Track And Field Coaching

If you love track and field then a job in track and field coaching may be your dream career. Track and field coaching is a particular aspect of coaching that centers on training athletes for track and field competition. Track and field competitors must not only build their bodies for success but must also understand the strategy of the competition, obey the rules of the sports and understand the science of track and field. Track and field coaching involves instructors spending many hours a day teaching students individual skills as well as improving teamwork. Excelling at the sport may involve coaches and athletes watching videotapes of themselves and others and analyzing various techniques, strengths, weaknesses so as to gain a competitive advantage.

Track & Field Coaching Jobs

How does the professional outlook for track and field coaching appear? Promising, as coaching in all sports is expected to grow at a faster rate than customary through the year 2014. College track and field coaching salaries usually earn an average of $20,000-$40,000. Track and field coaching may involve holding practice sessions to improve athlete's form and technique, activities that build good sportsmanship as well as a competitive spirit, evaluating competitors and developing strategies, as well as keeping accurate records and supplies. Track and field coaching instructors may be responsible for equipment and supplies. The coaching drills for track and field, including the activities performed and level of difficulty, is determined by the coach who relies on his or her own knowledge of the sport, as well as the abilities of each athlete.

Working Conditions Of Track / Field Coaching

Coaching track and field, like any sport, will involve irregular hours. Saturdays is often a major day for practice and game play, and Holidays, Sundays and 40+ hour work weeks may be the norm. If an instructor teaches more sports than just coaching track & field then the work load may be significantly increased. Working conditions may be another source of discomfort, as track field coaching may be exposed to all kinds of adverse weather conditions and may even require travel – particularly if successfully coaching track & field takes you to competition on a state or national level.

What kind of training is required for college track and field coaching jobs? Besides extensive knowledge of track and field, educational experience as well as professional experience in playing the game is usually the average. A track and field coach will be expected to know coaching tips for track and field competition, based on a long study of the sport. Some athletes who are forced into early retirement due to injuries will seek out coaching positions and have a natural advantage with their work experience.

In 2004, coaches held 178,000 jobs, while 1 out of 4 were self employed. If you love track and field then consider choosing a rewarding career coaching young and enthusiastic athletes.