"How do you balance academics and athletics?"
Every coach has heard this question hundreds of times. Along with:
- "What's your coaching style?"
- "How would you describe the team culture?"
- "What are you looking for in a player?"
Generic questions get generic answers. And generic answers don't help you make decisions.
Beyond The Basics
Most players ask surface-level questions because:
- They're trying to show interest
- They're nervous about going deeper
- They don't know what else to ask
- They found a template online
But here's what they miss: Coaches can tell when you're asking questions just to ask them.
Getting Real Answers
Instead of: "How do you balance academics and athletics?" Try: "Could you show me what a typical week looks like during season?"
Instead of: "What's your coaching style?" Try: "How do you help players work through mistakes?"
Instead of: "How would you describe team culture?" Try: "Can you give me specific examples of how you live out your team values?"
These questions reveal what actually matters:
- Real expectations
- True standards
- Daily realities
- Program values
Why This Matters
You're not just collecting information. You're gathering insights to make decisions.
The right questions help you:
- Understand the real environment
- See beyond the marketing
- Picture yourself there
- Make confident choices
One Thing That Works
Before any coach conversation, write down three things you genuinely want to know about their program.
Not what you think you should ask. Not what some template told you to ask. What YOU actually want to know.
Reality Check
Your questions tell coaches a lot about you. Make sure they show you're serious about finding the right fit, not just going through the motions.
Want my complete framework for having meaningful conversations with coaches?The Field Hockey Recruiting Playbook includes my guide to asking questions that get real answers, plus specific strategies for every type of coach interaction.
