Welcome to the IHA's Coaching Section. Please click on a link below to go to the area you are most interested in:

1. Hooked for Life, Long Term Player Development

2. IHA Core Skills DVD

3. Introductory Coaching Course (Volunteers)

4. Introductoring Coaching Course (Teachers)

5. Level 1 Coaching Course

6. Level 2 Coaching Course

7. Coaching Goalkeepers Course

8. Course Descriptions

Hooked for Life

The IHA is delighted to launch the online resources that make up Hooked for Life, Long Term Player Development. The model is an essential component for anyone involved in hockey including players, coaches, parents and administrators.  The goal of the Hooked for Life is to recruit, capture, develop and retain players through:

• A clear holistic pathway - which is easy to understand and covers all strands (both performance and grassroots)
• Being ‘player’ centred - focusing on the participation element of being in a team (rather than individual) sport
• Fun and enjoyable - developing a love of the game for life (considering both wants and needs of players)
• Quality and fun coaching – at all levels
• Understood by all - so that it is easy to locate a player and understood by non hockey players/parents

Hooked for Life has been developed principally around 3 main fundamental areas:

• The PLAYER – meeting the need of the player
• THE COACH – to ensure the key deliverer of the scheme understands what each player should
• The GAME – game formats which suit the need of the player

With the PLAYER at the heart of the model the needs, requirements and motivation are placed at the forefront.  GAMES have been developed at Phases 1-3 which are designed to ensure that players develop in a fun and stimulating environment which systematically introduces the physical, technical and tactical components.  The approach of the COACH is essential in delivering the GAME to the needs of the PLAYER and as such are paramount to Hockey for Life model. 

The scheme has developed a wide range of resources and new courses which are accessible through the IHA website at http://www.hockey.ie/hookedforlife.

This webpage includes a number of resources such as:

• A copy of the Hooked for Life model
• A detailed overview
• Coaching and player pathway
• Phase 1 (Fun 4s) game sheet
• Phase 2 (Super 6s) game sheet
• Phase 3 (Extreme 8s) game sheet

Hooked on Fun: Coaching 6-9 year olds (2 hours) – P1

This course provides the perfect introduction to coaches, parents and teachers coaching primary age children who are starting hockey for the first time. Whilst the course is designed coaches working with 6-9 year olds it introduces a range of concepts that are relevant at an older age group. The course will demonstrate developing through fun and innovative games key fundamental physical literacy skills introducing them first in isolation but then with stick and ball using the basic skills of moving and passing a ball. The course culminates in an introduction to the Fun 4s Game. Participants receive a CD containing 15 session plans and video for areas covered on the course.

Exploring Play: Coaching 10-12 year olds (2 - 2.5 hours) – P2

This course, is the perfect course for coaches, teachers and parents working in Clubs and schools working with 10-12 year olds (HookedforLife Phase 2) but would also cover players above that age who may be introduced to hockey for the first time. It details the key techniques, coaching points, games and exercises to be used with this age group as per the IHA HookedforLife Program. Super 6s game play including basic tactical understanding will be explained along with an overview of how to tackle the key considerations and challenges of early tactical awareness.

Participants will receive a CD containing two presentations of the areas covered within the course including exercises and video from international match play that can be shown to the players you are working with.

Empowering Play: Coaching and Training for U14s (2 hours) – P3

Finding stimulating training games and exercises to cover the core skills is often the greatest challenge for teachers and coaches working with this age range and ability. The course is designed for maximising the use of the Play-Practice-Play methodology to develop the awareness of the core techniques and the context in which they will be used in game play. 

The cost of each course is €20, where 2 courses are booked for 1 person for the same day the cost is €35, where 3 are booked the cost is €45.  Places are filled on a first come, first served basis and confirmed when payment is received.  Bookings can be made by emailing coaching@hockey.ie or by phoning Vivienne Clarke at 01 7163267

IHA Core Skills DVD

The IHA's Core Skills DVD is now available online for free! The DVD breaks down a number of core skills into slow motion footage with a voiceover that gives exact details for the correct execution of the skills. The footage is further supported by slides that summarise each skill. The IHA’s Core Skills DVD is essential for any coach who wants to gain a detailed understanding of the core skills involved in playing hockey.

In order to view the IHA's Core Skills DVD, simply click on IHA Core Skills DVD.

Introduction to Hockey Coaching - Volunteers

The Introductory Coaching Course for Volunteers is designed as an introduction to hockey coaching for volunteers and parents. Whilst still paying heed to the skills required to be taught to beginners the course will also look at the delivery and organization of coaching session. The course specifically looks at the coaching needs of those with a limited background in hockey who may also require additional coaching skills to impart their knowledge.

The course is 6 hours in duration and focuses on delivering basic hockey skills to beginners and learners. The course will also focus on the way children learn sports reinforcing the IHA coaching ethos of ‘We hear we forget, we see we understand, we do we learn’.

If you have any questions , please do not hesitate to contact the IHA on vivienne.clarke@hockey.ie or call 01 716 3267. If you are interested in attending an Introduction to Hockey Coaching Course in Ulster, please contact Ulster Hockey directly.

