300 Questions to Ask a College Coach on a Phone Call

Ready to take your sports dreams to the next level in college? Before you jump in, it’s key to know what you’re signing up for.

A chat with the college coach can be a game-changer. From playing time to travel hacks, these questions will help you figure out if this team is your perfect match. Let’s get the ball rolling! 

About Scholarships and Financial Aid

1. How much does it cost to go to this school for a year?
2. Are there scholarships available for athletes?
3. What’s the deadline to apply for athletic scholarships?
4. How many athletic scholarships are available each year?
5. Are the scholarships full-ride or partial?
6. Do you also help with getting academic scholarships?
7. What’s the average financial aid package like?
8. Is the scholarship for one year or all four years?
9. If it’s a one-year scholarship, how do I renew it?
10. What are the requirements to keep the scholarship?
11. Can I lose the scholarship? If so, why?
12. Do I need to fill out the FAFSA? What’s the deadline?
13. Are there other forms I need to fill out for financial aid?
14. Are there work-study opportunities?
15. Can I stack an athletic scholarship with other scholarships or grants?
16. Are there scholarships for my specific sport?
17. Do you offer scholarships to out-of-state students?
18. What’s the process for applying for financial aid?
19. Are there payment plans for what the scholarship doesn’t cover?
20. Will my scholarship cover room and board?
21. Does the scholarship include any extra costs, like books or equipment?
22. How soon will I find out if I get a scholarship?
23. Are there any scholarships for leadership or community service?
24. Can I talk to current players about their financial aid experience?
25. Is summer school covered by athletic scholarships?
26. Do redshirt athletes get scholarships?
27. Are there any hidden fees I should know about?
28. What happens if I get injured? Does that affect my scholarship?
29. Do scholarships increase each year?
30. Who can I talk to if I have more questions about financial aid?

About Playing Time

1. How many players are currently on the team in my position?
2. What are you looking for in a player for my position?
3. How does playing time typically get decided?
4. Will I get the chance to earn a starting spot my first year?
5. Do freshmen usually get playing time?
6. What’s the competition like for my position?
7. How often does the team practice?
8. Are there off-season commitments that could affect playing time?
9. How do you handle players who are struggling to get playing time?
10. Do you use a rotation system or is it a set lineup?
11. How many games or matches are in a season?
12. What can I do to earn more playing time?
13. Are there specific skills I should work on before the season starts?
14. Is there a summer training program to help me prepare?
15. How do injuries impact playing time?
16. Are there any redshirt plans for my position?
17. What role do you see me playing on the team?
18. Do you track player performance with stats or other methods?
19. How much playing time do your top players get?
20. What happens if I don’t get much playing time? Is there a development plan?
21. Are there junior varsity or secondary teams where I can gain experience?
22. How does my high school experience compare to what’s needed for college play?
23. Do you hold tryouts for playing time?
24. What’s the team’s playing style and how do I fit into that?
25. How does the team handle setbacks or losses?
26. Can I watch some game footage to better understand my role?
27. Are there intrasquad scrimmages where I can prove myself?
28. Will I have the opportunity to travel with the team even if I don’t get much playing time?
29. What’s the process for earning a captain or leadership role on the team?
30. Can I talk to some current players about their experiences with playing time?

About Team Culture

1. How would you describe the team culture?
2. What are the team’s core values?
3. What’s a typical day like for a player?
4. How does the team handle wins and losses?
5. Is the focus more on teamwork or individual performance?
6. How do players support each other off the field or court?
7. What kinds of team bonding activities do you do?
8. Do players often hang out together outside of practice and games?
9. How do you handle conflicts between team members?
10. Is there a mentorship program for new players?
11. Do players get involved in community service?
12. How do you keep players motivated throughout the season?
13. How does the team interact with other sports teams on campus?
14. What’s the relationship like between players and coaches?
15. How involved are alumni with the current team?
16. How does the team handle academics and study time?
17. Are there traditions that the team has before or after games?
18. What’s the most important thing you want players to learn from being on the team?
19. How do you, as a coach, contribute to team culture?
20. Do you have team meetings to discuss goals and expectations?
21. How do parents and families fit into the team culture?
22. What happens during off-season? Is the team still active?
23. Are there leadership roles within the team, aside from captain?
24. How does the team celebrate achievements or milestones?
25. How do you help players manage stress or pressure?
26. How do you integrate new players into the team culture?
27. What sets your team’s culture apart from other colleges?
28. Do you have any rules about social media use for team members?
29. How do players balance social life with team commitments?
30. Can I talk to some current players about what the team culture is really like?

