Coaching Conferences EMPOWER, CONNECT and INSPIRE

From beginner coaches to seasoned veterans, continuous learning and development is essential for all coaches and students of the game to keep up with the play. A number of hungry performance and community-level coaches from around the country have satisfied their appetite to learn and grow by attending the Squash New Zealand National Coaching Conferences for 2016 – each providing invaluable professional development and networking opportunities.

To start the month of March, 12 hand-picked coaches (currently involved within the District Hubs or working with elite players) took part in an in-depth exploration of what it means to coach performance players in a residential conference held at the Remuera Rackets Club in Auckland on March 4-6. The three-day programme featured many highlights, covering topics ranging from collaboration to leadership, technique to strategy, movement to culture and technology.

The following weekend, 15 keen coaches added and sharpened the tools in their coaching toolboxes following a two-day conference held at the Hoon Hay Squash Club in Christchurch. Delivered by Paul Hornsby and Mike Allred, a number of engaging workshops were delivered that included technique, mental toughness, the business of coaching, movement and pressure sessions.

Using three of Squash New Zealand’s key coaching pillars (Capability, Connectedness and Athlete-Centred), Coaching and Development Director Luke Morriss said these important principles were used as the basis when putting together the conference schedules to be able to grow and support our coaches.

“It is vital for the development of squash in New Zealand that we understand the needs of our players and communities so we can provide them with appropriate support and quality experiences to help them improve and grow a love for our sport”, Morriss said.

A taste of what the coaches said

• “Well organised: the venue, structure, speakers, opportunities and energy”.
• “Lots of gains and positive outcomes interacting with coaches from different parts of NZ”.
• “I am totally inspired and invigorated to better myself as a coach in NZ”.
• "Overall fantastic and very enthusiastic about continuing on coaching pathway."
• "Has most certainly given me more confidence to go forward."
• "Great to work with different coaches in small groups to all learn from each other."

Squash New Zealand would like to thank Sport New Zealand and the North & South Trust for their financial support towards the conferences; as well as the coaches and presenters who contributed to creating the learning environment.  Lastly, a big thank you to all coaches who attended these conferences. Not only do you help our players improve their performance, but you also play a critical role in helping them fall in love with our sport.

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