The National Coaching Scheme is the umbrella name for all resources, initiatives and activities linked to coaching which encompasses the development of both coaches and players.

A poster titled ‘The National Coaching Scheme’ was distributed to all affiliated clubs and coaches, which illustrates the recommended pathway a young person would take, in accordance with their age and /or ability, to reach their maximum potential, whether that is as a club, county, regional or national player.

The National Coaching Scheme poster is split into four levels, Mini Squash, Club Player, County and Regional Player and Junior National Player. The poster provides easy to understand information for coaches, players and their parents/carers on the framework relating to ‘What Equipment’, ‘What to Play’, ‘Where to Play’, ‘What Competition to enter’, ‘What to Learn’, ‘What Level of Coach’ and how much time a young performer should be spending on the three main aspects of their game development – coaching, practice and competition.

To down load a copy of ‘The National Coaching Scheme’ poster, please CLICK HERE

Mini Squash, Development Player Awards and Top Player Awards all form part of the National Coaching Scheme and are a means of developing players through a programme of skill testing and development.

Mini Squash is the England Squash approved programme for children aged 5 – 11 years and offers a fun and progressive introduction to the game of squash. The programme is split into three levels, Fundation, Improver and Pro and comprises of an award scheme, competition and the use of specialist equipment.  

To find out more about Mini Squash log onto www.minisquash.com

To get kids interested in squash why not hire out the Mini Mega Zone kit.  For more information CLICK HERE

The Development Player Awards are aimed at young people aged 9-16 years who have progressed through the Unsquashable Mini Squash Awards or who play at club level. The awards assess players within the full game of squash, with each of the 10 stages focusing on a different shot, as detailed below:

Stage 1 Lob Service

Stage 2 Return of Service to Straight Length

Stage 3 Straight Drives to Length

Stage 4 Straight Volleys to Length

Stage 5 Straight Drives Out of Back Corners

Stage 6 Boasts

Stage 7 Boasts Out of Back Corners

Stage 8 Straight Drops

Stage 9 Straight Volley Drops

Stage 10 Straight and Cross Court Lobs

As well as skill testing the awards provide coaching tips, ‘Know the Game Questions’, for example asking pupils to explain certain rules, ‘Know the Game Activity’, such as marking and refereeing and match analysis, ‘Lifestyle Questions’ and Physical Development Tests.

The Development Player Award Starter Pack costs £60 and comprises of: -

• Coach Portfolio – 10 stages of the awards and coaching notes
• CD with all recording sheets and player achievement records
• 10 Player Portfolio’s with coach verification sheets and players log
• Free copy of the Top Player Awards, due to be ready for September 2005

If you would like to download the Development Player Award Order Form, please CLICK HERE