Coach Certification

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. The US Squash Coaching Certification Program is developed with consideration toward coaching across the spectrum of programs, including public and private facilities, scholastic or college teams, and grassroots programs. A certified coach has exhibited an interest in improving their skills, and has the knowledge to provide a safe and fun learning environment for all students.

To receive recognition as a Certified Coach, teaching professionals and coaches must complete an accredited US Squash Coaching Certification Course. In some instances, equivalencies may be offered to coaches who have completed certifications in other countries.

PLEASE NOTE THAT US SQUASH COACHING CERTIFICATION COURSES ARE THE ONLY OFFICIAL COURSES RECOGNIZED BY US SQUASH IN THE USA.

Upcoming Coach Certification Courses

Coach Certification Levels

Start SquashLevel 1 CoachLevel 2 CoachLevel 3 Coach

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 Squash are:

  • 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 participant will 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 have available and use. ​
  • Introduce the fundamentals of squash to groups in a FUN way. This could be in non-conventional arenas like parks, handball courts, net walls, 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. ​
  • Teach the importance of warming up and cooling down and examples of both. ​
  • 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 helpful progressions with the goal of getting beginner groups to play basic squash and have fun!
  • Teach sportsmanship and the importance of playing fairly. ​

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 categories that candidates must have adequate competency in to attain the Start Squash Certification.

  • Preparation: Lesson plan.
  • Technical: Very basic technical demonstration and feeding skills.
  • Presentation: Selection of suitable FUN drills/activities, appropriate progressions and timing, use of scoring and target incentives, activity level of players.
  • Professionalism: Commanding the group with adequate, 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 email coaching@ussquash.org or check the list of coaching courses here.

 

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. 

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

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

Prerequisites for coach candidates:

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

Aims of Course​

  • Introduce the game of squash to beginner groups and individuals 
  • 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 the court
  • Deliver sessions with adequate energetic, clear, enthusiastic explanations and communication
  • Understand the importance of positive feedback and motivation

Evaluation

Candidates will be evaluated based on 4 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.  

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.  

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: 

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

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

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

The growth of Squash in the U.S. both now and into the future relies on the dedication and skills of coachesacross the country. 

Delivering knowledgeable, enthusiastic, fun session is one of the top priorities of all private lessons, clinics or squash events. ​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) 
  • 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: 

  • Review and maintain clear knowledge of concepts from Level 1 certification 
  • Understand how to follow teaching progressions in an individual lesson scenario 
  • Master knowledge of squash technique and how to perform technical diagnosis for intermediate players 
  • Develop a knowledge base of drills and games for different shot types and tactics 
  • Develop knowledge of teaching in-match tactics 
  • Learn to develop individualized training and development plans 
  • Show comfort with feeding in all situations, with accurate feeding appropriate to a player’s level 
  • The aim of this course is to improve squash specific knowledge for coaches. It is difficult to fit in all useful information into one weekend covering fitness, nutrition, sports psychology etc. US Squash will be providing module coaching courses going forward to supplement coach knowledge in all areas. 

Evaluation

Candidates will be evaluated based on 4 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 3 course includes a greater emphasis on advanced and higher-level player development, long-term player training plans, detailed fault diagnosis, advanced drills and programming, and sports psychology. 

Who is the course for? This course is designed for coaches who would like to work with advanced players in Regional and National Squads. Most coaches will need to be level 2 qualified for 1 year before taking the Level 3 course, though this can be modified at the Instructors discretion. This course is intended for those people who want to work closely with high-level athletes in the squash world. We will provide you with the material you need to turn intermediate players into advanced and National level players. There are some aspects of the course that you may well be familiar with, however there will be certain topics that are new to you and perhaps areas that need refreshing.

The Level 3 certification is held over the course of a weekend and courses are held when there is a demand. The weekend schedule of a Level 3 course is: 

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

Level 3 also requires an 8-week progressive coaching plan showing strong evidence of knowledge in the technical, tactical, and mental side of developing a player, to be submitted within 8 weeks of the in-person course.  

Level 3 coaches are eligible to take the next steps to become an instructor conducting level 1 and 2 courses.  

The cost of the Level 3 course is $900.00 ($950 for late sign up). 

Level 3 is currently the highest certification that US SQUASH offers and therefore if you pass, this will place you in an elite group of coaches.

Prerequistes for Level 3 are: 

  • A Level 2 US Squash Certified Coach
  • Should have an extensive knowledge of squash technically, tactically and organizationally.
  • Have a technique that allows the coach to control the ball for feeding requirements and to demonstrate a great technique to players of advanced and elite levels.
  • Detailed knowledge of the rules of squash.

What will I learn? 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 participant will experience and develop the qualities associated with a positive, motivating leader. Coaches will be trained to scale and modify the game so students can experience success with activities that challenge them with the right skills and play for their level. Participants learn to:

  • Understand how to run a Regional/National Squads
  • Master knowledge of squash technique and how to perform technical diagnosis for high level players
  • Develop a wide knowledge of drills and games for different themes, shot types and tactics
  • To implement advanced themes to lesson plans to teach a more complex view point
  • High knowledge of teaching in-match tactics and mental approach
  • Learn to develop group & individual squash training and development plans
  • Follow a process for making ethical decisions consistent with the US Squash Code of Ethics
  • The aim of this course is to improve squash specific knowledge for coaches. It is difficult to fit in all useful information into one weekend covering fitness, nutrition, sports psychology etc. US Squash will be providing further education coaching modules/webinars going forward to supplement coach knowledge in all areas

What are the additional course requirements? Minimum age: 16 years

In addition to passing the course evaluations, in order to receive a Level 3 Certification, candidates complete the following requirements:

  • Pass the Level 4 Referee exam on ClubLocker
  • US Squash member/Coach Pass member
  • Complete SafeSport training (instructions will be sent via email)
  • Complete an Online First Aid/CPR training

How will I be evaluated? There are certain mandatory criteria to pass the Level 3 course and other graded criteria that the instructor will score the participants on. There are 4 main categories that candidates must have adequate competency in to become a Level 3 certified Squash Coach.

Candidates will be evaluated on the following:

  • The ability to make technical changes during an individual lesson.
  • Capability of breaking drills down into more manageable parts to accomplish desired goals – i.e. ability to deviate from a plan and come up with effective solutions quickly.
  • The ability to use drills to work on tactical weaknesses you identified in your player. Again we will also take note of your ability to work collabratively with your peers.

Assessments:

Level 3 also requires course work to be completed within 8 weeks of the in-person course:

  • A simple annual program to show understanding of in-season and off-season training and playing.
  • A detailed monthly plan for a player in the lead up to the National Championships
  • Organise a 2 week National Squad a monthh before the World Junior Championships.

These assignments need to show strong evidence of knowledge in periodization, designing high level camps and the technical, tactical, and mental side of developing a player.

  • Candidates must display a high level of feeding ability. Each candidate will go through a series of feeding progressions to prove they have the necessary feeding skills to help develop players at the level that this course is designed for.
  • All participants will be evaluated on their fault analysis skills and in-game feedback. After watching a match between two similar level opponents, candidates will have fifteen minutes to create a lesson plan that will be executed the same day.

Failure to complete these tasks could result in a fail grade for the course. Given that we do not see you in your daily environment, please make sure that you are punctual and well prepared for the coaching certification course. A major aspect of being a good coach requires you to be on time and prepared for lessons and this is our opportunity to evaluate the candidates at this skill. If candidates fail on parts of the assessment, they may be asked to re-take the evaluation, or to re-take the entire course at full price.