About Next Steps and Recruitment Process

1. What are the next steps in the recruitment process?
2. When do you usually make offers for scholarships?
3. Do I need to come in for an official visit? What’s that like?
4. Is there a tryout or assessment day?
5. What paperwork do I need to have ready?
6. When’s the deadline for committing to your program?
7. Do you need any more game footage or stats from me?
8. What’s the best way to stay in touch with you?
9. When will I know if I’ve made the team?
10. Do you need letters of recommendation?
11. What should I focus on during my senior year to boost my chances?
12. How do I know if I’m academically eligible to play?
13. Are there any academic requirements specific to athletes?
14. Is there an orientation for new athletes?
15. Can I meet the team before making a decision?
16. When does the pre-season start?
17. Do you have summer workouts or training camps?
18. What’s your policy on walk-ons?
19. Can I talk to an academic advisor about balancing school and sports?
20. When do you finalize the roster?
21. Do you have a waiting list for athletes?
22. How many spots are open on the team for the coming year?
23. Do you recruit every year or only when there are openings?
24. Will there be fitness tests or benchmarks I need to meet?
25. How should I prepare for the transition from high school to college sports?
26. Is it possible to join mid-season if I miss initial recruitment?
27. What equipment or gear will I need?
28. Do you have any tips for making a smooth transition into the team?
29. What happens if I decide to transfer schools?
30. Is there anything else I should know or do before the next steps?

About Coaching Style

1. How would you describe your coaching style?
2. What’s your philosophy on winning versus player development?
3. How do you handle mistakes during games?
4. How much one-on-one time do players get with coaches?
5. What’s your approach to discipline on the team?
6. How do you keep practices engaging and challenging?
7. Do you focus more on offense, defense, or a balance of both?
8. What’s a typical practice session like?
9. How do you handle players who are going through a slump?
10. How much input do players have in game plans or strategies?
11. How do you prepare the team for big games or tough opponents?
12. Do you have assistant coaches? What are their roles?
13. How do you approach in-game adjustments?
14. What’s your policy on communication with players? Are you open to feedback?
15. How do you keep the team motivated during the season?
16. Do you have specific drills or techniques you like to use?
17. How do you help players reach their full potential?
18. What kind of conditioning and fitness program do you have?
19. How do you handle late-season fatigue and injuries?
20. Do you have any coaching mentors or influences?
21. How do you integrate sports science or technology into your coaching?
22. What’s your approach to mental preparation and focus?
23. How do you balance skill work with tactical training?
24. Do you have set plays, or is the style more free-flowing?
25. How often do you review game footage with the team?
26. How flexible are you with trying new coaching techniques?
27. What’s your strategy for developing young or inexperienced players?
28. How do you manage game tempo and pacing?
29. Do you focus on specialized roles within the team or encourage well-rounded skills?
30. What are you most proud of as a coach?

About Academic Support

1. What kind of academic support is available for athletes?
2. Is there a study hall or tutoring program?
3. How do you make sure players stay on top of their grades?
4. Are there academic advisors just for athletes?
5. What’s the team’s overall GPA?
6. Do players have priority class registration?
7. What happens if my grades start to slip?
8. Are there workshops on things like time management or study skills?
9. How do you work around class schedules for practice?
10. Can I take summer classes to lighten my academic load during the season?
11. How do you help freshmen adjust to college-level academics?
12. Is there help for difficult subjects like math or science?
13. Do you work with professors to accommodate travel for games?
14. Are online classes an option for athletes?
15. How much time should I expect to spend on academics versus sports?
16. Can I get academic credit for participating in athletics?
17. What’s the graduation rate for athletes in your program?
18. Are there academic scholarships I can apply for?
19. Are there any majors that are hard to balance with sports?
20. How does the team handle exam periods?
21. Do any players have internships or part-time jobs?
22. Are study groups or academic mentors encouraged?
23. Do you have examples of athletes who excelled academically?
24. Can I meet with an academic advisor during my campus visit?
25. Are there resources for academic challenges like learning disabilities?
26. What’s the policy on missed classes due to games or travel?
27. Is there a minimum GPA to stay on the team?
28. Do players often take a lighter course load during the season?
29. How are academic achievements celebrated on the team?
30. What’s your personal view on the importance of academics for athletes?

About Off-Season Training

1. What does the off-season training program look like?
2. Is off-season training mandatory?
3. Do you provide workout plans for the off-season?
4. Are there team training camps during the off-season?
5. What facilities are available for off-season training?
6. Can I work with coaches one-on-one during the off-season?
7. How does off-season training differ from in-season?
8. Are there strength and conditioning coaches available?
9. Can I train for another sport in the off-season?
10. What’s the focus of off-season training—strength, speed, skills?
11. Do you track progress during the off-season?
12. Are there off-season leagues or tournaments I should join?
13. Do you recommend any specific equipment for off-season training?
14. Are nutrition and diet part of the off-season program?
15. What kind of rest or recovery time is advised?
16. Are there any training facilities near my home that you recommend?
17. How can I prevent injuries during the off-season?
18. Can I get video analysis of my performance during the off-season?
19. What are some success stories of players who excelled due to off-season work?
20. Are there opportunities to work on mental aspects of the game?
21. Is there a team retreat or bonding experience during the off-season?
22. How much time should I realistically commit to off-season training?
23. Are there any benchmarks or goals I should aim for?
24. Do you collaborate with any sports science or medical experts?
25. Are there any team meetings or check-ins during the off-season?
26. Can I use the school’s training facilities during breaks?
27. What should my focus be each month of the off-season?
28. Do you have any partnerships with local gyms or training centers?
29. How soon after the regular season does off-season training begin?
30. Can I involve my personal trainer or coaches in my off-season plan?

