AOC Coaching Certification

Beach Coach Certification

Enroll today!

Discover the Secrets of Coaching the Beach Game

Beach volleyball is NOT just indoor volleyball in the sand. It’s a unique sport with distinct rules, scoring, skills and strategies. Players must also contend with the environmental elements of sun, sand and weather.  

Because of this, you simply can’t coach beach volleyball the same way you coach the indoor game.  

In the Beach Coach Certification, you’ll get more than four hours of beach-specific training from UCLA head beach coach Stein Metzger, a former Olympian and top AVP player who also happens to be one of today’s best collegiate beach coaches who guided the Bruins to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2018 and 2019.  

One of the early architects of the sand game, Stein has accumulated more than 30 years of knowledge in the sport … and he shares many of his invaluable tips. For starters, you’ll learn the top 11 rule differences, find out how to train beach-specific skills, and discover the basic structure for creating a beach program.  

After taking this certification course, you’ll be able to:  

  • Teach athletes the skills needed in the sand
  • Match up pairs and create teams that excel 
  • Follow the ABC’s to create a good learning environment 
  • Create a shared team language for quick, clear communication 
  • Improve outcomes by embracing the weather 
  • Use “gold nuggets” in practice for better comprehension
  • Understand the critical role of the huddle 
  • And much more!

Short on time? Not a problem! We know coaches are busy people, so we designed this certification to be self-paced. Simply work through it as your schedule allows—watch one video at a time or work through an entire section—it’s all up to you.  

You also get exclusive 24/7 access to the “members only” online forum to ask questions and discuss the course content with fellow coaches.

Beach volleyball's popularity is exploding, and it’s getting more competitive each year. If you want to gain an advantage, now is the time to elevate your coaching skills before the other programs catch up. Whether you’re brand-new to coaching or you’re a coach who’s transitioning from the indoor game, the Beach Coach Certification will deliver the tools you need to run an effective beach practice, prepare athletes for competition, and develop a winning program.  

Ready to jump in?  

Key Features

The Beach Toolbox 

Dive in for valuable tips from one of the best coaches on the beach! From planning practices to creating perfect pairings, you’ll learn what it takes to develop a winning program.

Drills for the Sand

Hearing information is one thing, but watching it in action is even better. Watch over 70 minutes of beach drills specifically designed to improve skills, systems and communication.

“Members Only” Forum

Go one-on-one with Stein and fellow coaches as you work through the course. With exclusive 24/7 access, you can ask questions, share ideas and connect with peers anytime you want. 

The Total Package

  • 4+ hours of beach-specific volleyball instruction 
  • 8 core modules 
  • 27 video lessons
  • “Test your knowledge” quizzes with each module
  • “Members only” access to the Beach Certification online forum
  • Status as a Certified Beach Coach
  • A digital badge for use on your website, social media platforms and other communication vehicles  
  • A digital certificate you can print, frame and display in your home, office or gym
Start my certification

Topics Covered

Beach/Indoor Differences

Skill Development

Strategies & Systems

Full Curriculum - 4+ Hours of Beach-specific Instruction!

Introduction

  • Introduction to the Beach Coach Certification 
  • Differences in Beach from Indoor 
  • Top 11 Rules Differences  

 

How to Run a Beach Practice

  • Practice Plans 
  • Practice Culture  


Building the Individual Player

  • Building the Individual Player 
  • Mental Training  


Systems Coaching

  • Systems Coaching 


Skills Training

  • Jump Serve 
  • Serve Receive 
  • Float Serve 
  • Setting Positioning Basics 
  • Hand Setting 
  • Bump Setting 
  • Transition Roll Up 
  • Attacking 
  • Blocking 

Wind Ball Basics

  •  Wind Ball Basics - Embrace the Wind 

How to Develop a Program

  • Building the Basic Program Structure
  • How to Create Pairs & Teams 
  • Season Planning  

Drills

  • Warm-up Drills 
  • 4-6 Person Warm-up Drills 
  • 8-10 Person Warm-up Drills 
  • Practice Drills 
  • Speed Ball 
  • Scoop and Deliver  

Pricing

Beach Coach Certification

$150

Beach Coach Certification for AOC Premium Members 

$75

Start my certification!

