Coach Certification
Overview
Great coaching grows through learning, reflection, and experience. USA Field Hockey’s Coaching Certification Program provides progressive professional development that helps coaches strengthen their practice, deepen their knowledge, and continue growing throughout their coaching journey.
Through Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 — with Level 4 planned for the future — coaches build on what they know through practical learning, application, reflection, and connection with other coaches and Coach Educators. Grounded in the ADM, the program supports confident, thoughtful, athlete-centered coaches who create safe, engaging, and meaningful experiences for athletes.
USA Field Hockey Coach Members are committed to creating safe, positive environments for athletes. A current Coach Upgrade includes required SafeSport training and background screening.
Date | Course/Event | Location | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
Saturday, September 12 | Level 1 - Part 2 | Wilkes Barre, Pa. | |
Saturday October 24 | Level 2 - Part 2 | Berkeley, Calif. | |
TBA | Level 3 | TBA |
2026 Virtual National Coaches Forum
Purchase Recordings, opens in a new tabSave the Date: December 16-18, 2026
Coach Ed will host the annual Virtual Coaches Forum. The event will feature a lineup of coaches that will deliver on the 2026 World Cup with practical takeaways for coaches at every level.
In the Circle - Member App
Learn moreIn the Circle provides USA Field Hockey Members with exclusive access to an extensive library of videos, podcasts, skills, practice sessions, and more resources to allow coaches to grow at their own pace.
Connection Based Coaching
Enroll here, opens in a new tabA free, online course gifted by the USOPC and USA Field Hockey, designed for every field hockey coach in the United States. Learn more about the course.
About Level 1
The Level 1 Program is the first step in the Coach Education Program's certification pathway. This two-part program* includes an online course and an in-person Instructional Coaching Clinic. It is designed for individuals with a foundational knowledge of field hockey. (If you’re new to coaching, we recommend starting with the Coaching Foundations Course.)
To earn Level 1 Certification, participants must complete both:
*Please note: Payment is required separately for each part of the Level 1 certification.
For instructions on how to register, click here.
Level 1 Coaching Course Outcomes
Gain an Understanding of Why You Coach: Reflect on your motivations and goals to establish a clear sense of purpose in your coaching journey.
Develop an Appreciation of Effective Practice Design Principles: Learn the key elements of structuring engaging and impactful practices that promote player growth.
Become Comfortable in Delivering Basic Skill Development Trainings: Build confidence in leading foundational skill-building sessions for field players, including skill acquisition techniques to detect and correct errors effectively.
Learn GROW and CHANGE IT in a Live Setting: Apply these adaptable coaching frameworks in real-time to create dynamic, player-centered training sessions.
Gain a Basic Understanding of “The USA Way”: Explore the core principles for players, goalkeepers, and the game itself, setting the stage for consistent and effective coaching practices.
Level 1 Pricing
Part 1: Online Coaching Course
Member Price: $50 (Non-Member Price: $85)
Part 2: Instructional Coaching Clinic
Member Price: $85 (Non-Member Price: $105)
To achieve full Level 1 Certification, you must complete the Level 1 Online Course before attending the in-person Level 1 Instructional Coaching Clinic.
About Level 2
The Level 2 Program builds on the foundational topics covered in the Level 1 Program. This two-part program includes an online course and an in-person Instructional Coaching Clinic. It challenges participants to further refine and evaluate their coaching philosophies, styles, and techniques while encouraging meaningful self-assessment.
To earn Level 2 Certification, participants must complete both:
Note: Level 1 Certification is a prerequisite for enrolling in and receiving Level 2 Certification.
Level 2 Coaching Course Outcomes
Develop Your Coaching Philosophy: Reflect on your values, goals, and coaching approach to create a philosophy that inspires and guides your players.
Deliver a Game or Exercise: Lead a session, gain actionable feedback from Coach Educators and peers, and sharpen your delivery techniques.
Apply the GROW Model and CHANGE IT Principles: Dive deeper into these frameworks to enhance your training sessions, promoting adaptable and player-focused practices.
Design, Deliver, and Review Effective Practices: Strengthen your ability to plan, execute, and evaluate practices that align with player development goals.
Build Skillful Players: Gain foundational knowledge on fostering player skills through intentional and progressive methods.
Explore "The USA Way" Principles of Play: Delve into these core principles to better understand and implement a game-first, player-centered approach.
Level 2 Pricing
Member Price: $250 (Non-Member Price: $325)
This purchase covers both the online course and the in-person registration, providing access to the complete program.
To achieve full Level 2 Certification, you must complete the Level 2 Online Course before attending the in-person Instructional Coaching Clinic.
About Level 3
The Level 3 Coaching Course is the highest-level certification that USA Field Hockey currently offers. The Level 3 Coaching Course is a blended 27-hour practical course which includes both in-person and online components. The course centers around individual growth in the following areas: coaching/playing philosophy, principles-based coaching, game analysis, performance planning and more.
USA Field Hockey’s Level 3 Coaching Course is open to experienced coaches at the club, high school and college level, and those aspiring to support development of the Junior High Performance environment and beyond.
It is encouraged that coaches wait a year or longer between the Level 2 and Level 3 to reflect on learning and explore application.
Level 3 Coaching Course Topics
Developing Team Culture
Program Management
Game Analysis
Technical and Tactical Instruction
High Performance Planning
Individual Development Plan
Goalkeeping
Level 3 Pricing
The Level 3 costs $975 for a total of 27 hours of classroom and practical application. Once an application is filled out, the individual will be notified if accepted.
Note: Level 2 Certification is required to enroll in and receive Level 3 Certification. If you’re interested in the Level 3 Program, please submit your coaching and playing résumé and complete the Level 3 Interest Form.
The Foundations Course is a free entry level offering for individuals with little to no field hockey experience. It is an interactive course delivered by USA Field Hockey Coach Educators that aims to introduce the basics of field hockey and provide the tools to teach, coach and play the sport with enthusiasm and confidence in a safe, fun and engaging way.
If you have any questions, please reach out to USA Field Hockey's Sport Development Team at sportdevelopment@usafieldhockey.com.
- School Districts (commonly used as a physical education professional development day)
- Multi-Sport Organizations
- Physical Educators
- Parents
- Volunteers
Foundations Courses are set up upon request. USA Field Hockey frequently receives requests from school administrators to host a Foundations Course as part of a physical education professional development day.
The course host is responsible for providing the following:
- Facility (gym, turf or grass)
- Projector and screen
- Sticks*
- Balls*
- Pinnies*
- Cones*
*USA Field Hockey can provide equipment if absolutely necessary
Interested in Hosting a Level 1 or Level 2 clinic? Please reach out to coaching @usafieldhockey.com