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58 | AUTUMN 2019 | www.ladiesgaelic.ie LEVEL 2 COACHING COURSE T he latest course to be added to the LGFA Coach Education Pathway is the Level 2 Coaching Course - the highest course available to LGFA Coaches. Level 2 Coaching Course – Highest Award in LGFA Coaching Pathway In comparison to other coaching courses you have done, what was the difference with this Level 2 Course? The focus on the practical element, relating to planning, delivery & review was extremely beneficial. The introduction of Patterns of Play as a focus within a session (& season) I also found helpful as it was easily transferable back to the teams we coach in our clubs/county. On reflection, having to give feedback to our peers on the course was good practice for delivering feedback back with my team. Philip The course is delivered over 4 days and from start to finish the focus is on practical coaching. With a maximum of 16 Coaches accepted on each course, every individual gets the opportunity to practice and reflect on their own coaching. A simple yet powerful question that coaches are asked is: What is it specifically that you do with your cones, balls, bibs and whistle when you are out on the pitch? The course does not comprise of any power point presentation but rather focuses on the practicality of Planning, Doing and Reviewing for coaches. Coaches are challenged to be able to articulate exactly what they are looking for in each session and have the ability to react to what is happening within their session as opposed to blindly following their plan. The spine of the Level 2 Coaching course is based around two concepts, Patterns of Play and F.R.I.N.A… Find It, Repeat It, Improve It, Nail It, Adapt It. For more information on Level 2 courses available in 2020 contact Shauna at developmentsupport@lgfa.ie Describe your experience on the Level 2 Course? Day 1: I met some great coaches from Cork, Kerry, Monaghan, Mayo, Wicklow, Meath and Dublin and after listening to their introductions regarding their coaching experiences , I knew I was going to learn a lot from this talented group. Patterns of play, open questioning, forensically looking at the skills of the game, improving the skill level and ability of players and enjoyment were all part of the course. Planning, coaching patterns, revisiting rules of the game, self reviewing and honest reviewing by peers would make better coaches of us all. Realistically the planning was thorough. Everything had to be written- what questions would one ask, what went well, what didn't go so well, how can one improve etc. Rules, planning, demonstrations, resources - all had to be accounted for but this made sure that our plan was covering all bases because 1 to 1 coach developer reviews made sure that it had to be correct. It had to be 'Nailed'. For all level 1 coaches out there, take the next step, do the level 2. The content is very good, the tutors are very impressive, knowledgeable and are all enthusiastic coaches themselves. Finally, the group of fellow coaches from all the Counties mentioned earlier were a fantastic team who helped, guided, encouraged, advised and supported one another throughout and that's what makes a good coach. Sean What would you say to someone considering doing the course? Any one that does the level 2 will enjoy it start to finish and before you know it the 4 days are complete and you will be a better coach afterwards. Thomas