For athletic teams to be great, they need great coaches to steer the ship. The success or failure of a team depends on its coaches. Interviews for coaching jobs are important for figuring out if someone will be able to lead a team.
If you want to get a job as a coach, you can use your interview to show the people who are interviewing you who you are and what you can bring to the table. Some people get nervous or excited about interviews, but if you prepare well, you can do great and show off your best self.
Make sure you really think about the skills you have as a coach and come up with specific examples of how these skills have helped you. This will give you an edge in the interview process.
Below are examples of some of the most common questions that come up during coaching interviews. We detail why interviewers ask these questions and examples of how you might answer these questions.
So you’ve applied for an exciting position as a hockey coach Congratulations! You clearly have a passion for the sport and for developing young talent, But now comes the next big step – the job interview
Interviewing for any role can induce nerves, but when your dream job is on the line, the stakes feel even higher. Luckily, thorough preparation can help you tackle even the toughest questions with confidence.
This complete guide will list the most common questions asked of hockey coaches, give you advice on how to answer them, and give you examples of good answers to help you come up with your own. You’ll be ready to wreck your interview if you do the right things ahead of time.
Why the Interview Matters
The interview is your chance to demonstrate to the hiring manager that you have what it takes to lead and inspire a team. They want to see your technical expertise leadership capabilities and your vision for building a successful program.
Simply knowing hockey isn’t enough. You need to show that you can talk to people, solve problems, deal with problems, and care for athletes in a holistic way. This goes beyond diagramed plays and conditioning drills.
That’s why most hockey coach interviews will assess your soft skills and situational judgement just as much as your hard skills. Understanding this is key to preparing effectively.
30 Hockey Coach Interview Questions to Expect
Let’s delve into the types of questions you’re likely to encounter and how to craft compelling responses.
Questions About Your Coaching Experience
Hiring managers want to know about your specific experiences that make you fit for this job. Be ready to provide concrete examples.
1. What coaching experiences have helped prepare you for this job?
Highlight relevant coaching experience such as assistant coaching roles, camps, clinics, etc. Emphasize transferable skills gained.
Example: As an assistant coach for Hillside High School’s varsity team, I planned practices, analyzed game film, and provided skill development training for our forwards. Through this experience, I honed my ability to dissect the game strategically while building my toolbox of coaching techniques to elevate individual and team play. I also had the opportunity to spearhead our end-of-season community skills clinic for youth players, which strengthened my ability to communicate concepts to developing athletes. These experiences have prepared me well for the responsibilities of a head coaching role.
2. Tell me about your biggest coaching achievement.
Pick an example that highlights your capabilities as a coach beyond just winning a game or championship. Focus on the methods or techniques used to attain a goal.
Example: My biggest achievement so far has been taking an underperforming youth team to the state finals last season. When I began coaching this team, they had a losing record and low morale. I saw potential for growth by working on their fundamental skills and mental toughness. We created targeted drills for skill development and conditioning. I also focused on fostering teammateship and resilience. Over the season, the team bonded tightly and gained confidence in their abilities. Implementing these strategies helped transform them into championship contenders. Making it to the finals felt like a major accomplishment.
3. How have you adapted your coaching style to different athletes?
Demonstrate your ability to understand athletes’ individual differences and adjust your methods to connect with each one. Share examples of when your flexibility led to improved player performance.
Example: I learned early on that each athlete responds differently to coaching. Some thrive with encouragement while others need a firmer hand. I had one player who was incredibly skilled but struggled with nerves during games. I adapted my approach to be more reassuring and positive with him before competitions. That boosted his confidence and helped him succeed in high-pressure moments. Adapting in this way allowed me to get the best out of him.
Questions About Your Coaching Philosophy and Vision
Interviewers want insight into your core values and beliefs as a coach. Be ready to explain your philosophy.
4. What is your coaching philosophy?
Convey your overarching approach and principles. Key pillars may include commitment to skill development, fostering strong character, emphasis on teamwork, etc. Keep it concise.
Example: My philosophy centers around effort, enrichment, and teamwork. I believe giving 100% effort in practices and games is non-negotiable. Providing a challenging, enriching environment allows athletes to build skills and character. And we can achieve more together than alone, so teamwork is core. My mission is to instill these values while nurturing players’ talent and love of hockey.
