Coaching Professional Development

The Canadian Elite Academy has provided sessions to over 1,200 participants in recent years. Its success stems from filling a gap: team coaches often focus on team-building and don’t have the time to offer individualized skill training. The Academy’s mission is to break down and teach volleyball skills in-depth—spending two hours on a single skill. This allows young athletes to develop proper techniques early on, helping them avoid bad habits that can be difficult to correct later.

During these sessions, we've worked with some of the best coaches in the province. Many team coaches have even requested to observe our sessions as part of their professional development, taking notes on how our coaches teach individual skills.

To qualify for Professional Development (PD) points through Volleyball Canada, here are the necessary criteria:

• Sessions must last 1-3 hours.

• Instruction and opportunities for discussion and reflection should make up 30-100% of the time.

• Coaches must be NCCP Certified or hold equivalent professional or international qualifications.

• Training must be delivered in group settings (minimum 4 athletes for small groups and 12-16 for large groups).

• Sessions cannot be individual coaching lessons.

Coaches who attend Academy practices can observe the sessions, review practice plans, and engage in pre-brief and post-brief discussions with the Academy Head Coach. During sessions, coaches can watch the drills, teaching approach, and feedback methods. In some cases, they may be invited to assist silently or participate as ball tossers. If the Head Coach is familiar with an observing coach’s experience, they may encourage more vocal involvement.

The Academy holds open practices, allowing anyone, including coaches and parents, to watch and ask questions. Many observers take notes throughout. The only adjustment we'd make to the current system is requiring coaches to register beforehand if they wish to earn PD points.

Using a variety of coaches helps the Academy introduce different methods for teaching volleyball skills, as one approach might work better for some athletes than others. This variety has not only improved our athletes’ skills but has also enhanced my own coaching, and we are eager to share this learning with other coaches. As a visual learner, I know how much I’ve gained from watching others coach, and I believe many coaches can benefit from this kind of hands-on observation.

Each two-hour session will be worth one point toward coaching certification.

Send us an email at info@canadianeliteacademy.com   if you are a coach and would like to watch an academy session.  Then fill out the form below.