4 answers
Tristan
Student
Chandler, Arizona
1
Question
4 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Tristan !
I would first advise to make sure you want to go into professional sports because that is your passion not for the money. Don't expect a multimillion dollar contract but if you do get one, it will be a welcomed surprise. It also would help for advice if you mentioned which sport you're asking about because the path to professional sports may be different for each individual sport.
There's no answer to how to "be" a professional athlete. It is being in the right place at the right time, being outstanding and having someone scout and choose you. You can do things to prepare yourself, however.
First, go to college and get at least a Bachelors Degree. I say this because a lot of times, scouts go to colleges to discover athletes. Another reason you should go to college is because when you retire, you will want a second career to go into and athletes usually retire at a young age. So college is going to be your best bet for those two reasons. I once had a Director of a program I worked for who was a retired New York Jet. He majored in Human Services in college and was running a very successful homeless housing program when he retired from football.
You will have to be willing to train for many hours and intensely and have the ability to perform well under pressure. You will also have to have perfect eyesight and be in top notch physical health. You should also possess a competitive streak and realize that you will be traveling a lot and maybe have to relocate from where you live now. I would advise shadowing a coach or a college athlete, one who hopes to become professional and you may gain useful information that way, too.
I have left an article link for you below that goes into more detail than this and I think you will find it useful.
Most of all, do not give up your dream. Research now so you'll be prepared and I wish you all the best !
HOW TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE https://money.howstuffworks.com/how-to-become-a-professional-athlete.htm
I would first advise to make sure you want to go into professional sports because that is your passion not for the money. Don't expect a multimillion dollar contract but if you do get one, it will be a welcomed surprise. It also would help for advice if you mentioned which sport you're asking about because the path to professional sports may be different for each individual sport.
There's no answer to how to "be" a professional athlete. It is being in the right place at the right time, being outstanding and having someone scout and choose you. You can do things to prepare yourself, however.
First, go to college and get at least a Bachelors Degree. I say this because a lot of times, scouts go to colleges to discover athletes. Another reason you should go to college is because when you retire, you will want a second career to go into and athletes usually retire at a young age. So college is going to be your best bet for those two reasons. I once had a Director of a program I worked for who was a retired New York Jet. He majored in Human Services in college and was running a very successful homeless housing program when he retired from football.
You will have to be willing to train for many hours and intensely and have the ability to perform well under pressure. You will also have to have perfect eyesight and be in top notch physical health. You should also possess a competitive streak and realize that you will be traveling a lot and maybe have to relocate from where you live now. I would advise shadowing a coach or a college athlete, one who hopes to become professional and you may gain useful information that way, too.
I have left an article link for you below that goes into more detail than this and I think you will find it useful.
Most of all, do not give up your dream. Research now so you'll be prepared and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1060
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Here is some options and suggestions.
If you are looking at football, there could be several options, the NFL, CFL (Canadian Football League), UFL (United Football League), and the Arena Football League (AFL). If it is basketball, there is the NBA and the developmental league, and international basketball leagues, like the ones in Europe.
You will definitely need to consider a good college or university athletic program, to develop your skills, and in order to get recruited, and to do this, I am a big fan of Athletic Resume's and Cover Letters. Especially if you are trying to get a coaches attention and get admission into a high level college athletic program. There are examples of these documents found online.
The Athletic Resume is like a job resume, except you are trying out for an athletic position with the college coach. They emphasize your athletic skills, like positions played, athletic awards, academic achievements, and other elements related to your athletic career.
Once you complete your resume and cover letter, get envelopes, print out the resume and letter, and send it directly to the coach, at the colleges or universitie, you are interested in attending.
Coaches get literally thousands of emails, and a personal letter will land directly on their desk, and usually brings and informational response from them. I have used the Athletic Resume and Cover Letter with helping my past students attain athletic scholarships, with a great amount of success. So, this is something to consider, when looking for athletic opportunities and scholarships.
If you are looking at football, there could be several options, the NFL, CFL (Canadian Football League), UFL (United Football League), and the Arena Football League (AFL). If it is basketball, there is the NBA and the developmental league, and international basketball leagues, like the ones in Europe.
