Anyone who coaches probably knows how to throw, hit, run the bases and the other skills of the sport. Coaching is not about doing the skills but teaching the skills and correcting errors. It is also about being a positive influence in the lives of young people. These are the skills taught at the coaching clinics.

Softball Ontario Coaching Clinic Options:

• Learn to Coach Clinic (NCCP Context: Community Sport - On-going Participation)
• Keep Coaching (NCCP Context: Community Sport - On-going Participation )
• NCCP Competition - Introduction, Softball (Old Level 1 and Level 2)
• NCCP Level 3
• Drills, Drills, Drills for Beginner Coaches
• Hitting for Coaches
• Rules for Coaches

Have We Got A Clinic For You!

The Learn to Play Coaches Clinic (NCCP Context: Community Sport-Initiation) is perfect for all t-ball or house league/recreational coaches. Experienced house league/recreational and competitive coaches benefit from NCCP Competition - Introduction, Softball. For coaches who have attended coaching clinics and are looking to expand their knowledge, why not hold a Drills, Drills, Drills for Beginning Coaches, Hitting for Coaches or Rules for Coaches clinic? Advanced coaches who have completed Level 2 certification, "trained" or certified in Competition - Introduction, Softball may wish to continue their certification with an NCCP Level 3 Technical clinic.

Learn to Coach Clinic - 6 hours
NCCP Context: Community Sport - On-going Participation

This workshop has been designed for the community softball coach who is working with children or youth and is introducing the basic skills of softball. The focus of this course is:

• Your coaching philosophy
• Making Ethical decisions
• Understanding the rules and equipment of Softball
• Teaching basic skills of Softball
• Modifying a pre-designed practice

Keep Coaching - 12 Hours
NCCP Context: Community Sport - On-going Participation

Coaches encourage participants of all ages to continue in the Sport for fun, fitness, skill development and social interaction. This training allows coaches to help their players to love softball, learn more skills and continue participation.

NCCP Clinics *

NCCP Context: Competition - Introduction, Softball - 44 hours total (2 weekends clinic)

The goals of this course are to promote fun, fitness, fundamentals and performance among the beginning and intermediate coaches who are either coaching yourths and/or adults.

• What to Coach - 17.5 hours (1st Weekend)
• How to Coach - 16 hours (2nd Weekend)
• On-Field Evaluation - In developing stage
• Preparation - In developing stage

This course replaced the Level 1 and Level 2 Technical/Practical and Theory courses of the old knowledge based program. An evaluation is required as well.

NCCP Level 3

The NCCP Level 3 Technical clinic covers a variety of topics from scouting to seasonal planning and mental preparation. All interested participants must be FULLY CERTIFIED at Level 2, “trained” or certified in Competition - Introduction, Softball or certified in Competition - Development, Softball. Level 3 Theory is suggested although not mandatory in order to attend this clinic. The Level 3 Practical Accreditation requires an on-field evaluation. Please contact the Softball Ontario office for more details or to obtain your Level 3 Practical coaching evaluation form.

* The old National Coaching Certification Program (this only applies to Levels 2 and 3) is made up of three components: theory, technical and practical. Softball Ontario is responsible for the Technical and Practical certification. Certified means completion of all three components at each level. For information on Theory please contact the Coaches Association of Ontario (416) 426-7086.

Drills, Drills, Drills for Beginner Coaches - 4 hours

Learning how to teach the skills of softball is one thing, but how do coaches get this information to the team they are coaching. The answer - drills. Every coach of every team uses drills. Give your coaches a head start in this important part of the game with a Drills, Drills, Drills for Beginning Coaches clinic. This clinic provides new (and more experienced) coaches, with helpful tips on running, creating and why to use drills. The clinic features participation by all attending.

Note: Softball Ontario recommends that participants at this clinic have a minimum of Grass Roots.

The best offence may be a good defence. But if your team can’t hit the ball, it doesn’t matter how good the defence is. Bring a Hitting for Coaches clinic to your group to ensure a summer full of hits. Starting at the feet and working up, each element of the stance, swing and follow through is covered. Also included in this clinic are segments on the mental aspect of hitting. The clinic features participation by all attending.

Note: Softball Ontario recommends that participants at this clinic have a minimum of Level 1 Technical/Practical.

Rules for Coaches - 4 hours

Don’t you just cringe every time you hear a parent or coach argue that a call made by an umpire is absolutely wrong? It is even worse when you know that the umpire is right and the coach is from your association. Why not ensure that your coaches are up to date and familiar with the rules with a Rules for Coaches clinic. This clinic gives coaches, managers and players the opportunity to discuss rule information and interpretations with a qualified Softball Ontario umpire instructor.