Best Questions to Ask a College Coach When Getting Recruited
Recruiting visits are amazing. They allow you to meet with the coach one-on-one, see the campus and get a feel for the program. It’s also an opportunity to ask questions… the right questions.
The questions you ask will show the coach how serious you are about their program, and whether or not you have done your research. Not sure what to ask? Here are some great questions to get you started.
What do you like best about coaching at [insert school name]?
This question shows that you are interested in the coach as a person, and not just the program. It also gives you some insight into what makes the program great, from the coach’s perspective.
What kind of impact do you hope your team has on campus and in the community?
Coaches want to recruit players who will be positive ambassadors for their school, both on and off the field. Asking this question shows that you are interested in being more than just a player—you want to make a difference.
What would you say is your team’s greatest strength? And weakness?
Asking about your potential team’s strengths and weaknesses shows that you are looking to be a part of a team that is constantly striving to improve. No team is perfect, but it’s the teams who work together to offset their weaknesses and play to their successful strengths.
What role do you see me playing on the team?
This is an important question for two reasons. First, it shows that you are interested in being a contributing member of the team, not just a warm body taking up space on the bench. Second, it gives you an idea of where the coach sees you fitting in, so you can start thinking about how your skills will benefit the team.
What is the team's playing style?
Every team has its unique playing style, and you must find a team whose style meshes well with your skills and abilities. For example, if you're a small but speedy player, you might not fit in as well on a team that favors a more physical style of play. Knowing the team's playing style will help you get a better sense of whether or not you would be a good fit.
What is your coaching philosophy?
This question will give you some insight into the coach's priorities and how they like to run their team. Do they prioritize winning above all else? Or do they focus on developing their players and giving everyone a chance to contribute? Asking about the coach's philosophy will help you get a better sense of what kind of environment the team is like and whether it would be somewhere you would be happy playing.
What do you expect from your players in terms of effort and attitude?
The answer to this question will give you some insight into what kind of atmosphere the coach fosters on their team. Do they expect their players to always give 110% no matter what? Or are they more laid back and relaxed? Asking about expectations will help ensure that there are no surprises down the road about what is expected of you as a player.
How do you see me contributing to the team?
It's important to know what role the coach sees you playing on the team so that you can have realistic expectations going into your collegiate career. If the coach envisions you as a starter, that's great! But if they see you as more of a role player coming off the bench, that's also fine. The important thing is that you know what the coach is expecting from you so that you can plan accordingly.
What are your strengths and weaknesses as a coach?
This is an honest question that will give you some valuable insight into the coach as a person. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, including coaches. By asking this question, you're allowing the coach to open up and be real with you about their shortcomings. This can help create a more open and honest relationship between player and coach from the very beginning.
Conclusion
Asking quality questions during your recruiting visit is essential if you want to make a lasting impression on the coach. The right questions will show that you are interested in more than just playing sports—you are interested in being part of something bigger. So take some time to prepare before your visit, so you can make the most of this amazing opportunity.