How to Deal With College Coaches

You must be prepared for encounters with college coaches and be ready to handle any kind of interaction, at any time and in any location.

Communicate properly by mastering the art of non-verbal communication. What you don’t say—and how you express yourself with body language—often speak volumes with a coach.

Handshake
The handshake is your opportunity to make a positive and lasting first impression. Snugly grasp the coach’s hand, palm to palm, and wrap your hand all the way around his/her hand. Use a firm grip—but not bone-crushingly firm—pump three times and release. Avoid a limp, dead fish handshake at all costs—it reveals lack of confidence.

Eye Contact
Make eye contact at the start, and maintain consistent eye contact throughout the conversation. Coaches want athletes with character, confidence and maturity, and frequent eye contact is a sign of all three.

Posture
Stand up (or sit up) straight. Don’t slouch. Good posture will let the coach know that you are truly interested in playing for him.

Extra Points

• Do not chew gum.
• Keep your hands out of your pockets.
• Keep them at your sides, folded in front or behind your body.
• Do not stand or sit with your arms across your chest.
• Avoid scratching your face, rubbing your eyes, yawning and looking bored.
• When prompted, respond using “Yes, sir/ma’am” and “No, sir/ma’am.”
• Never use your mobile phone during the conversation. Facebook and Twitter can wait.