The Importance of Continuous Coach Development
August 14, 2025
The Importance of Continuous Coach Development
With the season just around the corner, it's a great time to reflect on your own growth as a coach and explore new opportunities for development. In any profession, ongoing personal development is key to improving your skills—and coaching is no different.
In hockey, the game is constantly evolving. From new tactical approaches and positional trends to fresh training methods and leadership techniques, staying up to date has never been more important. That’s why continuous coach development should be part of every coach’s journey—whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience on the sidelines.
Why Coach Development Matters
Coach development comes in many shapes and formats. While formal coaching badges and workshops run by Hockey Ireland are often the most well-known, there are now more ways than ever to grow your knowledge—from online resources and podcasts to informal in-club sessions and mentoring opportunities.
Before jumping in, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect:
What specific area of your coaching would you like to improve?
Consider doing a quick SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to identify where you can grow. Once you have a clear focus, it becomes much easier to find the right resources.
Here are a few ideas to help you keep developing:
1. Coaching Courses & Workshops
The most recognised route to development is through official coaching qualifications. If you're looking to progress to the next badge, check out the Leinster Hockey and Hockey Ireland websites for upcoming course dates. These structured courses are designed to challenge your thinking and expand your coaching toolbox.
In addition to formal courses, there are regular coaching workshops—like the Hockey Ireland Coaching Conference—which give you the chance to learn from top coaches, watch real-time demos, and network with others in the coaching community.
2. Online Learning & Video Content
The internet has opened the door to a world of hockey knowledge. Platforms like YouTube, social media, and hockey-focused blogs offer free access to session ideas, tactical insights, and coaching tips across all age groups and skill levels.
As with anything online, not everything will apply to your team—but regularly exploring new drills and strategies can spark ideas and help you refresh your sessions.
3. Podcasts & Thought Leadership
Podcasts have become a popular and convenient way to learn on the go. From deep dives into hockey-specific strategies to broader discussions on leadership and team culture, there’s something for everyone.
For example, The High Performance Podcast is a brilliant resource, offering interviews with top performers from sport, business, and beyond—focusing on mindset, communication, and building winning environments.
4. Additional Development Opportunities
Aside from formal learning, there are lots of everyday ways to develop as a coach:
- Attend or organise in-club coaching workshops
- Watch and analyse matches at different levels
- Talk tactics with fellow coaches
- Shadow more experienced coaches
- Reflect on your own sessions and player feedback
All of these experiences contribute to becoming a more well-rounded coach.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re considering your next move, Hockey Ireland has recently announced a range of upcoming coaching courses, with several taking place over the coming months. To stay updated:
- Visit the Leinster Hockey website for upcoming coaching courses around Leinster
- Check out the Hockey Ireland site for national course info and registration
No matter where you are in your coaching journey, there's always something new to learn. Investing in your development not only benefits you—it supports your players, your club, and the future of the game.
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