ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ

Start Squash is our grassroots level beginner coaching course that is designed for leaders in our communities teaching squash in schools, parks and beyond! This course can be taught on and off the squash court, to ANYONE on ANY wall and focuses on introductory and fun-based techniques, shots, rules, and organization of groups.

This Start Squash course takes place over one-day from 9.00am-4.00pm

The cost of the Start Squash Course is $200.00 ($250 for late sign up).

The prerequisites for Start SquashÌýare:

• A love for squash!
• A need to coach squash in your community in some way.

The coaches in our squash community are vital. For squash to grow and for players to stay in the game, they need to experience enjoyment and improvement. In this course the participantÌýwill experience and develop the qualities associated with a positive, motivating leader.

Aims of Course​

• Put Safety First! Maintain a safe and healthy environment in the clinic and know the correct equipment to haveÌýavailable and use.Ìý​
• Introduce the fundamentals of squash to groups in a FUN way. This could be in non-conventional arenas like parks, handball courts, netÌýwalls, as well as on squash courts.
• Commanding the group/space to give clear instructions in each session to ensure the best understanding, learning, reflection, and collaboration.Ìý​
• Teach the importance of warming up and cooling down and examples of both.Ìý​
• Understand and learn hand-eye and ball skills.
• Provide basic knowledge to give an understanding of the basic grip, swing, and shots in squash.
• Structure the sessions using helpfulÌýprogressions with the goal of gettingÌýbeginner groups to play basic squash and have fun!
• Teach sportsmanship and the importance of playing fairly.Ìý​

The course also provides the participant with a detailed 8-week themed coaching manual to use and follow in their teaching situations. The manual will guide them step by step through all the basic and fun aspects of starting squash with a selection of suitable drills/activities.

Evaluation: There are 4 main categoriesÌýthat candidates must have adequateÌýcompetencyÌýin to attain theÌýStart SquashÌýCertification.

• Preparation: Lesson plan.
• Technical:ÌýVery basic technical demonstration andÌýfeeding skills.
• Presentation: Selection of suitable FUNÌýdrills/activities, appropriate progressions and timing, use of scoring and target incentives, activity level of players.
• Professionalism: Commanding the group withÌýadequate, clear, enthusiastic explanations/demonstrations, positive feedback and motivation.

If you, a school, or organization are interested in hosting or participating in a Start Squash Course, please emailÌý[email protected] or check the list of coaching courses .

The Level 1 Coaching Course focuses on group instruction, with special attention paid to lesson organization, safety, leadership, and general squash coaching knowledge.  The course teaches and prepares a coach for instruction of the beginner and low-intermediate level.Ìý

The Level 1 certification is held over a weekend and there are several courses held throughout the season, mostly during the off season. The weekend schedule of a Level 1 course is:

• Fridays from 5.00pm-8.00pmÌý
• Saturday from 8.30am-7.00pmÌý
• Sunday from 9.00am-3.00pmÌý

The cost of the Level 1 course is $450.00 ($500 for late sign up).ÌýÌý

Prerequisites for coach candidates:​

• Should have some knowledge of the six basic shots in squash (Drive, volley, serve/return, drop, boast and lob)Ìý​
• Have a technique that allows the coach to control the ball for feeding requirements for beginners and to demonstrate a good technique to playersÌý​
• Know theÌýrules of squash and the roles and responsibilities ofÌýthe marker andÌýreferee​

Aims of Course​

• Introduce the game of squash to beginner groups and individualsÌý​
• Identify basic technical issues and give appropriate advice​
• Structure Lessons and Clinics with proper progressions and feedback appropriate to players’ skill levels​
• Have a selection of suitable drills/activities for beginners to be successful​
• Maintain a safe and healthy environment on theÌýcourt
• Deliver sessions with adequate energetic, clear, enthusiastic explanations and communication
• Understand the importance of positive feedback and motivation

Evaluation

Candidates will be evaluated based onÌý4 different coaching categories.

• Technical: Technical correction and advice; feeding skills and ball control; coaches own technique.
• Preparation: Theme of lesson, Knowledge of lesson and Lesson plan.
• Presentation: Appropriate progressions and timing: Use in targets and scoring incentives; 6 week coaching plan; Contribution during lectures and on court training sessions; Selection of suitable drills and activities.
• Professionalism: Overall presentation; General squash knowledge; Overall course work; Adequate, clear, enthusiastic explanations; Positive feedback and motivation.

