Coach Education & Learning Program
Philosophy
Qualified coaches are critical to the long-term growth and success of the sport of field hockey. The education and development of coaches plays a pivotal role in ensuring sustainable athlete success from grassroots to high performance. The long-term aim is to develop more technically proficient players and teams across all levels while fostering a positive environment.
USA Field Hockey's Coaching Education and Learning Program (CEP) has developed a blended learning approach which includes both in-person and online development opportunities aimed at supporting new coaches as well as inspire and assist veteran coaches, including those who coach professionally. CEP's goal is to provide a coach education system that supports, sustains and grows the sport by producing exceptional leaders, instructors and coaches.
USA Field Hockey's Coach Education Pathway is aligned with the philosophy of the American Development Model (ADM) and promotes the best teaching and learning principles for age and stage appropriate development. This includes how, what and when to teach, train and play to maximize fun, enjoyment and performance of field hockey.
Overview
USA Field Hockey's Coach Education and Learning Program provides coaches at all stages of their development with the opportunities and resources to further your coaching practice. The program consists of online and in-person courses that make up the Coaching Certification Program and an expanding collection of workshops.
To create more consistency in the teaching and delivery of field hockey through USA Field Hockey's Coach Education Pathway, all will be exposed to "The USA Way", throughout every level from the Foundations Course to high performance. “The USA Way” is the framework that guides how USA Field Hockey thinks about the game of field hockey and in doing so it provides a vision and common language to use across the country. It is designed to provide guidance while also providing a space for individuals to become the best player that they can possibly be. Variety is the spice of life and "The USA Way" will challenge players to bring their own unique strengths to the game of field hockey.
Coaching Clinics, Workshops & Events
| Date | Course/Event | Location | Register/Purchase |
| Virtual | Level 1 Program - Part 1 | Online Course | Click Here |
| March 25 | Level 1 Program - Part 2 | Hampton, N.H. | Click Here |
| April 2 | Level 1 Program - Part 2 | San Francisco, Calif. | Click Here |
| April 8 | Level 1 Program - Part 2 | Millersville, Pa. | Click Here |
| May 13 | Level 2 Program - Part 2 | Millersville, Pa. | Click Here |
| May 21 | Level 2 Program - Part 2 | Providence, R.I. | Click Here |
The Level 1 Program involves two registrations – the Level 1 Online – Part 1 and the Level 1 Instructional Coaching Clinic – Part 2 (In-Person). The Level 2 is one registration which includes directions to access to the Level 2 Online Course and the In-Person clinic. Online Courses must be completed prior to attending the In-Person Offerings. Both are required to gain full Level 1 and Level 2 Certifications.
If you are interested in organizing a Level 1 or Level 2 Instructional Coaching Clinic or Workshop (Technical Skills, Attacking Principles, Defense Principles, Goalkeeping or Goalscoring) in your local community, contact USA Field Hockey at coaching@usafieldhockey.comfor more information.
Purchase Video Recordings
| Date | Course/Event | Location | Register/Purchase |
| Virtual | 2021 Make the Save: GK Coaches Forum | Recordings | Click Here |
| Virtual | 2021 National Coaches Forum | Recordings | Click Here |
If you are interested in organizing a Level 1 or Level 2 Instructional Coaching Clinic or Workshop (Technical Skills, Attacking Principles, Defense Principles, Goalkeeping or Goalscoring) in your local community, contact USA Field Hockey at coaching@usafieldhockey.com for more information.
Purchase Video Recordings
| Date | Course/Event | Location | Register/Purchase |
| Virtual | 2021 Make the Save: GK Coaches Forum | Recordings | Click Here |
| Virtual | 2021 National Coaches Forum | Recordings | Click Here |
A new Level 1 Coaching Certification process has been developed for coaches to earn a Level 1 Certification!
The Level 1 Program now consists of two parts, the online course and an in-person, four-hour Level 1 Instructional Coaching Clinic (separate registration process).
REGISTER HERE
Level 1 Requirements: The Level 1 Online Coaching Course and Instructional Coaching Clinic Program is specifically designed for individuals that already possess a basic knowledge and understanding of the game of field hockey.
- All must first complete Part 1: Level 1 Online Coaching Course, then complete Part 2: Level 1 Instructional Coaching Clinic in order to receive a full Level 1 Certification.
- In order for a Level 1 Certification to remain active and to take advantage of special USA Field Hockey Member pricing, all registrants must be registered as a current and active Coach Member of USA Field Hockey.
- To get the most out of the Level 1 Instructional Coaching Clinic, USA Field Hockey requires that all registrants bring completed tasks from the Level 1 Online Coaching Course to the in-person Level 1 Instructional Coaching Clinic for self-reflection and review.
- Once registered, an automated email will be received with the link to access the Level 1 Online Coaching Course.
