategies and coming up with techniques and tactics for games that the players will be playing
• Managing team records
• Scheduling team meetings and giving feedback on performance and fitness
• Providing individualized coaching sessions

How to be a successful football coach To become a successful football coach you need to understand the rules and regulations of football because these govern the sport. Team players will look up to their coach for professional guidance. One can get an understanding of football rules from reading books or various online platforms. It is important to understand rules that are applied on the field and off the field.

There are also great football coaches out there who are willing to teach their skills to upcoming coaches and to become a successful coach one should consider getting taught and mentored even after reading books. It is also wise to start off as an assistant coach to build experience.

There are a number of conferences that are held by legendary trainers and one should attend these to get a chance to learn more and develop their skills.

It goes without saying that to polish your skills as a football coach you need to watch a number of football games. Watching as many football games as you can from a tactical point of view will be very helpful.