The Level 2 Coaching Course focuses on individual instruction and fault-analysis and is aimed to equip the coach to teach any player up to intermediate/advanced level.  The Level 2 course will have a more technical focus than Level 1, but many of the concepts learned in Level 1 will be applied and expanded upon. Ìý

Participants that successfully complete the Level 2 course will be able to recognize and correct technical faults in their players, as well as develop training plans based on the specific needs. The Level 2 course also provides a basic introduction to physical training principles. Ìý

The Level 2 certification is held over the course of a weekend and 3 courses are usually held throughout the season. The weekend schedule of a Level 2 course is:Ìý

• Fridays from 5.00pm-8.00pmÌý
• Saturday from 8.30am-7.00pmÌý
• Sunday from 9.00am-3.00pmÌý

Level 2 also requires a detailed 6-week coaching plan to be submitted within 6 weeks of the in-person course.ÌýÌý

The cost of the Level 2 course is $750.00 ($800 for late sign up).ÌýÌý

The growth of Squash in the U.S. both now and into the future relies on the dedication and skills of coaches​ across the country.Ìý​

Delivering knowledgeable, enthusiastic, fun session is one of the top priorities of all private lessons, clinics or squash events.Ìý​We want every player to come back next week!!!​

Prerequisites for coaches:​

• Coaches must have already passed their Level 1 certification and have one extra year of experience as a level 1 coach before participating in the Level 2 course.
• Should have detailed knowledge of the six basic shots in squash (Drive, volley, serve/return, drop, boast and lob)Ìý ​
• Have a good technique that allows the coach to control the ball for feeding requirements for intermediate or advanced players to be successful​

Aims of course

This course will train you to:Ìý​

• Review and maintain clear knowledge of concepts from Level 1 certificationÌý​
• Understand how to follow teaching progressions in an individual lesson scenarioÌý​
• Master knowledge of squash technique and how toÌýperform technical diagnosis for intermediate playersÌý​
• Develop a knowledge base of drills and games for different shot types and tacticsÌý​
• Develop knowledge of teaching in-match tacticsÌý​
• Learn to develop individualized training and development plansÌý​
• Show comfort with feeding in all situations, with accurate feeding appropriate to a player’s levelÌý​
• The aim of this course is to improve squash specific knowledge for coaches. It is difficult to fit in all useful information into oneÌýweekend covering fitness, nutrition, sports psychology etc. ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ will be providing module coaching courses going forward toÌýsupplement coach knowledge in all areas.Ìý​

Evaluation

Candidates will be evaluated based on 4 different coaching categories.Ìý​

• Technical: Technical correction and advice; feeding skills and ball control; coaches own technique.
• Preparation: Theme of lesson, Knowledge of lesson and Lesson plan.
• Presentation: Appropriate progressions and timing: Use in targets and scoring incentives; 6 week coaching plan; Contribution during lectures and on court training sessions; Selection of suitable drills and activities.
• Professionalism: Overall presentation; General squash knowledge; Overall course work; Adequate, clear, enthusiastic explanations; Positive feedback and motivation.

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Coaching Certification Courses are the only official coaching certification courses recognized in the United States that count toward the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Coach Pass Program.

The ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ High Performance Coaching Certification is currently the highest coaching certification offered by ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ. Successful candidates join an elite group of coaches recognized for their ability to work with advanced, national-level, and high-performance athletes.

This certification is specifically designed for experienced coaches who aspire to work with Regional Squads, National Squads, and high-performance players. It is not intended for beginner or recreational, community or club coaches, but rather for those seeking to develop athletes competing at the highest levels of the sport.

Course Schedule

The High Performance Coaching Certification is a full three-day course.

Friday: 9:00am – 7:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am – 7:00pm
Sunday: 8:00am – 4:00pm

Please note that this schedule is subject to change.

Course Cost

The cost of the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ High Performance Coaching Certification is $1,000.00.

Please refer to the refund policy for cancellation details.

What is the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ High Performance Coaching Certification?

The ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ High Performance Coaching Certification focuses on:

• High-performance player development
• Regional and National Squad coaching
• Long-term athlete development planning
• Advanced technical fault diagnosis
• Advanced drills, games, and training methodologies
• Tactical development
• Sports psychology and performance coaching
• Individual and group training program design

The course is designed to provide coaches with the knowledge and practical tools required to develop intermediate players into advanced, national-level athletes.

Who is the Course For?

This certification is intended for experienced coaches who wish to work with:

• Advanced junior and adult players
• Regional Squads
• National Squads
• Elite and high-performance athletes

Candidates are expected to have significant coaching experience and a strong understanding of squash technique, tactics, and player development.

Prerequisites

To attend the High Performance Coaching Certification, candidates should:

• Hold a ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Level 2 Coaching Certification for a minimum of five years*
• Demonstrate advanced feeding skills and ball control
• Be capable of coaching and feeding players rated 6.0+ and above
• Possess extensive technical, tactical, and organizational knowledge of squash
• Have a detailed understanding of the Rules of Squash

Exceptions may be considered at the discretion of the course instructor.

What Will I Learn?

Coaches completing this certification will learn how to:

• Design and manage Regional and National Squad programs
• Conduct advanced technical analysis and correction
• Develop and implement high-performance lesson plans
• Create advanced drills and tactical training sessions
• Deliver effective match coaching and mental performance support
• Build long-term athlete development plans
• Design individual and squad training programs
• Apply ethical decision-making consistent with the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Code of Ethics

Participants will also develop the leadership, communication, and organizational skills required to coach athletes at the highest levels of the game.

While the course focuses specifically on squash coaching expertise, ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ will continue to provide additional educational opportunities and webinars in areas such as fitness, nutrition, and sports psychology.

Additional Certification Requirements

Minimum Age: 20 years old

In addition to passing all course evaluations, candidates must complete the following requirements:

• Pass the Level 4 Referee Examination on ClubLocker
• Maintain a current ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Membership and Coach Pass
• Complete SafeSport Training
• Complete an approved Online First Aid/CPR Course

Assessment Process

There are mandatory competencies that all candidates must demonstrate in order to achieve certification.

Candidates will be evaluated on their ability to:

• Make effective technical changes during individual lessons
• Analyze player performance and identify key areas for improvement
• Modify and adapt drills to achieve specific coaching objectives
• Design tactical training sessions based on identified weaknesses
• Collaborate effectively with peers and instructors
• Deliver clear, professional coaching interventions

Practical Evaluations

Candidates must demonstrate:

• High-level feeding skills appropriate for players rated 6.0+
• Advanced fault analysis capabilities
• Effective in-game coaching and feedback for high-performance matches (6.0+ level)
• Strong lesson planning and problem-solving skills

After observing a match between two similarly skilled players, candidates will have 15 minutes to analyze performance, identify priorities, and create a lesson plan that will be delivered later that day.

Post-Course Assignment

Candidates must complete the following assignment within four weeks of the course:

Annual Development Plan

Create a simple annual training and competition plan demonstrating an understanding of in-season and off-season development.

National Championship Preparation Plan

Develop a detailed monthly training plan leading into the National Championships.

National Squad Camp Design

Design and organize a two-week National Squad training camp to be held one month before the World Junior Championships.

Assignments should demonstrate strong understanding of:

• Periodization
• High-performance camp planning
• Technical development
• Tactical development
• Mental performance development
• Long-term athlete development

Failure to complete the required assignments may result in an unsuccessful course outcome.

Because instructors do not observe candidates in their daily coaching environments, professionalism, punctuality, preparation, and engagement throughout the course are considered important components of the overall assessment process.

Candidates who do not meet the required standards may be required to re-take specific assessments or, in some cases, repeat the entire course at full cost.

Course Instructor

The course will be led by a qualified ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ High Performance Coaching Instructor.

Lead Instructor: Ronny Vlassaks

Policies

Protective Eyewear

All participants must comply with the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Eyewear Policy, which requires ASTM F803-approved protective eyewear to be worn at all times during accredited play and on-court activities.

Refund Policy

• Candidates will receive a full refund up to 4 weeks before the coaching course, less the $10 processing fee (July 23rdÌýat 12.00pm)
• Candidates will receive a 50% refund up to 2 weeks before the coaching course (August 6th at 12.00pm)
• No refunds will be issued to candidates who withdraw within 2 weeks of the coaching course (after 12.00pm on August 6th)