[header] How to become a basketball coach [title] Watch a lot of basketball. [step] It seems like a simple objective, but it is by far the most important one-and not just for newcomers to the sport. Seeing how the sport is played-less as a fan, and more with an eye toward offensive and defensive setups-can give you a clearer picture of how a coach impacts the game. 
Study how offenses and defenses adjust to one another. Make note of when substitutions are made.