Coaching Development

Coach Development Courses

For T-Ball Coaches, Parents or Teachers The Coach T-Ball Unit is the first step on the Softball New Zealand Coach Pathway. The 1 hour practical unit is ideal for someone with little or no experience of coaching who wants to learn how to teach T-Ball to children. The unit provides information on basic coaching guidelines and skills and drills specifically for T-Ball. Participants receive accreditation, a course booklet and certificate of recognition.

For Beginning Coaches, Parents or Teachers  This coaching module is a 1 hour session designed for coaches who are in transition from T-Ball to real softball. Learn how to coach your U11/U13 beginner pitchers and catchers. Bring a ball and glove along and 'have a go' at both these key positions. Participants receive accreditation, a course booklet and certificate of recognition.

For Beginning Coaches & Parents A 2 1/2 hour theory & practical course for beginning coaches, parents, players or teachers of all age grades providing information on fundamental softball skills of pitching, catching, fielding, throwing, hitting and running, basic coaching principles, basic rules and some training ideas. Participants receive accreditation, a course booklet and certificate of recognition.

For Primary, Intermediate or Secondary School Teachers A 1 1/2 hour practical course for TEACHERS wanting to know the basic fundamentals of SOFTBALL. This unit covers off equipment; playing positions; batting order; pitching; catching; throwing; fielding; hitting & bunting; base running; basic game strategy; softball jargon; correcting common errors & simple rules. This is a FREE COURSE FOR TEACHERS. Participants receive accreditation, a certificate of recognition and the workshop booklet will be forwarded by email. Contact your Softball NZ Regional Game Development Officer to organise a time that suits you. Go to the website www.softball.org.nz for contacts.

For Developing Coaches of all Grades

Essential Skills - Pitching "The Movement Pitches" Module - $15.00 RRP

For Developing Coaches This is a 2 hour pitching module is designed for coaches of all age groups. This is a chance to improve your basic knowledge on the skill of pitching and how to pitch the movement pitches. Bring your glove and ball along and learn the different grips and releases of the three "must have" pitches: Drop, Rise, Change Up. Learn how to get more velocity, how to improve control and some tips on helping your pitchers with the mental side of the game. Participants receive 2 hours of coaching from an approved Softball NZ presenter, accreditation, course workbook and certificate of recognition.

Essential Skills - Pitching Mechanics & Rules Module - $15.00 RRP

For Developing Coaches This 2 hour pitching module is designed for coaches of all age groups. This is a chance to improve your basic knowledge on the skill of pitching. Bring your glove and ball along and have a go at pitching. Learn the overall pitching mechanics and how to get more speed by leaping. Rule 6 of the Softball NZ rule book will be discussed in detail and coaches will become more confident on all the pitching rules. Participants receive 2 hours of coaching from an approved Softball NZ presenter, accreditation, course booklet and certificate of recognition.

Essential Skills - Battery Module - $15.00 RRP

For Developing Coaches A 2 hour course to help you oversee the progress of your pitchers & catchers; understand the fundamentals of pitching and the role of the catcher; learn how your battery can effectively call the game. Participants receive a 2 hour power point presentation with photo's & game footage from an approved Softball NZ presenter, accreditation, course booklet & certificate of recognition.

Essential Skills - Catching Module - $15.00 RRP

For Developing Coaches This is a 2 hour practical course on "Catching Fundamentals" Topics covered will include the basics of equipment use; set up; positioning; signals; receiving; framing; blocking; throwing; pick offs; tagging; fielding-pass balls, bunts, pop flies; base cover; strategy; leadership; communication; working with umpires & game knowledge. Participants are asked to bring a ball and mitt (or glove) and be prepared to engage in some physical activity. Participants receive 2 hours of coaching from an approved Softball NZ presenter, accreditation, course workbook and certificate of recognition.

Essential Skills - Catching "Calling the Game" Module - $15.00 RRP

For Developing Coaches This is a 2 hour theory and practical course on "Calling the Game" What are the characteristics you need to look for in a hitter? What might be the hitter's weakness? What should the catcher call to get the best possible result? When "calling the game" the following will also be discussed: the count; the pitchers ability; the batter's ability and the umpire. Participants receive a 2 hour power point & practical session from an approved Softball NZ presenter, accreditation, course workbook and certificate of recognition.

