Fitness

eBook: How to Become a Studio Fitness Trainer

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Get Started With a Fitness Trainer Career

Becoming a fitness trainer is one of the most rewarding careers. Every day you’re helping clients transform into a better version of themselves as they grow stronger, healthier and more confident–both inside and out. That’s unbeatable.

Fitness Industry Growth

There’s also tremendous opportunity for personal trainers. More than 60 million people have gym memberships in the United States. That’s 1 out of every 5 people in America. And the numbers are growing.

Dedication to physical fitness combined with a love of teaching gives you a great start in your journey to becoming a fitness trainer. But there’s more you can do to get ready.

All The Certification Details Provided

While there are no licensing requirements to be a fitness trainer, many popular exercise programs are trademarked and branded. So to teach them, you’ll need certification in those particular methods from the companies that offer them. For example, BarSculpt is a trademarked exercise program that offers training for instructors who want to teach the method. This training is available exclusively from BarSculpt. 

Download the Book

Comprehensive Details for Many Fitness Verticals

Each chapter in this guide provides an overview of popular exercise programs, the certification requirements, and costs. These fitness training specializations can give you a competitive advantage in attracting clients and boost your income. 

In this PocketSuite guide, you’ll discover how much you can earn, what’s involved in getting started, what your career options are, and how to attract clients.

Get all of these fitness specialties included in the eBook!

  1. How to become a BarSculpt Instructor
  2. How to become a Cardio Barre Instructor
  3. How to become a Zumba Instructor
  4. How to become a Spinning Instructor
  5. How to become a CrossFit Instructor
  6. How to become a Bootcamp Instructor
Also available on:
$9.99

How to Run Your Fitness Instructor Business with PocketSuite

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The fitness training industry is becoming more competitive by the day. More and more people are beginning to understand the importance of getting professional help with their fitness. The modern customer has more choice than ever, and if you are not running a streamlined, efficient business, you will lose those customers to the trainer who is.

There is a huge question that most fitness trainers come to at some point in their solo careers: How do I expand my business without overloading my budget? I do not have enough money to compete with the large gyms. I cannot hire an admin and team or pay thousands of dollars for marketing. Does that mean that I am stuck at this level or is there another way forward?

You might be surprised to learn that you can get all of the admin, operations, marketing and scheduling support that you need within a single mobile app. The power of PocketSuite is especially clear in the fitness industry. In the fitness business, independent trainers have little to no time to manage back office tasks. After all, a fitness trainer has to look the part!

Outside of training clients, a trainer has to take the time to keep his or her own fitness level up. After all, noone is going to trust and out of shape fitness trainer. With PocketSuite, you have the time and tools to keep up with your own training, deliver results for your clients who are paying you, and grow your business.

Saving Time

Time is money in the fitness industry. You need to spend the majority of your day training clients if you want to maximize your income. This means you do not have the time for admin work during the weekday. In most cases, this means taking on less clients or putting in late nights to do all of the “homework” that usually comes with running a fitness training business. With PocketSuite, you do not have to choose between this rock and hard place.

How exactly do you save time with PocketSuite? The app does all of your client management, booking, intake forms and contracts, and payment collection for you – behind the scenes. While it is running in the background taking care of all your paperwork, you can do back to back appointments and classes with clients. Here’s a short list of fitness business activities that PocketSuite helps with.

  • Onboarding – One of the most important aspects of your business is quickly getting relevant information from clients once they have signed up with you. You need this information to create programs for them now and market to them in the future. PocketSuite gives you online forms that your customers can fill out on their own time from their phone or desktop before coming in for their first session. You have the information in a digital format and you do not have to wait while the customer fills it out before starting their training.
  • Booking – Just like your clients can onboard with your PocketSuite online forms, they can also book you online very easily as well. You can customize your booking experience to ensure that your clients are answering all relevant questions before they confirm their appointment. Synchronize your schedule to the app so that you never have to worry about double booking. You can also set special days and block off days if you have a break coming up or you are taking a holiday.
  • Protecting your time – As a busy trainer, you do not always have the time to immediately fill open slots due to last-minute cancellations with new clients. Let the app do it for you automatically! You can also enable the waitlist feature, which will automatically register the next person on the waitlist when a free spot opens up. If you have a cancellation, you can send out a group message that will hit all of your available prospects at once. You can personalize this message for different types of clients. You can even combine the message with one of your promotional discounts to activate the most amount of clients.
  • Discounts and surcharges – With PocketSuite, you can personalize discounts and pass on a small processing fee to your clients by using the “surcharge” feature. Having the ability to do this on a one-to-one basis ensure you preserve your profits. You do not have to offer discounts to your entire client list.
  • Building leads – PocketSuite is also a strong marketing platform that allows you to build up a strong pipeline of new clients. You can post your online lead form on your Facebook and Instagram page and add it to your website. Anytime someone wants to learn more about you and your business, the client form will collect all of the information you need for your first session with them. As the final step in your new client acquisition process, PocketSuite helps to maximize your marketing efforts.
  • Group messaging – Group messages can mean clients or team members. If you are trying to expand your business, you need to be able to send a message to different groups of people at different times. With PocketSuite your bulk text messages can go to as many as 20 people at once. You can send a marketing message, promote one of your deals, or just say happy holidays. Most importantly, you can keep your different customer groups organized for special promotions or other special communication down the road.
  • Team – As your business grows, so too will your team. You will need to keep information about them just as much as you keep it on your clients. Why? You will need to keep up with the jobs they have completed, how much you have paid them, attendance in their classes, which clients they are working, etc.. Also, it is best to know the details about your team members so that you can assign jobs to them that are a good fit.

Running Your Business with PocketSuite

All of the features mentioned above may seem like a bit much depending on how far along you are in your business. One of the best things about PocketSuite is that you can customize the features that you need right now and turn on more when you are ready. Your user interface is customized based on your exact needs rather than some template of how someone else thinks a business should run.

This is the bottom line: You can run your fitness training business anyway you like when you use PocketSuite. This is the app that provides you with everything from admin to scheduling to payments to marketing that works today and down the line when your business grows. As you expand, you may make use of more features or you may find that some features are not relevant to your business anymore. You can change these easily without switching to another app. This app grows with your business.

You will find that your business grows in ways that are unique to your personality and the clients that you serve. You will not be a carbon copy of any of your competitors, no matter how where you are in your professional journey. With this in mind, you need a flexible platform that gives you the ability to change options whenever you like. You need room to experiment and improve.

There are no rules in the world of small business and especially not in a highly competitive market like fitness training. As your competitors add new features, you may be forced to change your offerings in some way. PocketSuite is one of the best apps to make this happen. Whether you need new changes in your private training or classes or you need to change your membership plan, you can get it done at any time while continuing to see clients and deliver great results.

You may be surprised at the number of fitness trainers who are using PocketSuite secretly to expand business. If you are wondering how your competitors are somehow attracting new clients without “breaking a sweat,” you may have stumbled upon the answer!

As you begin to learn how to take advantage of all the PocketSuite features, don’t be surprised if your competition starts taking pages from your playbook. Don’t worry – your secret is safe with me. There is plenty of business in the fitness training industry to go around!

