VOLLEYBALL ENGLAND COACHING AWARDS
Volleyball England provides a variety of award courses for those wishing to become coaches. Level I courses are held regularly in the South-West. Level II courses are run less frequently but with the need for continuing professional development and the coaching rules for NVL teams it is hoped that demand for this level of course will rise. Level III courses are usually run on a national basis, and therefore there may not be a course in the region in a year.
VolleySport
This 4-hour course is designed for teachers with little or no experience of volleyball working at Key Stage 1 and 2 or coaches working with groups starting volleyball for the first time. The course aims to introduce candidates to the fundamentals of movement and sending/receiving skills through the development of basic tactical concepts for attacking and defending. Modified games of 1 v 1 and 2 v 2 are explored using a set of specially designed activity cards. With a strong emphasis on teaching methodology creative approaches to improving leadership skills through communication, use of rules, equipment and group/session organisation are explored. The course is not examined and an attendance certificate is awarded to those who complete the course.
Mini-Volley
This 4-hour course is primarily aimed at secondary teachers (KS 3) or coaches who have an existing Level 1 Award or who have previously attended the VolleySport course. It offers an opportunity for candidates‘ to progress knowledge and understanding by developing the 3-a-side (Mini-Volley) format of the game. As the tactical complexity of the game is developed new skills are introduced providing a selection of possible solutions to the challenges that are encountered. The course is not examined and an attendance certificate is awarded to those who complete the course.
Super Mini-Volley
This 4-hour course is primarily aimed at secondary teachers (KS 4) or coaches who have a Level 1 Award or who have previously attended the Mini-Volley course. It provides the key link in the transition from small-sided games to the full 6-a-side version. Skills are advanced further in the context of a number of 4-a-side versions of the game that are used to introduce and explore a selection of tactical possibilities from both an attacking and defensive perspective. The course is not examined and an attendance certificate will be awarded to those who complete the course.
Volleyball Leaders Award
The Volleyball England Leaders Award is a 6-hour course has been developed by a team of practitioners working in schools and volleyball clubs, with the aim of providing potential young leaders with a basic knowledge of volleyball, and developing the skills and confidence to introduce and develop aspects of the game safely. The ability to officiate and organise small-sided games, events and tournaments is also recognised as an essential element of sport leadership that needs to be developed in young people. This award forms an integral part of the Volleyball England ‗Lets Play Volleyball‘ National Youth Initiative and complements other opportunities including officiating, festivals, camps, teacher training and skills awards The course is not examined and an attendance certificate will be awarded to those who complete the course (if an award pack is purchased for each candidate).
UKCC Level 1 Coaching Award
This is the basic introductory coaching award and is a minimum of 16 hours delivery plus an assessment day. The course aims to enable the coach to assist in the introduction of volleyball to a group of inexperienced adults or children in a safe, controlled and enjoyable manner. Knowledge and understanding of tactics and skills is developed through a progression of small-sided games based on three modules that address the VolleySport, Mini-Volley and Super Mini-Volley formats (see above). Opportunities are provided for candidates to build their experience of practical coaching in a group setting.
Volleyball England Level 2 Coaching Award
The Level 2 award is a minimum of 24 hours of delivery (please note an additional day for assessment will be added as of 1st October 2010) and it prepares the coach who has some experience of competitive volleyball to plan, organise, and deliver a series of volleyball sessions in a safe and enjoyable manner to a group of adults or children. The course focuses on the development of basic tactics for the 6-a-side game and progresses the basic techniques and skills that were introduced at Level 1, with some introduction of specialist roles. Opportunities are provided for candidates to further extend their experience of practical coaching in a group setting and assessment is completed by a formal written examination.
Volleyball England Level 3 Coaching Award
The Level 3 Award is a minimum of 32 hours and prepares the experienced coach to deliver a programme of training sessions aimed at improving the technical and tactical performance of individual players and a team over a series of matches (season). The course also covers; game analysis and evaluation of performance, short, medium and long-term planning of training and competition, physical and psychological development of individuals and teams and coaching methodology. Opportunities are provided for candidates to extend their experience of practical coaching in a group setting and assessment is completed by formal written examination and group project work.
Coaching Courses for Teachers
Volleyball England offers a number of non-examined courses delivered with the teacher in mind. Adapted versions of VolleySport, Mini-Volley, Super Mini-Volley and Level 1 are available and all make clear links to national curriculum programmes of study and end of key stage statements. An attendance certificate will be awarded to those who complete the course.
COACHING IN THE SOUTH WEST
The South West Association is pleased to offer its services to clubs or area associations. Where there is sufficient interest to indicate a satisfactory response course at any of the course levels can be arranged. Request for coaches or for information regarding coaching courses can be made to the SW Secretary, Ron Richards (address at front of the handbook). Coaches are advised to register with the EVA so that they may offered coaching appointments and keep up to date with coaching articles featured in the EVA publications.
SW COACHING SECRETARY
The SWVA Coaching Secretary is currently vacant and we would be pleased to hear from anyone interested in taking up the post. If you have coaching queries please contact the SWVA Secretary: Ron Richards rricha7122@aol.com