Introduction to Hockey Coaching – Teachers

The Introductory Coaching Course for Teachers is designed to be an introduction to hockey coaching for teachers and trainee teachers who have a limited knowledge of the sport of hockey. It is designed to look specifically at the coaching needs of those with a background in education and assumes that attendees have training and experience in terms of dealing with children. As such, the course focuses on the technical aspects of the sport.

The course is 6 hours in duration and focuses on delivering basic hockey skills to beginners and learners. The course will also focus on the way children learn sports reinforcing the IHA coaching ethos of ‘We hear we forget, we see we understand, we do we learn’.

Places are filled on a first come first served basis and are only confirmed upon payment. The Registration Form can be downloaded here or filled in online here. If you have any questions , please do not hesitate to contact the IHA on vivienne.clarke@hockey.ie or call 01 716 3267. If you are interested in attending an Introduction to Hockey Coaching Course in Ulster, please contact Ulster Hockey directly.

IHA Level 1 Coaching Course

The IHA Level 1 Coaching Course is the second step on the IHA Coaching Pathway. Whilst the IHA’s Introductory Coaching Course qualifies coaches as Assistant Coaches, the Level 1 is designed for people looking to lead group sessions. The course is delivered on the basis that attendees are coaching a range of age groups, from young children to adults. Play-Practice-Play is the common theme of the course as the vast majority of the coaches will deliver sessions in a game like environment using this key concept for Irish Hockey.  Other additions to the course from the introductory level include further examination of hockey techniques, skills and tactics, coaching goalkeepers, the design of session plans as well as a further emphasis on coaching people with disabilities.

At the end of this course a successful candidate should be able to deliver a session to a group of players containing the following elements:

• Fun
• Safety
• Use of the Play-Practice-Play coaching method
• Technical correction and improvement
• Planning and organisation
• Clear and concise instructions
• Impart up to date and accurate knowledge
• Progression within the session
• Creation of a ‘game-like’ environment
• Inclusion of players with disabilities

The Level 1 Coaching Course is 2 and a half days in duration.  The first two days are pitch based practical sessions and the last day consists of the observed session.  In order to pass the Level 1 Course, you must attend all contact days and successfully complete the observed session.

There are a number of requirements for coaches that wish to attend the Level 1 Coaching Course:

• Coaches must be 18 years or older
• Coaches MUST have attended the Code of Ethics Course (ROI) OR Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport Certificate (NI) before they can attend the Level 1 Coaching Course. Proof of attendance is sought as part of the application process.
• Coaches must also have attended an Introductory Coaching Course before attending a Level 1 unless they meet one of the exemptions listed below. However, it is strongly recommended that all candidates undertake an introductory course before taking part in a level one course.

If you have not already attended the IHA Introductory Coaching Course, you must meet one of the exemptions below. Please note that proof will be sought.

• Coached within a senior club environment for the last 2 years OR
• Have been registered as a senior club playing member since the 2009-2010 season with at least 2 months of coaching experience gained during that time

The cost of the Level 1 Coaching Course is €125.

IHA Level 2 Coaching Course

The Level 2 Coaching Course is designed for people coaching teams who wish to advance their coaching skills and knowledge. The course prepares coaches to develop skills over a series of session through the development of game based practises. The course is aimed at people who are coaching club and school teams and includes a higher level of technical development than the Level 1 course as well as the introduction of core tactics.

Candidates MUST have completed the IHA Level 1 Coaching Course or show evidence of completing a similar award in another country. All candidates must have a Code of Ethics Awareness Certificate or NI equivalent.

The course is 4 days in duration and attendance at the whole course is essential. There will also be an assessment day within 4 months of the course which is also obligatory.

The course reinforces the themes in the Level 1 as well as introducing the following themes:

• Further skill development
• Principles of attack and defence
• Player/squad interaction
• Introduction to physical development of players

Coaching Goalkeepers Course

The IHA's Coaching Goalkeepers Course is ideal for any coach that is currently working with goalkeepers.  The course is written in line with the IHA's Long Term Player Development Model and is supported by the online IHA Core Goalkeeping Skills DVD which will shortly be launched.

The aim of the course is two-fold:

1. To promote the coaching of good basic techniques to goalkeepers
2. To develop coaches' knowledge and understanding of modern goalkeeping skills

The topics covered on the course include:

• Stance and warm up
• Saves directed at and outside the body
• Kicking / Clearing
• Combination saves
• Diving
• Block slides
• Defending Penalty Corners
• Involving goallkeepers in practice

This is a participation based course with certificates released to coaches that attend all of the contact time on the course (5 hours in total)

There are a number of requirements for coaches that wish to attend the Coaching Goalkeepers Course:

• Coaches must be 16 years or older
• You must have attended the Introductory Coaching Course (for Teachers or Volunteers) OR the IHA Level 1 Coaching course in order to attend
• Please note that the majority of the Coaching Goalkeepers Course is spent on the pitch and that participants will be active throughout.   Ensure that you let the IHA know of any reason that you may not be able to fully participate so that we can cater for you.