Like this article? You’ll love our guide on how to generate leads for service businesses in 2020, and of course our Frustrations with Square article!

How to get your personal trainer certification!

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Are you a personal trainer or looking to become one? If so, you’ve probably heard that it’s important to get your personal trainer certification. “But what’s the point?” you say to yourself as you mix your protein shake, “Aren’t my knowledge, experience, and skills enough? I already know how to get people the results they’re after, and plus, getting certified is a nuisance and costs money.”

Yes, it does take time, effort, and forking over some extra cash to become a certified personal trainer. However, after reading this article, I think you’ll agree that the pros far outweigh the cons.

Your Big 5 compound lift numbers may be solid, but after delving into what we’ll be discussing here, the foundation of your business as a personal trainer will be solidified as well

Strap on your lifting gloves and chug your pre-workout drink because we’re about to break your personal trainer business plateau for good!

WHY BECOME CERTIFIED AS A PERSONAL TRAINER

There are several good reasons why you may want to get certified as a personal trainer before embarking on a career of coaching folks to become the best versions of themselves physically.

First and foremost, you will earn more money.

You can earn a median annual salary of $38,160, according to a survey done by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2016. That’s roughly $19/hr to start – not bad!

The same survey found that the demand for personal trainers has been growing by 10% between 2016 and 2026, which is faster than the overall job market

Between 2016 and 2026, it’s estimated that an additional 31,000 personal trainers will join the market looking for clients, so it’s important to distinguish yourself with a personal training certification so that you can stand out from the crowd.

Another key reason to get certified is social proof. By positioning yourself as an expert, you draw more clients in and encourage them to put their trust in you and your experience.

This will, in turn, make them feel more comfortable investing in your training program because they believe they can get stellar results if they are being coached by someone who knows their stuff

Try posting a picture of yourself holding up your certificate on social media – at PocketSuite we routinely see trainers that are doing six figures use this strategy to show they are licensed professionals to current and prospective clients!

Additionally, more options regarding financing and payment processing will be open to you if you are certified because these institutions will trust your business more and in turn provide you with better rates and faster service.

Some of the online training institutions will even help you with the business side of things – they have courses on finding clients, marketing and advertising, and maintaining a full schedule of lessons and coaching classes.

Another great reason for being certified is liability. Yes, believe it or not, you can be sued by clients for several reasons, and if you’re not certified, it is nearly impossible to find insurance to cover you.

To protect yourself from legal issues arising from client dissatisfaction, injury, or alleged misconduct on your part, it’s important to become certified so that you can qualify for personal trainer insurance in the first place.

Between making more money, protecting yourself from lawsuits, and winning the approval and the business of potential new clients, how many more reasons do you need?

In the next section, we’ll talk about specifically how to go about getting your personal training certification. As it turns out, there are several nuances to keep in mind, so stay tuned.

HOW TO BECOME CERTIFIED AS A PERSONAL TRAINER

There are a ton of certifications available in the field of personal training. Here are just some of the acronyms that you can add to your bio: CPT, CEP, CSPS, CIFT

Which one should you choose and what’s the difference?

The first thing you need to understand is that there’s a commission for certifying bodies that’s called the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

This is the organization that makes sure the certification that you receive is legitimate.

Within that organization are four major certifying bodies

  • American College of Sports Medicine
  • National Academy of Sports Medicine
  • American Council on Exercise
  • National Strength and Conditioning Association

Certifications cost between $200-$600 with $300 as the most common price

Continuing education requires between 20-60 hours of continuing education credits (CECs) every 2-3 years with costs ranging from $45 to $129.

There are also typically a few prerequisites (things you need to do before taking the class), such as:

  • Being at least 18 years old
  • Having your high school diploma or GED
  • Passing a CPR class

 

Here’s an official list of the only legitimate agencies out there. If you’re going to get certified, make sure it’s with one of the following:

  • Academy of Applied Personal Training Education (AAPTE)
  • ACTION Certification (ACTION)
  • American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
  • American Council on Exercise (ACE)
  • International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA)
  • National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
  • National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF)
  • National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association (NESTA)
  • National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA)
  • National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT)
  • National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
  • PTA Global, Inc. (PTA Global, Inc.)
  • The Cooper Institute (CI)

Check here for a detailed list of these certifying agencies, the actual certifications you can get, as well as the requirements for each

Most of these associations can share guidance on exactly how to meet your certification requirements by searching for them on any search engine. Here is a great example of ACE’s guide on how to get certified.

NASM provides another guide that includes tips on passing the exam as well as requirements you should consider before moving forward.

The ACSM provides the same type of guidance and also offers workshops, textbooks, and an online test prep platform called PrepU.

You can also get an Associates, Bachelors, or Masters degrees in the areas of kinesiology, exercise science, and/or personal training from various colleges around the world.

Here are the career concentrations that you can focus on:

  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Sports Nutritionist
  • Group Exercise Instructor
  • Corrective Exercise Specialist
  • Strength And Conditioning Coach

Enroll in a training program (such as an online school) to explore your options and determine which one is best for your niche.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the step-by-step instructions to get certified:

  1. Choose a school or entity for certification
  2. Search for them on any search engine to find their website
  3. Follow their guides for becoming certified
  4. Take the exam
  5. Pass the exam
  6. Collect your diploma – now you’re certified!

It really is that simple.

Here’s a quick and dirty cheat sheet for choosing your certification entity, if you’re tired of wading through articles on each one:

  • Average “I just want to get in shape” clients – NASM
  • Athlete clients – NSCA-CPT
  • Medical/clinical patients – ACSM

Now that you’re armed and dangerous with the knowledge you need, it’s time to get certified.

However, once you receive your diploma, that’s just the first step. What do you do once you’re certified?

USE POCKETSUITE TO GROW YOUR FITNESS BUSINESS

If you’ve already got your certification, the next step is to get clients!

PocketSuite can help you manage those clients with features like online booking, accepting credit cards, payments, class scheduling, selling packages, offering subscriptions, messaging, taking deposits, enforcing cancellation policy, sending e-contracts/waivers, completing online forms, and a whole lot more.

If you’re already using PocketSuite, here’s how to set it up for your Fitness business.

Lift your business to new heights and take your income growth to the next level by trying out the Premium plan today!

You may also enjoy our article on the Best Communities for Personal Trainers.

Like this article? You’ll love our guide on how to generate leads for service businesses in 2020, and of course our Frustrations with Square article!

 

Grow your business as a Boutique Gym Trainer

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Are you a trainer at a boutique gym? Are you looking to lift your business to the next level? Maybe owning a gym has always been your dream since you did your first set of curls, and you’re just now starting out on your solopreneur journey as a small business owner. Perhaps you already have an established gym and you’re interested in ways of growing it like you have your muscle tone (or making it more profitable!)

Whatever the reason, fitness services are growing in popularity, we will share the earning potential of boutique gym pros, as well as explain how to grow your specialty fitness business step-by-step.

As a fitness enthusiast, you are likely familiar with the concept of dedication and hard work.

However, you probably also know that the most determined gym rat that’s employing the wrong techniques with diet and exercise still won’t achieve their desired physical goals.

As Tony Robbins says, if you’re running East looking for a sunset, it’s not going to happen no matter how much you run!

