What are some questions I should ask the coach while on a phone call with them?

As with most conversations between a coach and a prospective teenage recruit, the coach will seem to be the one talking the majority of the time because he or she is trying to build a bond.  If the coach doesn't talk during most of the time, then there will be a lot of dead air and awkwardness.  If you want to take control of the athletic recruiting process yourself, you should not let this happen.  Instead, what you should be doing is asking questions and trying to find out as much as you can about the school.  Find out which questions are among the best now!

When thinking about any potential college, think long and hard about what you want to know.  If a coach is calling you, there is a solid chance that they hope to have you as a student athlete at their school.  So any questions you throw their way will either be answered or researched and then responded to.  The more questions you ask, the more interested you seem in the school.  The most you are wasting is the ten or so minutes you are on the phone with the coach.

Here are some of the most important questions you should think about asking when these calls are arriving.  It is easy to think of more but these are some of the most obvious ones that should be brought up:

• How will I fit in on the team?
• Do you plan on redshirting me my first year?
• (If the team is struggling), what is the coaching staff doing to turn things around?
• (If the team is doing well), what is the coaching staff doing to continue to help the school have success?
• (If the coaching staff may be good enough to move up to a better job), what are the possibilities that the staff will be in place during my four or five years at the school?  This same question applies if the staff is doing a poor job as well.
• Where do you see the program in the next four or five years?
• How many other players are you recruiting at my position (this may receive a very interesting response)?
• How do athletes balance academics and athletics?
• Is there help in the classroom if I am struggling in a class?
• Are you able to help set up internships with former alumni in my field of study (ask this to the head coach)?
• How would you describe your coaching style?
• What are the best features of your school?
• Why should I pick your program over a conference rival that is recruiting me?
• How is the admission process handled and will any preference be given to student athletes?
• If there is a concern with the city/area, ask about it.
• Will the facilities be updated any time soon (take what they say with a grain of salt)?
• How will you help me become the best player I can be?
• What does the depth chart at my future position look like?
• Are you looking to bring in other scholarship recruits at my position?
• How well does the school/student body support the program?
• Does the team go on any unique travel opportunities during the year or the summer?
• How is the training staff at your school?
• Is there a full time strength and conditioning coach that is willing to help me become a better athlete?
• How is scholarship money handled and when do I know a final total for how much I am paying (this one obviously depends on the level you are looking at)?
• How would you describe the overall attitude of the team?

Again, there are so many others that you can add to the list.  These are just some common questions.  All should be considered but it is probably best that you only pick a few because if you have a talkative coach, you may be on the phone with them for hours.  That won't look good on that eventual cell phone bill that your parents will be paying for!