Coach Education Program
Overview
View upcoming courses & workshopsUSA Field Hockey's Coach Education and Learning Program provides coaches at all stages of their development with the opportunities and resources to further their coaching practice. The program consists of online and in-person courses that make up the Coaching Certification Program, and an expanding collection of workshops. Coach Education opportunities are also available at several USA Field Hockey events throughout the year, including the Nexus Championship and AAU Junior Olympic Games.
Coaching Certification Program
USA Field Hockey believes as a core value that trained and certified coaches deliver a more effective, fun and safe developmental field hockey experience. The Coach Education Pathway incorporates best practices from across sports that focuses on a learner-centered approach to development.
The Coaching Certification Program consists of three Levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.
Level 1#
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:
- Part 1: Level 1 Online Coaching Course
- Part 2: Level 1 Instructional Coaching Clinic
*Please note: Payment is required separately for each part of the Level 1 certification.
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)
Level 2#
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:
- Level 2 Online Coaching Course
- Level 2 Instructional Coaching Clinic
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.
Level 3#
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 $895 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.
Coaching Foundations Course #
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.
Coaching Workshops #
Technical Skills Workshop
As the game of field hockey evolves, so do the skills required to play. This three-hour workshop is the perfect opportunity to focus on the correct teaching of the key technical skills necessary to succeed in preparation for the upcoming season. Coaches of all levels are welcome and will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Goalkeeping Workshop
Teaching goalkeeping and developing and managing goalkeepers is a common challenge. This three-hour workshop will help coaches teach the correct goalkeeping skills and provide suggestions on working with multiple goalkeepers in a team setting. New and experienced coaches of youth, club, high school and collegiate athletes are welcome.
Goal Scoring Workshop
This workshop will identify and teach the key skills required to help coaches develop effective goal scorers. The workshop will include a variety of specific game related individual skills as well as providing practice examples that will highlight some of the tactical considerations and decisions teams and individuals are presented within the attacking circle.
Attacking/Defending Principles Workshop
This three hour workshop is designed to provide practical and usable technical and tactical tips to help coaches support their teams. Both Attacking Principles and Defending Principles workshops are offered.