Let’s funnel your effort and sweat equity into the most productive and effective methods of growing your small fitness business.

Ready to learn the correct form and hit your first set of business owner reps?

Before we plunge in, let’s cover the popularity and earning potential of boutique gyms.

ARE BOUTIQUE GYMS POPULAR?

The answer, in short, is yes.

Boutique gyms (otherwise known as specialty gyms) are known for instructor-led classes, group classes, and have a wide range of fitness plans available – from barre workouts, to monitoring heart rate, crossfit training, pilates, and even powerlifting.

From 2015 to 2017, membership in boutique studios climbed 15%, while conventional club membership declined 3% during the same time period.

The New York Times attributes this phenomenon to a lack of human connection at most big-box gyms. The big gyms like Crunch, 24 Hour Fitness, Bally’s seem soulless.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts 10% growth in the Fitness Training sector, which is higher than the market overall.

IBIS estimates that Fitness is a $30B industry, so there’s lots of opportunity to go around.

But one thing that may surprise you is that Boutique Gyms are also quite profitable.

ARE BOUTIQUE GYMS POPULAR?

The answer, in short, is yes.

Boutique gyms (otherwise known as specialty gyms) are known for instructor-led classes, group classes, and have a wide range of fitness plans available – from barre workouts, to monitoring heart rate, crossfit training, pilates, and even powerlifting.

From 2015 to 2017, membership in boutique studios climbed 15%, while conventional club membership declined 3% during the same time period.

The New York Times attributes this phenomenon to a lack of human connection at most big-box gyms. The big gyms like Crunch, 24 Hour Fitness, Bally’s seem soulless.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts 10% growth in the Fitness Training sector, which is higher than the market overall.

IBIS estimates that Fitness is a $30B industry, so there’s lots of opportunity to go around.

But one thing that may surprise you is that Boutique Gyms are also quite profitable.

HOW TO START A BOUTIQUE GYM

Let’s take it step by step. Here’s a great source of information that explains the basics in great detail, but we’ll summarize it for you here:

  • Get your Personal Trainer Certification and Become CPR Certified
  • Consider costs for space rental, employees, insurance, and equipment
  • Write a business plan
  • Find your niche
  • Form a legal entity (such as an LLC)
  • Register for taxes
  • Open a business bank account
  • Set up business accounting
  • Obtain necessary permits and licenses
  • Get business insurance
  • Define your brand
  • Establish your online presence

With the basics out of the way, let’s talk about how to get your boutique gym training business off the ground.

HOW TO GROW YOUR BOUTIQUE GYM TRAINING

With the above checklist in mind, you must be on the edge of your seat and excited to plunge in headfirst!

Keep in mind that the price of entry isn’t a nominal fee. Entrepreneur Magazine estimates that starting your own gym can cost between $10,000 and $50,000. How do you raise the money? Keep reading. 

HOW TO RAISE MONEY

As an entrepreneur or small business owner, you should probably be looking at obtaining unsecured funding. Unsecured funding is a loan with no collateral required. Read more about how to do this here.

HOW TO GET CLIENTS

We wrote an article about how to generate online leads for your business. As a business owner today, this should be one of your top priorities.

Consider building your online presence, which includes creating a Facebook page, Instagram profile, and website for yourself.

Incidentally, you can put your PocketSuite online booking link on any of these platforms to encourage potential clients to book your services online.

You should also consider running paid ads on Google (formerly called Google AdWords), which PocketSuite can help you with as well through our partnership with Google.

Lastly, make sure to do some offline marketing as well! Word of mouth, flyers, and referrals are all amazing to get more clients for your boutique gym.

Now let’s talk about some of the practical ways to grow your boutique business that involve capitalizing on battle-tested tactics that work in fitness.

OFFER A FREE TRIAL

One gym owner said she retained 67% of her clients after offering a two-week free trial to her classes.

CONSIDER ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF REVENUE

Besides your monthly membership fees, you should consider providing other value added services for your patrons, which will increase your income per customer.

Other sources of income include nutritional juices or smoothies, coffee and healthy snacks, and gift shops containing logo t-shirts, towels, and other apparel. You can also consider providing childcare during workouts and nutritional guidance.

In the next section of this article we’ll unveil some major hacks to take your boutique gym training business to the next level.

USE POCKETSUITE TO GROW YOUR BOUTIQUE GYM

Here are some of the features that boutique gym owners as well as fitness trainers love about using PocketSuite to run their business:

Memberships – charge your members a monthly fee to be part of your gym.

Classes – fill up your Crossfit, Cycling, or any other type of classes and make the most of your gym space

Messaging – Stay on top of client communication over text without using your personal cell phone number

Smart Campaigns – Create automated client follow-ups that help you get more bookings and keep your gym full

Thousands of boutique gym trainers are using PocketSuite to make six figures. Isn’t it time you did the same?

Try out the Premium plan FREE trial on us – we promise you’ll love it. No strings attached.

If you’re already using PocketSuite, here’s how to set it up for Fitness professionals.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this primer how to grow your boutique gym. We’ve covered how to get started, how to get clients, and even how to make your life easier using a special app called PocketSuite.

Now go out there and max out your business. I expect you will have all kinds of income gains!

Like this article? You’ll love these articles:

Our Frustrations with Square article

Choosing Software – Mindbody vs PocketSuite

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So, you’re looking for a solution to help you run your service business and you’re considering MindBody. In this article we will be discussing the pros and cons of using MindBody, how MindBody compares to PocketSuite, and what we would recommend based on your situation. We will be discussing the top feature gaps and also pricing differences. A comparison that takes into account not just what the software can do, but how much it will cost you as well!

Choosing the right software to run your service business is critical because the features that the software provides is a direct reflection of how professional and tech-savvy your clients will think you are.

For example, if the software you’re using makes it easy for you to follow up with your clients, then you’re more likely to do so, resulting in a better experience (and more sales for you!)

On the contrary, if the software you use makes it difficult to do certain business tasks (such as invoicing, scheduling, payments, etc) you might have to use multiple solutions to get those tasks done. This creates confusion and the appearance disorganization. It also makes it difficult to manage because you’re relying on so many different tools and software systems to interact with your clients.

Instead, let’s take a look at how MindBody can help you as a solopreneur or a business with a small team and how it compares to PocketSuite.

MindBody

Features:

  • Branded Mobile App – Have a white-labeled app to show your clients.
  • Marketing – Get more clients with MindBody’s marketing package.
  • Online Booking – Have clients book online.
  • POS – Point of Sale system – accept credit cards on the spot.
  • Client Profiles – Each client has their own profile.
  • Team Tools – Manage your team members.
  • Reports – See how your business is performing.
  • Automation – Save time with automated tasks.