You will definitely need to consider a good college or university athletic program, to develop your skills, and in order to get recruited, and to do this, I am a big fan of Athletic Resume's and Cover Letters. Especially if you are trying to get a coaches attention and get admission into a high level college athletic program. There are examples of these documents found online.
The Athletic Resume is like a job resume, except you are trying out for an athletic position with the college coach. They emphasize your athletic skills, like positions played, athletic awards, academic achievements, and other elements related to your athletic career.
Once you complete your resume and cover letter, get envelopes, print out the resume and letter, and send it directly to the coach, at the colleges or universitie, you are interested in attending.
Coaches get literally thousands of emails, and a personal letter will land directly on their desk, and usually brings and informational response from them. I have used the Athletic Resume and Cover Letter with helping my past students attain athletic scholarships, with a great amount of success. So, this is something to consider, when looking for athletic opportunities and scholarships.
Naim Rahaim
Basketball Coach, Sports Analytics, Athletic Director
32
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Naim’s Answer
Hi Tristan,
Becoming a professional sports player requires dedication, hard work, and talent. Here are some steps you can take to pursue your goal:
Start Early: Begin playing your chosen sport at a young age to develop your skills and understanding of the game.
Practice Regularly: Dedicate time to practice consistently, focusing on improving your strengths and working on your weaknesses.
Get Coached: Seek out knowledgeable coaches who can provide guidance, feedback, and help you refine your skills.
Play Competitively: Join local leagues, clubs, or teams to gain experience competing against others at your skill level.
Stay Fit and Healthy: Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating well, getting enough rest, and staying in good physical condition.
Set Goals: Establish short-term and long-term goals for yourself, and work towards achieving them with determination.
Stay Focused: Stay focused on your goals and remain committed to your training regimen, even when faced with challenges or setbacks.
Network: Build connections within your sport by attending events, joining communities, and connecting with coaches, scouts, and other players.
Seek Opportunities: Look for opportunities to showcase your skills, such as attending tryouts, participating in showcases, or joining development programs.
Stay Persistent: Understand that the journey to becoming a professional athlete is challenging and requires persistence. Keep working hard and never give up on your dreams.
Remember, success in sports requires not only talent but also discipline, determination, and resilience. Keep pushing yourself to improve, and with dedication and perseverance, you can achieve your goal of becoming a professional sports player. Best of luck on your journey!
May the Lord be with you,
Naim Rahaim
Becoming a professional sports player requires dedication, hard work, and talent. Here are some steps you can take to pursue your goal:
Start Early: Begin playing your chosen sport at a young age to develop your skills and understanding of the game.
Practice Regularly: Dedicate time to practice consistently, focusing on improving your strengths and working on your weaknesses.
Get Coached: Seek out knowledgeable coaches who can provide guidance, feedback, and help you refine your skills.
Play Competitively: Join local leagues, clubs, or teams to gain experience competing against others at your skill level.
Stay Fit and Healthy: Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating well, getting enough rest, and staying in good physical condition.
Set Goals: Establish short-term and long-term goals for yourself, and work towards achieving them with determination.
Stay Focused: Stay focused on your goals and remain committed to your training regimen, even when faced with challenges or setbacks.
Network: Build connections within your sport by attending events, joining communities, and connecting with coaches, scouts, and other players.
Seek Opportunities: Look for opportunities to showcase your skills, such as attending tryouts, participating in showcases, or joining development programs.
Stay Persistent: Understand that the journey to becoming a professional athlete is challenging and requires persistence. Keep working hard and never give up on your dreams.
Remember, success in sports requires not only talent but also discipline, determination, and resilience. Keep pushing yourself to improve, and with dedication and perseverance, you can achieve your goal of becoming a professional sports player. Best of luck on your journey!
May the Lord be with you,
Naim Rahaim
Brian Allen
Finance
2
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Find a good mentor/role model and make sure you're truly passionate about the sport you choose. Making it to the very top is incredibly difficult so you want to be able to love what you do regardless of your level. And most importantly, Practice Practice Practice!
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