5. In your opinion, what qualities make a great hockey coach?
Share 3-5 key qualities and why they matter: Leadership, communication skills, strategic thinking, motivation, etc.
Example: In my view, the top qualities of a great hockey coach are effective communication, strategic thinking, and leadership. Communicating feedback, game plans, and expectations clearly is vital. Strategic thinking helps make adjustments that capitalize on the team’s strengths. And strong leadership both on and off the ice inspires athletes to thrive individually and as a unit. A coach who exemplifies these qualities can empower their team to reach new heights.
6. What would you emphasize in your first meeting with the team?
Show that you can set the tone from day one. Highlight priorities like work ethic, relationships, goals, etc.
Example: In my first meeting, I would emphasize our collective pursuit of excellence on and off the ice. I would focus on instilling a strong work ethic as the foundation. I would also underscore the importance of building relationships and trust between teammates and coaches through open communication. Finally, I would introduce short and long-term goals for individual player development and team success. This initial meeting sets the stage for the team’s values and the season ahead.
7. How would you define success for a hockey program?
Go beyond just wins. Include player development, character building, community representation, etc.
Example: While on-ice wins are important, true success stems from holistic growth as athletes and individuals. It’s young people learning skills, confidence, and character that transfers beyond hockey. It’s fostering a tight-knit community that represents core values. Success means elevating players’ capabilities while also broadening their perspective through sport. If we achieve that, the wins will follow.
8. Where do you envision our hockey program in 5 years under your leadership?
Demonstrate your vision for building a program over time. Cover your goals for team performance, reputation, facilities, etc.
Example: In the next 5 years, I envision our hockey program being a top contender in our division. I plan to achieve that through an unwavering commitment to player development from youth levels up. I will focus on building fundamental skills, hockey IQ, and athleticism through innovative practices. I also aim to make our program a destination for athletes because of our values, facilities, and community support. If provided the resources, I’m confident we can become a hockey powerhouse that competitors aspire to emulate.
Questions About Your Technical Expertise
These questions test your hockey knowledge and ability to use tactics and data to make strategic decisions.
9. How would you implement a defensive strategy for a youth hockey team?
Demonstrate your expertise in defensive systems, positioning, skills, etc. Tailor your response to a youth level.
Example: At the youth level, implementing an effective defense begins with stick positioning to block passes and shots. We would drill holding the stick blade on the ice, hands neutral, knees bent. I emphasize active footwork to angle opponents away from the net. We work on body checking basics like using core strength to gain position. I also teach the importance of communication and covering each other. Instilling these fundamental concepts of positioning, footwork, strength and communication builds a foundation for excellent defense.
10. How do you use data and metrics to evaluate individual player performance?
Share examples of key metrics you track and how they inform your decisions about training, game play, etc.
Example: I use metrics like shot percentage, blocked shots, faceoff wins, and plus/minus rating to gauge areas of strength and improvement for players. This allows me to design training plans targeting shortcomings. For example, if a player’s shot percentage is low, we add more shooting and accuracy drills. Tracking stats also helps determine strategic decisions like power play units and lineup combinations. The metrics provide the hard evidence I need to make coaching choices that maximize each player’s contributions.
11. What are the most critical skills you teach youth hockey players first? Why?
Demonstrate your understanding of foundational skills critical for young players to master. Explain your reasoning.
Example: For youth players, I focus on skating, puck control, and passing basics from the outset. Learning to skate efficiently gives them the mobility to succeed in every aspect of the game. Mastering puck handling and passing allows them to have an immediate impact on the ice through strong fundamentals. Additionally, I teach positional play early, as understanding basic formations is key to team play. Building these core skills gives young players confidence while also laying the foundation for more advanced tactics down the road.
12. How would you structure an in-season practice plan?
Outline what key elements you would incorporate and why. Emphasize hockey-specific drills an
15 Coach Interview Questions and Answers
To get ready for the interview, it’s helpful to look up some common questions they might ask. Before the interview, make sure you have some important facts and stories about your professional strengths, your accomplishments in and out of coaching and sports, and how you might use these to answer the interviewer’s questions.