Essential Skills – Hitting & the Short Game Module - $15.00 RRP

For Developing Coaches This is a 2 ½ hour practical course on “Hitting & the Short Game Fundamentals” Topics covered will include the basics of Bat Selection; Hitting Fundamentals; Tracking & Pitch Selection; Fault Correction; Slump Busting; Bunting: Sacrifice, Fake, Squeeze, Push, Slap, Surprise & Drag Bunting; Slap Hitting & Practice Organisation. Participants are asked to bring a bat, ball and glove and be prepared to engage in some physical activity. Participants will receive 2 ½ hours of coaching from an approved Softball New Zealand presenter, coaching resource material & a certificate of recognition.

Essential Skills - Fielding & Throwing Module - $15.00 RRP

For Developing Coaches A 2 hour practical & theory course on Infield & Outfield Fielding & Throwing fundamentals. The module is based on the Softball NZ Skill Sets. Topics covered will include the ready position; fielding ground & fly balls; foot movement; communication; backing up; relays; double plays; double play pivots; throwing mechanics; side arm throw; underhand & back hand flicks & drills. Participants are asked to bring a ball & glove and be prepared to engage in some physical activity Participants will receive 2 hours of coaching from an approved Softball NZ presenter, accreditation, course workbook and a certificate of recognition.

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Essential Skills - Game Strategy Module - $15.00 RRP

For Developing Coaches As a coach, you must make your decision ahead of time and based on a number of factors. In this module you will learn key information and details to help give you and your team a competitive edge. You will learn how to better manage a game, how to adjust your infield and outfield, when to hit and run and when to bunt, how to anticipate what your opponent will do and different ways to defend bunts and steals. Participants receive a 2 hour power point & discussion session from an approved Softball NZ presenter, accreditation, course workbook and certificate of recognition.

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Essential Skills - "Creating Athletes" Module - $15.00 RRP

"Coaching is about building relationships..." A 2 1/2 hour theory course for Developing Coaches Topics covered will include: Coaches as Leaders; Effective Communication; NZ Coach Approach; Understanding the Athlete; Tools & Techniques for Behaviour Management; Planning; TGfU; Health & Safety; Giving Feedback; Evaluating your Coaching. Participants will receive 2 1/2 hours of coaching from an approved Softball NZ presenter, accreditation, course workbook and a certificate of recognition.

The following Essential Skills Modules are currently under development:

• Base Running & Sliding
• Basic Mental Skills Training
• Softball Fitness & Conditioning

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For Advanced Coaches of All Grades


Competitive Athlete Unit - Modules

For Advanced Coaches A minimum pre-requisite entry for modules in this unit is the Essential Skills Unit (or Softball NZ Level 1) or the matching Essential Skills Module. The unit contains modules of advanced learning that build and expand on the knowledge and experience gained by coaches who have successfully completed earlier accreditation. Further modules are currently being developed and will be added to this unit as they are completed.

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Competitive Athlete Unit - Hitting & the Short Game Module - $25.00 RRP

A 3 hour hitting module that builds and expands on the knowledge and experience gained by coaches who have successfully completed earlier accreditation. The module has workshop, practical & theory components of Advanced Hitting Skills; Situational Hitting; Slap Hitting; Strategic Bunting; Faults & Fixes; Coaching the Batter and The Mental Game. The module participant will receive coaching from an approved Softball NZ presenter, a course work book and accreditation and certificate on successful completion of the course.

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Competitive Athlete Unit - The Competitive Pitcher Module - $25.00 RRP

A 4 hour pitching module that builds and expands on the knowledge and experience gained by coaches who have successfully completed earlier accreditation. The module has workshop, practical & theory components of Pitching Mechanics; Velocity; Control; Movement; Faults & Fixes; Pitching Practice and Pitching Tactics. The module participant will receive coaching from an approved Softball NZ presenter, a course work book and accreditation and certificate on successful completion of the course.

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Competitive Athlete Unit - The Competitive Catcher Module - $25.00 RRP

A 3 hour module that builds and expands on the knowledge and experience gained by coaches who have successfully completed earlier accreditation. The module will help coaches confidently manage and develop a catcher at an advanced competitive level and be able to develop a comprehensive training programme to suit. The module participant will receive coaching from an approved Softball NZ presenter, a course work book and accreditation and certificate on successful completion of the course.

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Coaches are value plus!

National Director of Coaching Naomi Shaw Telephone: 04 5600395 Mobile: 021 537068 Email: naomi@softball.org.nz