USA Field Hockey Launches Level 2 Online Coaching Course to Supplement Practical Delivery
by USA Field Hockey
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - USA Field Hockey is excited to announce the launch of the Level 2 Online Coaching Course. The Coach Education and Learning Team’s new Level 2 Program now consists of two parts, the Level 2 Online Coaching Course and a one-day, in-person Level 2 Instructional Coaching Clinic that expands and builds on topics covered in the Level 1 Certification Program.
The Level 2 Program will challenge participants to further define and evaluate their individual coaching philosophies, styles and techniques, while encouraging self-assessment. The program was developed by USA Field Hockey’s Coach Education and Learning Team, led by Director of Coach Education and Learning Craig Parnham, Senior Manager of Coach Education Liz Tchou, and Senior Manager of Coaching and Performance Phil Edwards. Focus throughout the USA Field Hockey’s Coach Education Pathway is on the American Development Model (ADM) and “The USA Way,” aligning all USA Field Hockey coaches with key concepts and shared vocabulary for development and growth.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE LEVEL 2 ONLINE COACHING COURSE
“The online component will allow coaches to lead their own progress through the course prior to attending the in-person Level 2 clinic,” stated Parnham. “When attending the in-person clinics, coaches will have greater opportunity to apply the coaching skills and concepts in on-field, practical situations. This model will help coaches bridge the gap between coaching theory and coaching practice.”
Coaches are required to be Level 1 Certified in order to progress to and receive Level 2 Certification. Level 1 Certification is achieved by taking the Level 1 Online Coaching Course first, then the 4.5-hour, in-person Level 1 Instructional Coaching Clinic. Level 1 in-person clinics have resumed after a lengthy pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are interested in hosting a Level 1 Instructional Clinic, email coaching@usafieldhockey.com.
USA Field Hockey’s new format of online plus in-person is a blended learning approach, enabling participants to complete the online course at their own pace prior to registering to attend the in-person instructional clinic (separate registration process). Individuals will have the opportunity to take their learnings from the online course and practice on-field, practical delivery, as well as take advantage of an additional opportunity for professional development and local networking and mentorship. USA Field Hockey hopes that providing online learning opportunities and reducing the time and cost of the in-person course will make field hockey coach education more accessible and inclusive to all individuals. If cost is preventing you from participating in coach education, please reach out to coaching@usafieldhockey.com.
Coaches will work in groups to share best practices and receive peer feedback in a comfortable and encouraging environment. Upon completion of the online and one-day practical course, all participants will receive their USA Field Hockey Level 2 Coach Certification.
The Level 2 Online Coaching Course will cover a range of topics including:
- Developing Your Coaching Philosophy
- Gain an Understanding of How to Develop Team Culture
- Develop Your Ability to Design, Deliver and Review Effective Practice Games
- Gain a Basic Understanding of How to Develop Skillful Players
- Design and Deliver a Team Meeting
- Explore “The USA Way” Principles of Play in More Detail Including Set Pieces and Playing Philosophy
The Level 2 Instructional Coaching Clinic, the practical learning and application, will include:
- Participate in Group Presentations Covering Important Coaching Topics
- Apply “Games-based” Principles that include Exercise Progressions
- The Skills of the Game - Error Detection and Correction
- Design Fun and Effective Training Sessions - Small Games
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE LEVEL 2 ONLINE COACHING COURSE
Check the USA Field Hockey Coaching Clinics webpage for a list of Level 2 Instructional Coaching Clinics. If you would like to attend a Level 2 Instructional Coaching Clinic, but do not see one listed in your area, please contact coaching@usafieldhockey.com.