Course cursor - groom players

The Patiala-based Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS) offers a Master of sports coaching programme aimed at creating a pool of professional coaches. The two-year programme has been designed to create opportunities for higher studies in sports coaching and develop a research aptitude of coaches with regard to leadership and operation of individual and team sports.Affiliated to Punjabi University Patiala, it is conducted in athletics, basketball, football, gymnastics, hockey, swimming, volleyball, weightlifting and wrestling.
THE CURRICULUM
The programme is meant to develop the student's individual coaching philosophy through various areas of studies, such as sports psychology and coaching methodology. Apart from lec tures, discussions, seminars, paper readings, projects, video analysis and assignments, it stresses on practical coaching through actual participation, teaching practice, coaching practice, organising sports meetstournaments and training practice and officiating.
Says SS Roy, regional director of the institute, “To pursue a Master's in sports coaching, a candidate must have an aptitude for research and sports proficiency.“
CAREER OPTIONS
Trained coaches are in demand at all the training centres set up by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and by state and central sports bodies. “Apart from the stateand national-level teams, coaches can find openings in sports clubs, schools and colleges and as in-house coaches for corporate sports teams,“ shares Roy. With general awareness about sports rising, there is growing room for good professional coaches to coach schoolchildren (five to 18 years old). There are numerous after-school coaching sessions being run at various schools, stadiums and playgrounds to impart sports training. Moreover, the entry of hockey, badminton and football leagues in India has further increased the scope in sports coaching.
While employed in schoolscolleges, one can expect a regular TGT or PGT salary as per government scales. One can make extra money by conducting coaching sessions after work hours. At the entry level, professional coaches hired by sports bodies and clubs can command Rs 4-5 lakh a year. For coaches associated with professional teams and clubs, the earning potential is far greater.
AT A GLANCE
Duration: Two years (July to May) z Eligibility: The entry requirements are: A Bachelor's degree in any subject from any recognised Indianforeign university Diploma in sports coaching from SAI, NSNIS, Patiala or its other academic centres with at least 60% marks Age not more than 45 years on the day of commencement of the course (upper age limit can be relaxed up to three years in the case of deserving candidates) z Selection: Based on a written test, personal interview, academic qualifications and achievements in the concerned field of sports.