PocketSuite

Features:

  • Marketing – PocketSuite has partnered with Google AdWords to help you acquire new client leads and give you best in class marketing!
  • Online Leads or Online Booking – Customers can signup and/or book you online on your website or even on your Facebook or Instagram pages. Just add the online lead widget or a booking button in seconds.
  • POS – Point of Sale system (no card reader or swiper needed – just use your our built in scanner to charge cards from your phone!).
  • Discounts – Provide customizable discounts and promotions to your clients.
  • Sales Tax / Surcharges – Make sure you save some for Uncle Sam! This feature makes it easy to charge and set aside sales taxes and to pass on processing fees (if you like).
  • Gratuity – Let your clients show their appreciation by giving you a tip.
  • Custom Fields – Need customizable fields in your client profile to capture additional information when they sign up or complete their first session? You’ve got it!
  • Appointment Reminders – Automated appointment reminders sent to your clients – easy, breezy!
  • Recurring Appointments – Grow your loyal customer base with our handy repeat appointments feature.
  • Multi-Services – If you provide more than 1 service, you want this feature!
  • Estimates – Need to send an estimate for a larger client? Look no further, it’s in your pocket!
  • Packages – Build a custom package for your clients – there are no limits. Allows you to get paid upfront and track sessions completed.
  • Subscriptions – Allow customers to become subscribers, pay a membership fee, set up auto-pay, or establish an installment payment plan.
  • Classes – You can offer group sessions as Series or Drop In classes! Your clients can auto-check in. You can take attendance from the class roster and establish a waitlist.
  • Team – Run your business – assign jobs, pay your team, and manage your team with this powerful set of features.
  • Forms & Contracts – import your forms and contracts within minutes so you can send them via text or email, get them signed online, and store them all in the app. Hassle free.
  • Group Messaging – Keep everyone in the loop and on the same page without messy group texts
  • Smart Campaigns – Are there routine messages that you send out anytime you miss a call, Labor Day and other holidays comes around, clients signup, clients complete an appointment, clients haven’t booked you in a while, a client’s package expires, etc.? Don’t worry about sending out a message. The system automatically sends out personalized messages for you with promotional offers to groups of clients who you identify.
  • Add on Products – Do you sell products that clients can pay for when they book you and pickup when they are onsite? We’ve got you covered.
  • Gift Certificates – How do you reward clients for making referrals? Gift certificates are the best. They are also a great way to get paid upfront during the holiday season. The system automatically applies the gift certificate and tracks the balance for you and your clients.
  • Leaderboard – Curious how much other businesses in your industry are making? You can easily benchmark your income and business metrics. Share best practices with other successful Pros.

As you can clearly see, PocketSuite has a plethora of additional features that are super useful for solopreneurs and businesses with small teams. You can turn on any of the features above that fit your business needs and start getting booked and paid within minutes on PocketSuite.

Additionally the pricing for Mindbody vs PocketSuite is worth taking a look at. You’d think that PocketSuite would be more expensive given all of the additional features that it has at your disposal.

However, the contrary is true! PocketSuite was developed exclusively for solopreneurs and businesses with small teams. We know the best way to support small business and is to provide a super affordable solution. So that what we do. We believe you should invest in your business instead of spending hundreds of dollars on expensive software.

pocketsuite apple app store

MindBody Pricing

PocketSuite Pricing

How crazy is that! PocketSuite actually has a free plan that has all of the essentials you need to run your business. If you don’t yet have any clients or haven’t yet hit your income goals, feel free to start off on the FREE plan.

Additionally, the pro version of PocketSuite is less expensive than MindBody and also comes with more powerful, super simple features.

Let’s take a look at some of those additional features now:

PocketSuite Free Version

  • Direct Messaging – Business messaging on steroids!
  • Calendar Scheduling – No more Google Calendar / Outlook headaches.
  • Client Note-Taking – Never forget critical info about your clients as your business grows.
  • Industry Leaderboard – See who’s crushing it in your industry and beyond!
  • Pay Now Button (Website/FB/IG) – Seriously, people can pay you right from your Instagram page. It’s the future!
  • Flat 2.9% + 30¢ Processing (No Hidden Fees) – Beat those rates.

PocketSuite Premium Version

  • Unique Business # – Get your very own unique business number to share.
  • Subscription Payments – Tired of chasing payments down? Stop being a bill collector and focus on running your business!
  • Customer Group Messaging – No more texts getting lost in the shuffle.
  • Saved Message Templates – Cut down on writing the same messages over and over again, just have them ready to go at a moment’s notice.
  • Class Scheduling, Auto Check Ins & Attendance Tracking – Your classes have never been easier to run or manage.
  • Online Booking – Let people book at any time – day or night.
  • Tasks / To-Do’s – Keep your to do list organized and on track – all in one app!
  • Data Importing – We’ll help import your clients from your old software.
  • Questionnaires / Forms – Ask customers what they think or have them fill out an intake form for your service.
  • Contract E-Signing – Need a contract signed by your clients? We’ve got the tool right here!
  • Estimates – Need to provide an estimate to your prospective client? Here’s the solution.
  • Smart Campaigns – Automated SMS reminders and custom campaigns – convert more one and done clients to repeat customers!
  • Package Sales & Usage Tracking – Keep tabs on your client sessions with fabulous tracking.
  • Add-On Products – Need to sell additional products with your services? This is the answer you’ve been looking for!

Additionally I’d like to point out one thing that is generally overlooked when folks are choosing a software for their service business.  This is a feature that is normally not listed on websites, but it actually becomes critically important when it comes to selecting the right software partner.

One thing people generally don’t take into account is the level of customer service that a company provides to their customers.

It’s difficult to quantify the quality of customer service that a company provides since there are no clear metrics other than “they helped me” or “they didn’t”.

That being said, it’s important to note that PocketSuite’s customer service team is absolutely AWESOME. They respond quickly and provide accurate, helpful advice.

You can text them – the number is on the website. I’ve never found a customer support team that is so dedicated to helping business owners – 24/7.

This is important, should you have any issues setting up your app or managing it. Since you’re dealing with your own clients, it’s super important that your app is in working order and everything is taken care of properly, so that makes me appreciate the customer service PocketSuite provides all that much more.

It’s a no brainer when it comes to choosing software for your service business.

If you’re a fan of saving money and having more tools in your arsenal to run your business even smoother and with less hassle and headaches, give PocketSuite a try. You won’t be disappointed.

Like this article? You’ll love our guide on how to generate leads for service businesses in 2020, and of course our Frustrations with Square article!

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How to Become a Dance Instructor

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People started dancing at least 9,000 years ago to express joy, demonstrate grace of movement and celebrate during religious ceremonies. This is based on the earliest archaeological record – cave paintings found in India that depict dancers in motion, according to DanceFacts.net.

It is estimated there are more than 100,000 serious dancers in the United States. About 10% of dancers who actively pursue their career become professional and find work in the performing arts. About 10% of professional dancers also hold an arts degree from a college or university.

Even professional dancers train every day, averaging 6 hours. To reach their full potential many will turn to an instructor. This is your opportunity to take your love of dance into a lucrative career as a private instructor.

how to become a dance instructor

A dance teacher certification is a great way to boost your career by showing students and colleagues that you are dedicated to the highest standards of dance instruction. With certification you’ll also have an edge in the job market over instructors who do not. Becoming certified to teach dance is a wise choice.

A dance instructor certificate program trains you in the modern principles of expressive movement and specific forms of dance, including ballet, tap, jazz and modern.

Depending on your specialization, in addition to dance instruction you may also be able to offer students training in choreography, making your services even more competitive.