About Team Facilities

1. What are the main facilities where the team practices and plays?
2. How often are these facilities available to athletes?
3. Do you share facilities with other sports teams?
4. How up-to-date is the equipment?
5. Is there a dedicated strength and conditioning area?
6. Do athletes have access to a sports medicine clinic or trainers?
7. Are there any plans for facility upgrades or renovations?
8. Can I take a tour of the facilities?
9. Is there a place for video review or tactical discussions?
10. How close are the facilities to the main campus?
11. Are there indoor facilities for bad weather training?
12. Is there specialized equipment for my sport?
13. How secure are the locker rooms and storage areas?
14. Is there a dedicated space for athletes to study or relax?
15. Do you have any partnerships with local facilities?
16. Is there transportation to and from off-campus facilities?
17. Are there spectator areas for friends and family?
18. Are the facilities accessible on weekends or holidays?
19. Do you have hydration and nutrition stations?
20. How is the facility maintained and cleaned?
21. Is there Wi-Fi and other tech support?
22. Do the facilities accommodate athletes with disabilities?
23. Is there space for media interviews or press events?
24. What are the emergency medical procedures at the facilities?
25. Are there any restrictions on using the facilities?
26. Can I use the facilities for individual training?
27. Are the facilities used for any community or non-sport events?
28. Is there a place to get or repair gear and equipment?
29. Do you have any environmental or sustainability practices in place?
30. Can family members or outside trainers visit the facilities?

About Medical Support and Injuries

1. What kind of medical support is available for athletes?
2. Is there an athletic trainer on staff?
3. How do you handle injuries during games and practices?
4. What’s the process for getting a physical or medical clearance?
5. Do you have a team doctor?
6. Are there any partnerships with local hospitals or clinics?
7. How do you deal with concussions or head injuries?
8. What’s the policy on returning to play after an injury?
9. Do you have any injury prevention programs?
10. What medical tests do players have to take before the season?
11. Are there on-site facilities for treatment like ice baths or physiotherapy?
12. What happens if I get injured during an away game?
13. How does the team handle long-term injuries?
14. Is health insurance required to play? What does it need to cover?
15. What’s the availability of mental health services?
16. How do you support players through the recovery process?
17. Is there a plan for managing chronic conditions like asthma?
18. Do you offer nutritional guidance or support?
19. How quickly can I get medical attention if I’m injured during practice?
20. Are there any drug tests or doping controls?
21. What resources are there for managing stress or anxiety?
22. How are family and personal doctors involved in medical care?
23. What happens if I need surgery or extended medical treatment?
24. Can I get a second opinion on medical issues?
25. How does the team communicate medical updates to players and families?
26. Are emergency medical services available during games?
27. What kind of first aid training does the coaching staff have?
28. What are the procedures for handling dental injuries?
29. Are there any restrictions on taking over-the-counter or prescribed medicines?
30. Can I continue training in some way if I’m recovering from an injury?

About Team Travel and Scheduling

1. How many away games do you typically have each season?
2. How do you travel to away games—bus, plane, or something else?
3. Do players need to miss a lot of class for travel?
4. What’s the furthest distance the team travels for games?
5. How do you handle meals when traveling?
6. Are there study hours or tutors during travel?
7. Do players share rooms on the road?
8. What’s the policy for free time during travel trips?
9. How early before a game do you typically arrive at the location?
10. How do you manage time zones or jet lag for far-away games?
11. Is there a travel stipend or allowance for players?
12. How are family and friends accommodated during travel?
13. Do you have pre-game or post-game rituals when traveling?
14. How do you schedule around holidays or school breaks?
15. Are there any international trips or tournaments?
16. What kind of practice facilities do you use when traveling?
17. Is travel insurance provided or required for the team?
18. How are travel emergencies or delays handled?
19. Are players responsible for any travel costs?
20. What’s the procedure for getting time off for personal reasons?
21. Is there an opportunity for sightseeing or cultural experiences on trips?
22. How do you manage recovery and rest during travel?
23. Do you have team meetings or video sessions while on the road?
24. Are there guidelines for player behavior during team travel?
25. How do you keep up team morale during long trips?
26. What’s the policy for using social media while traveling with the team?
27. How do you make sure players are eating right when traveling?
28. How are injuries managed during travel?
29. Can players bring personal items or entertainment for travel?
30. What’s the most challenging part of the travel schedule, and how do you handle it?

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I avoid asking the coach?

Avoid asking questions that are easily answered by looking at the school’s website, as it might make it seem like you haven’t done your homework. Also, avoid asking about other recruits as coaches usually cannot discuss other potential players.

What’s the best time to schedule the phone call?

Generally, it’s best to check with the coach for a time that works for them. Keep in mind that their schedule can be packed, especially during the season. Weekday afternoons often work well.