The magic system

How to impress a coach on a phone call (and how to get over the fear of talking to him)

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Purpose of phone calls

Get to know each other, learn more about each other, and connect with each other.

Ask and answer questions

Move the relationship forward

Phone calls are a great opportunity to separate yourself from other players

Who initiates the call?

Always the coach

If a coach likes you enough, he’ll give you a call or set one up with you.

Don’t initiate the call. Don’t put the coach in a weird position.

There’s no rush to get the call. it will happen eventually if the relationship is moving in the right direction.

What happens on the phone call?

Quick introduction

Coach will give you his “pitch” — he’ll talk about their program, the school, the academic side of things

Then he’ll ask you some questions

How have things been?

How have you been playing?

Do you play other positions?

Do you have a major you’re interested in?

What other schools are you talking to?

What is it you like about our school?

Then he’ll ask you if you have any questions (and you NEED to have questions prepared, but we’ll talk about that in a second)

Close the phone call out — “We’ll come see you play” or “I’ll give you a call next week”

Don’t put the coach in a weird spot. Let him dictate the next step.

Why you should have questions prepared for the phone call

You are evaluating the school as much as they are evaluating you

By asking questions, you’re showing preparation, interest, and maturity.

You are increasing your perceived value to the coach

If you’re asking questions, you’re implying that you’re not going to accept just any offer from any school — you’re looking for the right fit

This is how you get the coach to “sell” to you

Some questions you may want to ask

If you have any questions, feel free to ask them.

If you don’t have any questions, steal a few of these.

I’m interested in studying _______ . Can you tell me more about that major at your school?

I’ve heard lots of great things about (head coach). Can you tell me a little more about how he operates and what it’s like to play for him?

I have pretty good grades. Are there any academic scholarships I could apply for?

If you had to give me one reason I should go to (school), what would it be?

Can you tell me more about the (city)?

I also have an interest in (extracurricular activity)...do you know anything about that on campus?

At the end of the call, say something like this...

I sent over my transcripts and some video...and I’ll continue to send you video periodically. Is there anything else you need from me? How can I make this process easier on you?

The coach will be SUPER impressed.

Posturing on the phone call

Position of strength (same as emailing)

You are evaluating the school as much as they are evaluating you. Listen closely to their answers. Do they seem interested? Do you like what they have to say? This isn’t a one way street...make the coach sell to you.

The attitude should be that if it’s not a good fit, you’re completely comfortable walking away from the school.

Even if you’re not talking to a bunch of other schools, it should FEEL like you are to the coach. Don’t like, but don’t be desperate (even if you are).

Don’t be in a rush to get the call over with. Keep your answers concise, but speak slowly. Show that you’re comfortable on the phone, and you’re comfortable in your own skin.

Show personality — the call doesn’t have to be strict or rigid. Make it fun! Coaches like to recruit players who are fun to talk to.

How often do phone calls take place?

Depends on the school

Some schools — every couple weeks

Other schools — every 4 to 6 weeks

There tend to be more calls toward the end of the process

If a coach hasn’t called you in a while, DON’T call him. Stick with email.

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