- “Tell me about yourself.” This is a common interview question that is often used to break the ice and make the interview go more smoothly. In the eight years I’ve been a coach, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of clients, from amateur to professional athletes. I think it’s important to give athletes clear goals, constructive feedback, and a supportive and encouraging environment in which they can do well. My coaching philosophy is based on always getting better, and I want all of my athletes to reach their full potential, both on and off the field.
- “How would you describe your coaching style?” This is a question to get to know you better and to see if your general attitude fits with the club or team’s. The interviewer knows what to expect from this question, which sets the tone for how you are seen. Answer this question honestly but flatteringly. There are many great qualities that coaches look for in people. If you have any of these or other qualities, make sure you say them in the right way. Example answer: My coaching style is open and collaborative. I like to give players a fun, safe space where they can feel like they are helping to make their own goals come true.
- “Why did you want to become a coach?” This question helps the interviewer learn more about you as a person. The answer to this question will, of course, depend on your own journey to coaching. People interviewing you want to know more about you and what coaching means to you. Plan how you’ll answer this question by making your answers fit their needs and goals. There’s nothing wrong with talking about your personal life, but this question is really just another chance to show why you are the best person for the job. Example answer: I had a hard time in school and figuring things out because I didn’t have many adults in my life. For me, my basketball coach was the first adult who stepped up as a role model and believed in my drive to do well. Every week, he worked with me to push me in new ways while also supporting and encouraging me. I will always remember how much he helped me, and I wanted to become a great coach for people who need it the most. I work one-on-one with each player and get to know them and their goals. I then make personalized plans and offer support to each player.
- “Why are you interested in this coaching position?” Interviewers ask this question to get to the bottom of why someone wants the job and maybe to see how this job fits into their general plans for their life. They want to make sure that your main goals are in line with theirs. When you answer this question, it’s best to be honest about your interest in the job and include information you already know about the company. People who are interviewing want to hire people who know about their company and how it works. This question can be a great chance to show what you know. Answer: I’ve always admired how seriously this association works to make talented gymnasts, and I know it has done a good job because fourteen gymnasts from this organization have made it to the Olympics. I was excited to see that this job was open because it would allow me to bring my great coaching record and dedication to a company that values them.
- If someone asks you, “What core values guide your coaching?” they can learn a lot about you and your leadership skills. Coaches need to be great leaders who have a deep understanding of what it means to lead. Coaches must also be good examples for the kids who look up to them. Focus on just one to three core values that show what kind of coach you are. Also, make sure to give specific examples of how these values have come out in your coaching so the interviewer can see what your values look like in real life. Example answer: As a coach, my two most important values are inclusion and persistence. There are big problems for teams when there are cliques and hierarchies within them. I work hard to make sure that every player feels like they are a part of the team and that their contribution is valued. One of the most important traits I teach my players is persistence. I make sure that players keep pushing themselves to reach their bigger goals, even when they aren’t in their comfort zones. We never give up or quit as a team.
- “How do you talk to parents and guardians?” As a youth sports coach, you’ll need to talk to the parents and guardians of your players a lot. Kids often have trouble talking to their parents, so it’s up to you to keep them in the loop. But how you do this depends on the way you coach. Keep your answer short, sweet, and to the point. Just tell the interviewer how you’ve talked to parents in the past, whether it was through emails, texts, or just the players themselves. Make sure you know ahead of time what rules this organization may have about talking to parents. Answer: At the start of the school year, I meet with parents to talk about communication plans and get their contact information, as well as information on how they’d like to be contacted. A lot of the time, I email parents and guardians about important team events like games, fundraisers, and trips. I text parents whose phone numbers I have that practice is going to be canceled, and I email everyone else.
- “Have you ever had a disagreement with a player? If so, how did you handle it?” Disputes between coaches and players are common, but how you handle them makes all the difference in whether the disagreement is valuable or harmful. If there is conflict between your players, the interviewer wants to know that you know how to handle it in a good way. When you answer this question, think about how you used communication to make things better. This usually means having private talks with players when there is a disagreement. Please give an example of a time when you had to deal with something similar and explain how you did it. I didn’t like it when a player rolled her eyes, scoffed, and showed other signs of disdain while we were doing certain drills in practice. I asked for a one-on-one meeting with this student to talk about my worries about her behavior. I told her what I said and how I understood it. It’s always up to the students to explain themselves and give a different view on what I’ve said. It turned out that this student was having problems at school and at home. I worked with her to find better ways to deal with and talk about these feelings.