Places are filled on a first come first served basis and are only confirmed upon payment. The Registration Form can be downloaded here. If you have any questions on this course, please do not hesitate to contact the IHA on vivienne.clarke@hockey.ie or call 01 716 3267.

Course Descriptions

Introduction to Hockey Coaching – Teachers

The Introductory Coaching Course for Teachers is designed to be an introduction to hockey coaching for teachers and trainee teachers who have a limited knowledge of the sport of hockey. It is designed to look specifically at the coaching needs of those with a background in education and assumes that attendees have training and experience in terms of dealing with children. As such, the course focuses on the technical aspects of the sport.

The course is 6 hours in duration and focuses on delivering basic hockey skills to beginners and learners. The course will also focus on the way children learn sports reinforcing the IHA coaching ethos of ‘We hear we forget, we see we understand, we do we learn’.

Introduction to Hockey Coaching - Volunteers

The Introductory Coaching Course for Volunteers is designed as an introduction to hockey coaching for volunteers and parents. Whilst still paying heed to the skills required to be taught to beginners the course will also look at the delivery and organization of coaching session. The course specifically looks at the coaching needs of those with a limited background in hockey who may also require additional coaching skills to impart their knowledge.

The course is 6 hours in duration and focuses on delivering basic hockey skills to beginners and learners. The course will also focus on the way children learn sports reinforcing the IHA coaching ethos of ‘We hear we forget, we see we understand, we do we learn’.

IHA Level 1 Coaching Course

The IHA Level 1 Coaching Course is the second step on the IHA Coaching Pathway. Whilst the IHA’s Introductory Coaching Course qualifies coaches as Assistant Coaches, the Level 1 is designed for people looking to lead group sessions. The course is delivered on the basis that attendees are coaching a range of age groups, from young children to adults. Play-Practice-Play is the common theme of the course as the vast majority of the coaches will deliver sessions in a game like environment using this key concept for Irish Hockey.  Other additions to the course from the introductory level include further examination of hockey techniques, skills and tactics, coaching goalkeepers, the design of session plans as well as a further emphasis on coaching people with disabilities.

At the end of this course a successful candidate should be able to deliver a session to a group of players containing the following elements:

• Fun
• Safety
• Use of the Play-Practice-Play coaching method
• Technical correction and improvement
• Planning and organisation
• Clear and concise instructions
• Impart up to date and accurate knowledge
• Progression within the session
• Creation of a ‘game-like’ environment
• Inclusion of players with disabilities

The Level 1 Coaching Course is 2 and a half days in duration.  The first two days are pitch based practical sessions and the last day consists of the observed session.  In order to pass the Level 1 Course, you must attend all contact days and successfully complete the observed session.

There are a number of requirements for coaches that wish to attend the Level 1 Coaching Course:

• Coaches must be 18 years or older
• Coaches MUST have attended the Code of Ethics Course (ROI) OR Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport Certificate (NI) before they can attend the Level 1 Coaching Course. Proof of attendance is sought as part of the application process.
• Coaches must also have attended an Introductory Coaching Course before attending a Level 1 unless they meet one of the exemptions listed below. However, it is strongly recommended that all candidates undertake an introductory course before taking part in a level one course.

If you have not already attended the IHA Introductory Coaching Course, you must meet one of the exemptions below. Please note that proof will be sought.

• Coached within a senior club environment for the last 2 years OR
• Have been registered as a senior club playing member since the 2009-2010 season with at least 2 months of coaching experience gained during that time

The cost of the Level 1 Coaching Course is €125.

IHA Level 2 Coaching Course

The Level 2 Coaching Course is designed for people coaching teams who wish to advance their coaching skills and knowledge. The course prepares coaches to develop skills over a series of session through the development of game based practises. The course is aimed at people who are coaching club and school teams and includes a higher level of technical development than the Level 1 course as well as the introduction of core tactics.

Candidates MUST have completed the IHA Level 1 Coaching Course or show evidence of completing a similar award in another country. All candidates must have a Code of Ethics Awareness Certificate or NI equivalent.

The course is 4 days in duration and attendance at the whole course is essential. There will also be an assessment day within 4 months of the course which is also obligatory.

The course reinforces the themes in the Level 1 as well as introducing the following themes:

• Further skill development
• Principles of attack and defence
• Player/squad interaction
• Introduction to physical development of players

IHA Level 3 Coaching Course

There will be no Level 3 courses run in 2012

The Level 3 Coaching Course is aimed at coaches that wish to coach to a higher level within a team environment. Candidates MUST have completed the IHA level 2 award or show evidence of completing a similar award in another country.

The course is only suitable for those who are coaching at a high level.

The course will include 7 contact days over the course of a year plus an assessment day.

The course reinforces and develops the principles established in previous IHA courses as well as introducing the following topics.

• Teaching and presentation styles
• Psychology
• Match Analysis
• Video Analysis
• Conditioning and periodisation
• Planning
• Reflective practise

If you would like to attend one of these courses then please e-mail on vivienne.clarke@hockey.ie for an application form.