Many dance organizations offer certification, from basic to advanced skills. In this article we’ll go over some of the most popular and well-respected. Keep in mind that if you wish to teach in a school as well as offer private instruction, you’ll need a degree in education and a license to teach in your state. That won’t be necessary if you’re strictly offering private lessons.

Ready to hit the dance floor on your way to certification? In this article you’ll learn:

  • How much money you can make as a private dance instructor
  • The required training and certifications
  • Professional groups to join
  • Employment opportunities
  • Finding dancers to train as a private instructor
  • Plus helpful tips for private dance instructors

How much money can you make?

how much do dance instructors make

Private dance instructors nationwide currently charge in the range of $60 to $80 an hour, with fees typically higher in major urban centers. A renowned dance instructor in Midtown Manhattan, for instance, where the Theater District is located near Times Square, can easily charge $100 or more per hour and have no shortage of students.

Training and Certification

Dance instructors typically pursue professional certifications after completing a college degree in the performing arts.

Dance teacher certification can appear confusing because there are so many organizations that offer certification for dance instructors. It’s much easier to choose the right certification program if you know what style of dance you wish to teach.

Let’s sort out the major organizations:

Dance Educators of America

The DEA offers several training programs that revolve around four core subjects: Ballet, Jazz, Modern and Tap.  During one of these programs you will:

  • Learn the principles of dance
  • Choreograph exercises in a way that is appropriate to the age, level and skill of your students.
  • Develop a curriculum for effective instruction.

dance instructor organizations

Founded in 1932, today the DEA offers three Certificate Programs:

  • Associate Specialized Training Certificate. Completing the 3 levels for this certificate will cost $750 ($250 per level).
  • Advanced Teacher Certificate. This program is for teachers who want to expand their knowledge about teaching all the core subjects and how they relate to one another. Pass all 3 levels and the final exam and you will be awarded an Advanced Teacher Certification Diploma. The DEA member rate is $1,000 per level. The non-member rate is $1,100.00 per level, totaling $3,300 for the certification.
  • Student Assistant Certificate. This program is for students who assist teachers in dance class. Courses teach the fundamentals of dance instruction and prepare you for the DEA’s advanced certification levels. Other teachers may recommend a dancer for this program to apprentice as an assistant. Pass one or more core subjects and the final exam to receive a Student Assistant Certification Diploma. The cost is $250.00 per core

Ongoing DEA membership is $175 annually.

Dance Masters of America

Their weeklong training program is usually held in late summer and currently costs $400. Dance styles taught include ballet, jazz, modern and tap. Here’s a sample course schedule. Manuals and DVDs to accompany each training module are $25 each.

National Dance Education Organization

The Certificate in Dance Education (CiDE) supports all dance educators working in different teaching environments. Certification requires successful completion of 33 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). This works out to 11-15 online courses. You receive 1 unit for every 4 weeks of instruction, so basic certification can be obtained in less than 3 years if you take only one course at a time. Taking 3 courses simultaneously, you could be certified in less than a year.

Fees per course ranges from $200 to $520 depending on course length the number of education units.

The total cost for certification can range from $5,500 – $6,200.

Royal Academy of Dance USA

royal academy of dance

RAD offers online or in-person training at the collegiate level leading to a bachelor’s degree in dance. You need to be a RAD member to pursue advance or specialized training, with basic memberships starting at $87 for a year. There are a dozen different programs to choose from, depending on where you are along your career path.

Cecchetti USA

This widely-respected organization is devoted to ballet. To earn teaching certification in the Cecchetti method, contact the executive director: director@cecchettiusa.org. The director will then recommend a certified teacher in your area and help you start the certification process. Teaching Certificate 1 and 2 each contain two parts. Review the course here. You’ll be eligible for full Cecchetti membership after completing Certificate 1.

Cecchetti dance

The certification requirements for each of these programs ensure that instructors don’t just know how to dance, but are skilled in teaching students how to become better dancers. Becoming certified makes you better prepared to explain dance theory and the reasons certain styles and moves are executed in a specific way. By understanding how to break down individual steps, you’ll be able to help students replicate the moves on their own.

To get an idea of dance teacher training, this video demonstrates proper dance posture with a breakdown of the steps to illustrate how the moves should be taught.

Professional Groups to join

In addition to any of the accrediting organizations that offer certification in dance instruction, the National Dance Council of America offers many benefits, including access to dance events and awards. You can register here.

Employment

Dance studios offering classes in different styles can be a good place to start as a private dance instructor. In addition to having a place to practice, studios can provide music to accompany the dance lessons.

With a degree in education and a teaching license, you can get a job in public or private schools teaching dance.

Finding Clients

Regular social media posts about your dance classes can build a following. Short video clips work better in commanding attention than long blocks of text. Studies repeatedly show people would rather engage with a video clip than any other online content. Dance classes easily lend themselves to interesting videos since you can present movement and music in a compelling way.

finding clients as a dance instructor

If you build an email list for marketing, try to limit emails to every other week. Otherwise, your beautifully worded messages are liable to wind up in spam folders.

Another strategy for finding clients is to partner with local businesses, such as an athletic shop that sells exercise clothing. Exchange flyers with other business owners, asking if they will let you post a flyer in the window, on a bulletin board, etc.

Free trial lessons are another good way to get new students in the door. Bring-a-friend specials and discounts on lesson packages can also draw business.

Good to know:

  • You don’t need to invest in a lot of expensive audio equipment when offering private dance instruction. Program a playlist and load it on your smartphone, then play the music through a portable Bluetooth speaker during teaching sessions. A phone and portable speaker fit easily in a bag. The days of toting around a boombox are gone.
  • Promote the convenience of private lessons compared to the fixed schedule of group classes.
  • When you’re just starting out, you may have to rent time to use a dance studio. This is a business cost you’ll want to build into your lesson fees.

If you enjoyed this article, check out some other PocketSuite.io content that can help you grow your career as a private dance instructor. Here’s a great place to start.

PocketSuite has thousands of business owners who all started where you are right now. Our community is always happy to help you ramp up, grow your client base, and achieve your income goals, both within the PocketSuite app and as part of our exclusive Facebook Community Group. PocketSuite’s vision is for any professional to be able to work for themselves and make a great living. It starts here. It starts with you. It starts today. Let’s get started, download PocketSuite now! Feel free to reach out with any questions (we’d love to hear from you)! Text us @ (415) 841-2300.





How to Become a Wrestling Coach

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wrestling coach




Wrestling is the world’s oldest competitive sport, says the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Cave paintings more than 3,000 years old have been found with depictions of wrestling. The sport was introduced to the ancient Olympics around 700 BC and has been an integral Olympic event ever since, with only one exception in thousands of years – the 1900 games in Paris. Weightlifting and wrestling had been dropped from the Olympics in 1896, but were reinstated after the 1900 games. The IOC in 2013 again voted to discontinue wrestling as a Summer Olympics event in favor of more inclusive sports for all genders, but the backlash proved so strong that the committee members reversed themselves.

Today there are more than 260,000 high school wrestlers in the United States. Nearly 12,000 college athletes participate on wrestling teams.