- “What does a typical team practice look like?” The things you do and the times you plan to spend each day can tell a lot about the kind of coach you are. This question is meant to get a better sense of how you manage your team. They also want to know if there is anything special or unique about the way you run your sessions. To answer this question, describe a typical practice session for them, including the warm-ups, drills, and other activities that are part of it. Make a fake practice plan before the interview to show them how you manage your team’s time if you want to go the extra mile. Example answer: I start practices with a warm-up for the whole team, then I give each player stretches that are just right for them. On top of that, we do team drills based on the strategies we are using to build our skills. These drills vary greatly based on player and team performance. To show you what a practice outline looks like, I’ve brought one from my old team’s daily practice.
- “How do you find the balance between sports and schoolwork?” If you work with schools or young athletes in general, you should always remember that they have to go to school. At this point in their life, education is very important, and the interviewer needs to know that you know this and value it. In a way, coaches are teachers in their own right. Answer this question by detailing how you prioritize players’ education. Stress that you put teaching at the top of your list of things to do. I think coaches should be in charge of making sure students can keep up with their schoolwork and other academic needs. For my athletes to do well on the field, they need to do well in school. I have very strict minimum GPA requirements for my players. If any of my players are having trouble with school, I meet with them to talk about how we can help them get better grades.
- “How do you measure your success as a coach?” is another one of these in-depth “getting to know you” questions that shows what drives you to be a coach and what your goals are. The person interviewing you wants to know what drives you and how you work to get better. Do some research on the school or group and its sports program before you answer this question. Learn about the kind of program this group is running and how they evaluate their coaches and sports teams. Assure them that you will keep up or even improve any athletic successes you have had in the past. Answer: As a coach, I know I’ve done a good job when I see my players grow mentally and physically. Because I feel best as a coach when I see my players make progress they weren’t able to before, I need to push them.
- “How will you get people in the community to support the program?” This question checks how well you know parts of the job that aren’t directly related to coaching but are still important. Especially for school sports teams, raising money is often necessary to pay for things like gear, travel, and other team costs. To answer this question, look into some of the school’s past athletics fundraising efforts and think about how they relate to the fundraising you’ve done yourself. Pay attention to how you’ll involve and reach out to the community, because fundraising will probably fail without their help. As an example answer, I’ve tried to get people to support me by directly helping others in the past. My teams have done community service projects every month, like running food drives and volunteering at local fairs and animal shelters, to show the community that we care about their well-being. These activities help my players learn how to work hard, and they also help us meet new people in the community.
- “What would you do to help our team move up in the rankings?” One of a coach’s main jobs is to lead a sports team to victory. Victory can, of course, be defined in many different ways. Ranks are a way for sports teams to measure success, and interviewers will probably want to know what your plan is for orders. This question can get tricky if the team you want to coach has a winning streak or just finished a winning season. People may not want to change, so make sure you know a lot about how the team has been doing things up to this point. Answer Example: To keep this team’s success going, I would talk to the players about what they’ve been doing and how they think it’s been going. Since I’ve thought about this feedback, I’d like to keep using some of the best warm-ups and drills and add new ones that help build key skills and areas that need work. Following that, I like to make sure that each player has their own exercises that help the team do better.
- “What do you enjoy most about being a coach?” The person asking this question wants to know how committed you are to the job and what keeps you coming back to face the challenges of coaching. This answer will be very different for each person based on their coaching experience. Don’t get too complex or elaborate on this answer. Keep it straightforward and let your passion show through. Think about what drives you before the interview. It could be the thrill of the game, the happiness of the players, or something else. For example, seeing players improve and gain confidence is the most satisfying thing about being a coach for me. Working with students and seeing them improve their skills and grow as people is one of my favorite things about my job.
