Expert: Bret Temple - 8/29/2010

Question
Hi, I have been back and fourth in my mind with trying to figure out what career I wanted to go forward with regarding basketball. I have played ball all my life, and I even became a referee for a short stint. I want a career around basketball if I can't play it. I think a basketball instructor would be a good idea but I'm not sure. I do not know how to get the training or what I need to take up in school for it. What would I have to do to become a basketball instructor or is there a better suggestion in regards to a career working around basketball?

Answer
Hi Victor,

I share your love for the game, and wish I could turn the clock back, because if I could, I would have attempted to get a job with the NBA or an individual NBA team. The NBA runs an internship in New York, my suggestion is that you look into that. I'm not sure how old you are, but if your in college this could be an amazing opportunity. I don't know anyone that has actually interned for the NBA but I have read about it. As far as being an instructor, there are most likely two roads you can take. Either be a High School coach, or a private instructor. To be a basketball coach and actually make money at it, you have to either get a teaching credential and teach at the school as well as coach, or be a coach at a private High school that has the money to pay you a nice salary. Otherwise public school coaches earn just a stipend for their season, and it's not normally much more than a $2,500. To become a private instructor, I would imagine is just like being a personal trainer. You have to find ways to build your client base. Your literally working for yourself and you get paid per client. Much more difficult to be successful. I hope that gave you some insight.

Good Luck