As a certified wrestling coach, you become more than a trainer. Now you are a mentor to an athlete. Wrestling is not a sport where many athletes can expect to make a lot of money, but a talented high school wrestler can win college scholarships. This is yet another way private wrestling coaches bring value to the athlete’s development.

how to become a wrestling coach

While roughly 4% of high school wrestlers go on to wrestle in college, those who do make the team have a good shot at scholarship money. The average NCAA Division I men’s team has a roster of 32 wrestlers, but a maximum of 9.9 athletic scholarships per team are available. In practical terms, this means a college-bound high school wrestler with a successful record has about a 1 in 3 chance at winning a scholarship if he gets on a team. Compare that with the 2% average success rate for all other NCAA sports scholarships and you begin to see why wrestling offers a great opportunity for athletes to advance their education.

But wrestlers have to be good – really good – to earn those scholarship dollars. This is why serious athletes will hire a private wrestling coach to help them reach their potential.

To coach at almost any level of the sport, you’ll need certification. The process is swift, not expensive and can be completed entirely online. Ready to hit the mat? Let’s go.

In this article you’ll learn:

  • How much money you can make as a private wrestling coach
  • The required training and certifications
  • Professional groups to join
  • Employment opportunities
  • Finding athletes to train as a private coach
  • Plus helpful tips for private wrestling coaches

How much money can you make?

Top wrestling trainers charge $100 or more per hour for private lessons. That’s significantly higher than the national range of $34,475 to $42,485 for full-time wrestling coaches

Training and Certification

USA Wrestling is the sport’s main governing body and oversees certification of professional coaches. You must be certified to coach at any USA Wrestling events. Certification is good for life; just complete the training and you’re all set.

how much do wrestling coaches make

There are two main certifications – Copper and Bronze – with different requirements for each. Copper is for coaches working with wrestlers age 12 and younger, and costs $50. Bronze is the advanced training program for coaches. The fee is $80 for the Bronze training package.

The first step toward certification in either category is to complete and submit a background check and pass SafeSport training. This mandatory course covers issues of abuse, sexual harassment, and when and how to report issues. The cost is $20. You can review the SafeSport handbook here.

This video tutorial from USA Wrestling explains how to get a background check.

With these steps behind you, it’s time to join USA Wrestling. Annual Wrestling Leader Membership (the coach-level membership) is currently $40.

You can then sign up for the Copper or Bronze certification courses. USA Wrestling will email course materials to you for completion at your own pace. The faster you successfully complete the course materials, the sooner you can achieve certification as a professional wrestling coach. It’s up to you.

During training you’ll learn effective methods of coaching wrestlers in moves, strategy, physical conditioning, nutrition and more. USA Wrestling also promotes these standards for certified coaches:

  • Remember always that it’s a privilege to be in the corner with your wrestler.
  • Watch your athletes and assess how your preparations in practice have helped them prepare for this moment on the mat. You can’t really teach anything new from the corner, but you can learn what to focus on next, after the match.
  • Encourage your athlete during the match to help him or her do their absolute best in the moment. If you are yelling, it should be to lift up the wrestler, not tear him down.
  • Take notes on things your wrestler does well during the match and identify ways they can improve.
  • Improvements should be made in the practice room or once the athlete has had an opportunity to cool down and become receptive to criticism. The heat of the moment during or immediately after a match is not the time to criticize.
  • Develop short commands that allow you to effectively communicate strategy to your wrestler – fast and effectively.
  • If you don’t understand the rules, don’t argue their application by the referee.

This wrestling training video shows strength conditioning for the core and effective teaching methods.

Here’s a training video demonstrating escape moves in wrestling.

wresting coach training and certification

Get a sense of teaching takedown fundamentals in this training video.

Professional Groups to join

USA Wrestling is the premiere professional group for wrestling coaches.

wrestling coach professional groups

The organization has more than 255,000 members, including athletes of all ages, coaches, officials, parents and fans. USA Wrestling charters over 4,500 wrestling clubs and sanctions over 2,100 local, state, regional and national competitions every year.

Membership includes secondary sports accident and general liability insurance, which is important for service providers.

Stay informed about the sport with United World Wrestling, the international organization that oversees amateur wrestling events.

TheMat.com offers an online forum with more than a dozen wrestling topics active at any given time. Coaches congregate here to talk best practices, methods and share tips with one another.

Employment

Your USA Wrestling membership and participation in boxing discussion groups on social media will help grow your network. Before long you’ll have friends and colleagues who can pass along insider tips about job openings.

USA Wrestling maintains a jobs board here.

Private gyms and public recreation centers often need wrestling coaches for their courses. Check community recreation centers, the YMCA, private facilities such as Gold’s Gym and any other fitness center that offers wrestling classes.

Don’t forget online search sites such as Indeed.com and ZipRecruiter, which can also turn up job openings around the country.

Finding Clients

finding clients as wrestling coach

Your membership in USA Wrestling gives you access to events sanctioned by the organization. Attendance at these events is a great way to meet potential new clients.

Find a wrestling club near you with this state-by-state searchable database.

Youth centers, particularly in urban areas, often have wrestling teams where you could sign up several individuals and offer a group discount.

Offer a free training session to new students or a package discount for purchasing multiple lessons.

Ask your athletes to leave reviews on consumer sites such as Yelp, where they can post about your outstanding coaching. Your private coaching business then appears in localized searches for wrestling instruction and training.

Good to know:

Team USA recommends these 6 best practices for matside coaching:

  • The best coaching happens during practice

“Practice is for developing strategy, skills, and planning efficient communication between coaches and athletes,” says Mike Clayton, Director of the National Coaches Education Program for USA Wrestling. “Matches are good for testing the practice philosophy, not for teaching new skills.”

  • Know your wrestler’s limits

A match is not the time to tell wrestlers to try something new that hasn’t been practiced.

  • One athlete competing = one coach talking

It’s distracting to have other people besides the coach at matside, even if they’re shouting encouragement. The coach and wrestler must stay focused.

  • Keep your cool so your wrestler will, too

Coaches who remain calm and in control will help their wrestlers do likewise.

  • Working the refs doesn’t work

Focus on coaching your athletes, not the officials. If an official makes a bad call, use it as a teachable moment for your wrestler. Not all calls will always go your way.

  • Stay positive

The best matside coaches develop a style customized to each wrestler before a match begins. A good rule of thumb is to praise in public and criticize in private. Above all, offer praise every time the wrestler steps off the mat.

If you enjoyed this article, check out some other PocketSuite.io content that can help you grow your career as a private wrestling coach. Here’s a great place to start.

PocketSuite has thousands of business owners who all started where you are right now. Our community is always happy to help you ramp up, grow your client base, and achieve your income goals, both within the PocketSuite app and as part of our exclusive Facebook Community Group. PocketSuite’s vision is for any professional to be able to work for themselves and make a great living. It starts here. It starts with you. It starts today. Let’s get started, download PocketSuite now! Feel free to reach out with any questions (we’d love to hear from you)! Text us @ (415) 841-2300.





How to Become a Rugby Coach

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rugby coach




It is said that rugby is a vitally important sport “because football players need heroes, too.”

Dating to the 19th century, rugby originally began in England. The first international match was held in 1871, with Scotland beating England 1-0.

