Farnham - 26-27 June
Nine “would be” coaches, seven from Farnham, the others from Southsea and Reading, attended a two day coaching course given by England U20 coach Kos Galtos. The first, and most obvious thing form the start is that Kos is a great communicator. The second is his real passion for the sport of Roller Hockey.
The course was effectively split into three parts. Most of the first day was spend looking at how to be a coach. This part of the course would be applicable to any coach in any sport, and indeed managers in all walks of life.
The second part of the course dealt with subjects you might not immediately associate with coaching the kids at the local sports centre. Have you got First Aid covered? Special considerations for players with disabilities, girls, children (yes, children have problems you need to consider as well). And nutrition certainly becomes relevant when to start taking the team away to tournaments.
The final part of the course introduced us to the basics of roller hockey; how to handle the stick, how to pass and receive; structuring a training session; basic drill; introduction to tactics and set play.
The course, as delivered by Kos, certainly fulfilled its purpose. It gave us a good overview of what to expect as a coach, and what others expect from a coach. Most of all, it gave us the enthusiasm to go out there and give it a go.
If, like those on the course, you want to start getting involved in coaching, or want a basic grounding, it is two well spent days