*Payment will be separate for Part 1 and 2 of the Level 1 Certification. USA Field Hockey will evaluate this process once things get back to normal.
The Level 1 Online Coaching Course and Instructional Coaching Clinic Program is specifically designed for individuals that already possess a basic knowledge and understanding of the game of field hockey. Individuals who are brand new to the sport are welcome to attend but may find it difficult as the course covers a broad range of topics in a short period of time. USA Field Hockey’s Coach Education and Learning Program recommends if an individual is just starting his/her coaching journey to take the Discover Field Hockey Foundations Course, which is currently being developed.
The game of field hockey has changed significantly over the past decade. Continual innovations have sped up the game, inspiring new tactics, techniques and rules to accommodate the faster play. Whether you coach on grass, field turf, water or sand-based turf, teaching the skills properly in a fun engaging way will enable you and your team to develop and succeed. Sign up, today!
Level 1 Online Coaching Course Outcomes:
Through taking the Level 1 Online Coaching Course, you will:
1. Gain an understanding of why you coach
2. Develop an appreciation of effective practice design principles
3. Become comfortable in delivering basic skill development practices for field players and goalkeepers
4. Gain a basic understanding of “The USA Way” Player, Goalkeeper and Principles of Play
Pricing:
- USA Field Hockey Member: $50.00
- Non-USA Field Hockey Member: $85.00
REGISTER HERE
Upon completion of the Level 1 Online Coaching Course, all participants will receive a certificate showing that they’ve completed the course. For the health and safety of all involved, USA Field Hockey’s Coach Education and Learning Program will likely resume the scheduling of in-person clinics in the spring of 2021 or sooner.
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.
REGISTER HERE
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. 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
REGISTER HERE
The Level 3 Coaching Course is the highest-level certification that USA Field Hockey currently offers, building on the Coach Education Pathway to elevate professionalism in the sport of field hockey. 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 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.
Before filling out the application, please read the following information:
Pricing:
- Applicant must have a USA Field Hockey Level 2 Coach Certification or higher. Experience of previous USA Field Hockey Coach Education courses is required as the Level 3 builds upon the skills, tactics and strategies delivered. For a coach who earned a Level 2 prior to August 2016, you will be required to take the Level 2 Online Course before registering for the Level 3.
- Applicant must have acquired a minimum of four (4) years of practical coaching experience and have experience and competence in using video analysis software.
- Applicant must be a current USA Field Hockey Coach Member with appropriate background check and Safe Sport training.
INTEREST FORM
Once an individual fills out the form, applications will be reviewed. If chosen, the applicants will be sent a link to register.
*It is encouraged that coaches wait a year or longer between the Level 2 and Level 3 to reflect on learning and explore application.
Applicant will be asked to provide relevant coaching documentation, highlighting coaching experiences that will support the application for this course.
- Attach updated Coaching Resume to the same Google Form
- The Google Form will allow you to submit your coaching philosophy along with coaching goals and aspirations and attach it to this application (no more than 150 words). Feel free to use your Level 2 Coaching Philosophy for this application. If you have any questions, contact coaching@usafieldhockey.com.
Coach participants will be assessed throughout the Level 3 Coaching Course and will only be awarded Level 3 Coach Certification if he/she passes in all competency areas. Those who do not pass will receive a full assessment of areas for improvement and an action plan for development to meet certification competencies. However, all participants will receive a Certificate of Participation and verification of professional development hours.
The Level 3 costs $895.00 for a total of 27 hours of classroom and practical application. Once an application is filled out, the individual will be notified if accepted for one of the dates.
Overview of Preparation for the Course:
- Coaching & Playing Philosophy and Values
- Session Design – Principles-based
- Technical and Tactical Presentations/Tasks
Level 3 Topics:
- Developing Team Culture
- Program Management
- Game Analysis
- Technical and Tactical Instruction
- High Performance Planning
- Individual Development Plan
- Goalkeeping
INTEREST FORM
The National Coaches Forum is currently planned for the following dates, December 7, 8 and 9, and possibly one more day as the full list of speakers that will cover a variety of topics, such as leading high performance teams, developing a winning culture, tactical concepts of the game, strength and conditioning, goalkeeping, talent identification and assessment, and much more. The National Coaches Forum will also feature newly appointed U.S. National Team head coaches and staff. USA Field Hockey will offer special pricing to current USA Field Hockey Members interested in this professional development opportunity.
In addition to the National Coaches Forum, a National Goalkeeping Coaches Forum will take place in virtual format with more information to follow.
The Level 1 Program is the first level of certification in the Coach Education Program. This newly designed, two-part program now consists of an online course and an in-person four-hour Level 1 Instructional Coaching Clinic and is recommended for all field hockey coaches of all levels.
The 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. Coaches are required to be Level 1 Certified in order to progress to and receive Level 2 Certification.
The Level 3 Program 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.