Rugby became an official sport of the Summer Olympics in 1900.

Today an estimated 8.5 million people enjoy playing rugby worldwide. Although it has a reputation as a tough and violent sport, rugby players point out that American football is much more likely to cause injuries because the players wear pads and they hit harder as a result.

how to become a rugby coach

Athletes who switch from football to rugby quickly discover a rugby ball is fatter through the middle, with flat ends. This makes the ball less streamlined than an American regulation football, which has laces and pointed ends, making it easier to throw. Because there’s more drag on an airborne rugby ball than a football it makes the game more challenging.

Another appeal of rugby that sets it apart from American football is you don’t need to be a six-foot-six monster to play competitively. There is a position for everyone on the field. Speed, skill, strength and attitude are more important than physical size.

Ruggers don’t need sheer mass because they have a reputation for fighting harder. Ruggers play hard, but they also party hard. The kinship and comraderies is so strong among players that even a simple online search turns up tales of wild times and legendary post-game rugby parties.

Devoted rugby players also love the sport because practice and play keep them in the best shape of their life. Cardiovascular fitness? Check? Core strength, speed, flexibility and stamina? Yes to all.

But it takes regular training to reach peak physical condition and consistent practice to play rugby well. Serious players want to get better at their sport. To reach those goals, they’re willing to pay for private coaching, too, and that’s where there’s an opportunity for you.

Becoming a certified rugby coach keeps you active in the game, even in later years when you may no longer be able to play on the field. You can still teach the sport.

Rugby is famed for the camaraderie it builds within teams, among individual players and their coaches. You will be seen as a leader and mentor leading athletes to greatness in one of the most challenging contact sports. Heroes need a hero. That can be you. Ready? Crack your knuckles. Mark your goals. Let’s dig in. 

how much do rugby coaches make

In this article you’ll learn:

  • How much money you can make as a private rugby coach
  • The required training and certifications
  • Professional groups to join
  • Employment opportunities
  • Finding athletes to teach as a private coach
  • Plus helpful tips for private rugby coaches

How much money can you make?

A full time rugby coach can expect to earn between $40,789 to $50,682 annually based on the national average.

Private rugby coaches around the country charge about $50 an hour for their sessions. At that rate, their pay is nearly twice the national average of full-time rugby coaches. The goal is to generate enough clients that you’re able to work full-time as a private rugby coach.

Training and Certification

USA Rugby offers training courses leading to certification as a professional rugby coach. The annual membership for coaches is $65.

There are 3 training levels leading to coach certification.

rugby coach training and certification

The first, Rugby Ready, is a program developed by the World Rugby organization. This online program covers 18 good-practice modules that focus on:

  • Match preparation and physical conditioning
  • Correct technique
  • Injury prevention and management.

After completing the online Rugby Ready exam, you can download a personalized awareness certificate. Registration is free to USA Rugby members.

At Level 2 you’ll complete online pre-course work and attend an in-person clinic. The course structure combines “how to coach” theory with the practical aspects of coaching rugby. You’ll learn about:

  • Player welfare
  • Teaching players the technical skills to play safely
  • Effective coaching techniques, including training games, technical skill development through progressions and collaborative coaching.

In Level 3 you’ll learn advanced coaching skills used in athlete development and program building.

The course consists of a two-day certification clinic and successful completion of online home study.

Level 3 helps you to increase your ability to effectively coach players, develop their technical skills and reach strategic and tactical goals.

You must complete Level 2 before advancing to this course.

All of the online modules below are required for certification.

Course fees vary.

To coach students under 18 you’ll need to complete SafeSport training. This mandatory course covers issues of abuse, sexual harassment, and when and how to report issues. The cost is $20. 

rugby coach courses

Rugby Warfare offers a training guide for players that’s worth reviewing as you develop your own drills and training sessions.

This video series from Rugby World gives you an idea of what training sessions involve, with a look at different exercises for strength conditioning.

World Rugby offers dozens of free training videos, with an in-depth look at many different rugby drills covering technique and strategy, as well as strength conditioning and workout routines.

Professional Groups to join

Founded in 1975, USA Rugby is the national governing body for the sport. Based in Lafayette, Colorado, USA Rugby is charged with promoting and developing the game on all levels. There are more than 120,000 active members.

rugby coach professional groups

USA Rugby oversees four national teams, multiple collegiate and high school All-American sides, and an Olympic development pathway for elite athletes.

Joining the organization is a prerequisite of becoming a certified coach. Maintaining your membership lets you network with other rugby coaches, exchange ideas and enjoy the sense of community built around a common passion and goal.

Employment

Public recreation centers need coaches for their course offerings.

Online search sites such as Indeed.com and ZipRecruiter can yield job openings around the country.

Your membership in USA Rugby combined with participation in rugby discussion groups on social media will help grow your network. Soon you’ll have a network of friends and colleagues who can pass along insider tips about job openings.

Finding Clients

Your membership in USA Rugby is a solid credential for attracting serious rugby players to private lessons.

Connect with colleges and high schools that offer rugby as a sport, letting teams know you offer private instruction both on and off-season for players who want to sharpen and keep their edge year-round.

Encourage your players to leave reviews on consumer sites such as Yelp, where they can post about your outstanding rugby coaching services. Your private coaching business then appears in localized searches.

Sign up with CoachUp to be connected with rugby players interested in private training. It costs about $10 for annual registration. Just know that CoachUp takes a percentage of your hourly fee, which can be as high as 43 percent for a one-time session with an athlete. The percentage CoachUp will charge goes down the longer you work with a player through their service.

Good to know:

Rugby Coach Weekly recommends coaches focus on five core skills as they train players:

  • Passing

All players should at minimum be competent in delivering clearing passes, spin passes, orthodox and pop passes, and in both directions. Keep pressure on players during training so they learn to choose which passes will help changing situations.

  • Running

Key running skills common to all players include acceleration, changing pace, changing direction and running efficiently sideways and backwards. Balancing exercises help players stay on their feet more often than not in contact situations.

  • Support play

Each player needs to understand supporting roles in the game. This involves being able to communicate with the ball carrier so players know where they are in relation to each other when to make the pass.

  • Tackling

You must be able to bring down opponents in order to win. Players should be trained in a variety of tackle techniques and become competent tackling in one-on-one situations.

  • Decision making

Improve players’ strategic thinking by forcing them to make decisions under pressure during practice sessions, then discuss why they chose one option over another.

If you enjoyed this article, check out some other PocketSuite.io content that can help you grow your career as a private rugby coach. Here’s a great place to start.

PocketSuite has thousands of business owners who all started where you are right now. Our community is always happy to help you ramp up, grow your client base, and achieve your income goals, both within the PocketSuite app and as part of our exclusive Facebook Community Group. PocketSuite’s vision is for any professional to be able to work for themselves and make a great living. It starts here. It starts with you. It starts today. Let’s get started, download PocketSuite now! Feel free to reach out with any questions (we’d love to hear from you)! Text us @ (415) 841-2300.





How to Become a Lacrosse Coach

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Lacrosse in its original form was a tribal game played by native Indians in what is now the United States and Canada. European colonists picked up the sport and gradually the rules evolved into the game loved by thousands today. Lacrosse was named by French settlers who observed Native Americans playing a game with a curved stick (crosse) and a ball. Early lacrosse balls were carved from wood. Some were made from sewn deerskin stuffed tightly with animal hair.