- “What is your program for keeping players in shape during the off-season?” Coaching doesn’t end when the school year or sports season does, and most sports keep players in shape during the off-season. How you handle your time off can be just as important as how you handle your time during the season. Do some research on this team’s typical off-season schedule before you answer this question. Their program doesn’t have to be the same as yours, but remember that you might have to explain or justify any decisions that aren’t clear. Example answer: Before the off-season starts, I work with players to figure out their schedules and how they can fit in different kinds of training and exercise. We work together to make weekly workout plans for them that are based on their position and athletic goals. This is okay with me, and I believe my players will work through these programs when they have time.
- “What two words would your players use to describe you as a coach, and why?” This question seems simple, but it tells a lot about you as a coach. The person interviewing you wants to know if you can see yourself through the eyes of your players. This question asks you to describe how you want players to see you and how you think they must be feeling. To get ready for this question, think of some qualities you try to show as a coach and give some examples of how these traits show up in real life. Your answer will depend on who you are, but make sure you can explain how your players might see you that way. As an example, I think my players would say I’m talkative and helpful. I think it’s important to talk to players all the time, find connections between things, and stress important lessons. My players make fun of the life lessons I teach them, but I really think they like how I encourage open communication. This also ties into my supportive qualities. They need to know that I support them and that they can talk to me about anything. Together, we’ll come up with a solution. Making a strong bond and trust with my players is important to me because I think that’s when we work best as a team.
- “What do you do when parents are mad and question your decisions about play time?” As a youth sports coach, you can be sure that there will be some angry parents, no matter what sport or age group you are coaching. Too much playing time is one of the main reasons why coaches and parents fight. You can’t give each player the same amount of time, and everyone has their own ideas about who “deserves” to play. To answer this question, think of times when you were able to calm down an angry parent. Think about how you usually talk to parents who are mad at you, and tell me about a time when this worked well for you. Example answer: I like to make sure that any parent who has any problems or concerns can set up a private meeting with me, and I always have a few spots open each week in case that happens. Because of this, I usually don’t talk about problems with parents right after games because it’s too public and makes the players feel bad. I urge parents to email me about any problems they have after the game so that most of their anger can go away quickly. I quickly answer these emails by setting up meetings in person. I explain why I give playing time the way I do at these meetings, and if the parent wants, I suggest skills their child could work on to get better at what they’re doing.
How to Prepare for a Coach Interview
As the Candidate:
- Research the organization. Do some research on the group to find out what their values, mission statement, and coaching philosophies are. This will also help you connect your own beliefs and values to the company during the interview.
- Brush up on your technical skills. It’s important to know the most recent rules, strategies, and techniques for the sport you want to play. This will also show the interviewer that you know a lot about the company and have experience working there.
- Practice communication skills. As a coach, it’s very important to be able to talk to people clearly. Work on your communication skills and think of times when you were able to talk to other coaches or athletes in a clear way during your career.
As the Interviewer:
- Prepare a list of questions. Your questions should be unique to the job and help you learn more about the candidate’s experience, skills, and way of coaching. Make sure the questions are relevant to the job and the company.
- Use behavioral interview techniques. Ask the coach open-ended questions that require them to give specific examples from their time as a coach. This will help you figure out how the candidate feels about problems and how they solve them.
- Research the coach. In addition to looking over their resume, you should also learn more about their background and work history. This will help you know their coaching philosophy better. It will also list their accomplishments and describe the way they teach.
Ice Hockey Coach interview questions
FAQ
Why do you want to coach hockey?
What are the behavioral interview questions for coaching?
What questions should you ask during a sports coach interview?
In this article, we’ll delve into some of the key questions you may be asked during a sports coach interview, along with tips on how to craft compelling answers that will help you stand out from other candidates vying for the same position. 1. What is your coaching philosophy?
What does a hockey coach do?
As a hockey coach, you’re not just managing a team but also guiding individual players to reach their full potential. This question gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to tailor your coaching strategies to each player’s needs, ultimately contributing to the team’s overall success.
How do you interview a sports coach?
Having navigated the 15 common sports coach interview questions, it’s time to put this knowledge into action. Tailor your responses to align with your career goals and the role in question. Research the company culture to ensure a mutual fit. Engage your interviewer with thoughtful queries about coaching philosophy and team culture.
Is hockey coaching a good job?
Hockey coaching is a challenging yet rewarding profession that requires exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Whether you’re a