Lacrosse is the oldest sport in North America, predating baseball by more than 200 years. As played in modern times, the sport blends elements of field hockey and soccer into a game of strength and endurance.

how to become a lacrosse coach

Today there are more than 680,000 active lacrosse players in the United States. Over half are under the age of 15. Athletes are drawn to the sport for nonstop action and the skill needed to wield a lacrosse stick effectively, as well as the eye-hand coordination for flinging the ball at high speed between teammates.

To develop these skills, serious athletes will seek out a private lacrosse coach to mentor and train them.

If you’re considering becoming a certified lacrosse coach you almost certainly already have years of experience playing the sport. Certification will train you to be an effective coach. You’ll learn proven techniques for teaching lacrosse skills, motivating players and guiding their training to become the best athletes they can be. That’s rewarding.

At some point, someone taught you how to run and maneuver with a lacrosse stick. Now it’s your turn to make a difference in the lives of athletes who share your love of this sport.

In this article you’ll learn:

  • How much money you can make as a private lacrosse coach
  • The required training and certifications
  • Professional groups to join
  • Employment opportunities
  • Finding athletes to teach as a private coach
  • Plus helpful tips for private lacrosse coaches

How much money can you make?

Top lacrosse coaches charge up to $110 an hour for private lessons, with $60 being about the average nationwide. This is significantly greater than the annual salary for Division I college lacrosse coaches, whose average pay ranges from $31,441 to $47,450.

Training and Certification

Aspiring college and professional lacrosse coaches usually have a bachelor’s degree before pursuing certification as a coach. The degree can be in any field, although sports science, physical education, sports medicine and related fields are most common for coaches.

US Lacrosse, the sport’s national governing body, offers a training program leading to certification as a professional coach. For a $50 annual membership, you receive complementary enrollment in the Level 1 training program.

Purchase a US Lacrosse membership.

Next, you’ll be expected to complete SafeSport training. This mandatory course covers issues of abuse, sexual harassment, and when and how to report issues. The cost is $20. 

Due to Federal Requirements, all coaches are required to complete SafeSport training within 10 days of joining US Lacrosse. Otherwise the coach membership is downgraded to a fan membership and you’ll be ineligible for certification until the SafeSport course is completed.

Separate from but related to SafeSport is the National Council for Youth Sports background screening. It takes 2-3 weeks for US Lacrosse to receive the results of the background check. Once that clears, you can get on with certification training.

Complete a Level 1 online course

training and certification as lacrosse coach

Active US Lacrosse members have free, unlimited access to the men’s and women’s game courses.  Coaches looking to certify in the men’s and women’s games must complete both courses.

Complete a Level 1 instructional clinic

Clinics are 3-hour hands-on training sessions, available each year nationwide. The training season typically runs from October through March. Click here to locate a clinic near you.

Formal Certification

You’ll receive a confirmation email stating that your Level 1 certification is complete within 24 hours after all certification materials are submitted and reviewed.

Recertification

To maintain your certification, you need to:

  • Keep your membership current by renewing each year.
  • Renew your NCSI background screening every two years.

What you’ll learn:

  • Communication skills. You’ll develop skills in instruction, organization and motivation of athletes.
  • Decision-making skills. This involves the ability to select the right players for different game situations, as well as time-management.
  • Basic first aid. This includes training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and sports safety.
  • Interpersonal skills. Develop your ability to build positive relationships with players.
  • Leadership skills. Techniques for developing and directing athletes to greater achievements.
  • Strategic thinking and resourcefulness. You’ll learn how to develop game plans that produce the best chances for victory. This includes coming up with original plays and formations that give teams a competitive advantage.

To get a feel for coaching the sport, this video lesson demonstrates speed and agility drills.

Check out these offense training drills for lacrosse players.

Quick stick drills are an essential part of lacrosse training. This video covers 5 quick stick drills.

Professional Groups to join

lacrosse coach professional groups

US Lacrosse is the national governing body for lacrosse across all levels of the sport. US Lacrosse members receive US Lacrosse Magazine, lacrosse injury insurance, membership in a local chapter, an email newsletter, discounted merchandise, free admission to the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame & Museum in Glencoe, MD, eligibility to attend US Lacrosse events, access to the organization’s programs and services, and other benefits.

News, insights and statistics on pro-level play are always available through Major League Lacrosse. Founded in 1998, the league boasts “the premiere 230 lacrosse players in the world.” You can sign up for the league’s free newsletter here.

Employment

US Lacrosse maintains an up-to-date listing of coaching opportunities throughout the country. A recent search revealed almost two dozen job openings for lacrosse coaches from college level to youth leagues.

 Finding Clients

Sign up with ConnectLax for free to be added to their searchable database of lacrosse coaches. Then players can find you based on your location.

Offer new students a discount or a free initial session.

finding clients as a lacrosse coach

Encourage current students to refer a friend and offer both a discount on a lesson package.

You can also sign up with CoachUp to be notified of lacrosse coaching opportunities and connected with players interested in one-on-one sessions. It costs about $10 for annual registration. Be aware that CoachUp also takes a percentage of your hourly fee, which can be as much as 43 percent for a one-time session with an athlete. The percentage CoachUp will charge goes down the longer you work with a client through their service.

Good to know:

US Lacrosse asked Division I coaches for their advice on what makes a great lacrosse coach. Here’s what they said:

  • Lose the ego

Coaches tend to have Type A personalities, which can be a vital component of success. Still, trust your assistants and choose them to compliment your own strengths and weaknesses.

  • Develop trust

“Young people can see through a phony in a heartbeat and regaining that trust needed between all the participants in a team sport is near-impossible to recapture,” University of Virginia men’s coach Dom Starsia said.

things to know as a lacrosse coach

  • Explain your core values and do not waver from them

“If you stick to your core beliefs, it makes a huge difference,” Northwestern women’s coach Kelly Amonte Hiller said.

  • Keep it fun

Right? That’s what sports are about.

  • Keep score not just during games, but practice

“Our team likes drills that are competitive,” Maryland women’s coach Cathy Reese said. “Anytime we can keep score or create competition, it seems to be a team favorite.”

  • Focus on the fundamentals

Hold yourself to it,” Marquette men’s coach Joe Amplo said. “Focus on the basics constantly.”

  • Teaching and touches

Limit your full-field scrimmages, which end up with a lot of players standing around watching one lacrosse ball. Everyone should get some play time during a practice.

  • Keep a rulebook handy

Coaches must know the rules, but also why the rules are there.

  • Read books on coaching and leadership

Mike Krzyzewski’s “Leading with the Heart” is recommended.

  • Promote fitness and nutrition

Players need to understand the importance of off-field weight training, nutrition and flexibility – factors that help reduce injuries and improve performance.

  • Seek mentors

Players look up to you. Having someone you can turn to for wisdom and inspiration can only make you a better lacrosse coach.

If you enjoyed this article, check out some other PocketSuite.io content that can help you grow your career as a private lacrosse coach. Here’s a great place to start.

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