Learn more about the AOC Premium membership here.

Art of Coaching Certifications 

About Your Instructors

With more than 30 years in the sand, few are more passionate—or more knowledgeable—about beach volleyball than Stein Metzger. A three-time All-American indoor player while at UCLA, he transitioned to beach volleyball post-college and became a major force on the AVP Tour. After winning 16 times and earning top player status twice, he decided to turn his attention toward training the next generation of beach volleyball players. Now the head coach for the Lady Bruins, he has developed a national championship program that consistently ranks among the best on the beach. 

Collegiate Coaching Career - Head Beach Coach, UCLA, 2013-present - 145-41 overall record - Set NCAA record with 40 wins in 2019 - Two-time NCAA Champion, 2018-2019 - Pac-12 Conference Championship, 2018 - All-America Award, 2013 - AVCA National Championship appearance, 2013  

Awards - Two-time Pac-12 Coach of the Year, 2017-2018 - Two-time USMC / AVCA National Coach of the Year, 2017-2018  

Stein Metzger

   Start learning from Stein   

Collegiate Playing Career - Played for UCLA men’s indoor volleyball team, 1993-1996 - Three-time NCAA Champion - Twice named to NCAA All-Tournament Team, 1995-1996 - Earned ASICS/Volleyball Magazine All-America honors, 1995-1996 - AVCA Co-Player of the Year, 1996 - UCLA Men’s Team Captain, 1996 - William G. Morgan Award winner (most outstanding player), 1996 - Three-time All-American - Three-time All-Conference player - Inducted into UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame, 2009  

Post-Collegiate Playing Career - 16-time winner on the professional AVP Tour - Two-time AVP Team of the Year, 2005-2006 - Ranked as AVP’s top tour player two consecutive years, 2005-2006 - Captured Crocs Cup title, 2006 - Two-time FIVB Champion - Earned 5th place at 2004 Olympics - Bronze medal winner at Goodwill Games, 2001  

FAQ

Q: Who should get certified? 

The Beach Coach Certification is for anyone who wants to learn about beach volleyball. This includes coaches looking to build or grow a beach program, players making the transition from indoor to beach, athletic directors who want to educate their coaches, parents who want to understand the game better, and avid enthusiasts who want in-depth insight about the game from one of today’s best beach coaches.  

Q: Why should I get certified?  

While there are currently no certification requirements for beach volleyball coaches, having this badge will set you apart from other coaches. You’ll discover proven coaching techniques that allow you to develop your players’ skills quicker and more effectively. You’ll learn the latest tactics for winning matches along with systems and strategies other coaches simply don’t know. You’ll also get invaluable insights about team organization, practice development, on-court instruction, and match strategies—taught by one of today’s most experienced and knowledgeable beach coaches. Plus, you’ll get a badge and certificate when you complete the program as proof of your coaching prowess. It all adds up to making you a better and more successful beach volleyball coach.  

 Q: I’m pretty busy. How long will it take me to get through the certification? 

That’s entirely up to you. We designed the Beach Coach Certification to be self-paced, so you can decide when, where and how quickly to work through it. It’s possible to complete the program in just a few hours. Or it might take a few days, a week or longer, depending on how much time you’re able to devote to it. One important thing to remember: To receive your certification, you must complete the course within 6 months of enrollment.

Q: How do I get the Premium price?  

Get 50% off the certification fee when you enroll as a Premium member of The Art of Coaching Volleyball. Click here to learn how.  

Q: Do I have lifetime access to the content?  

Absolutely! You’ll be able to view the course as many times as you like for as long as you like. That includes all updates and any bonus materials we may add at a later date. Again, just remember that you must complete the course within 6 months from your date of enrollment to become certified. You’ll still have access to the content if you miss the deadline, but you won’t be able to receive the certification.  

Q: Where can I use my certification? 

Upon course completion, you’ll receive a badge to use in your marketing. This includes your website, LinkedIn profile, email signature, and any other communication vehicles you use to display your credentials. You’ll also get a digital certificate that you can print, frame and display in your gym, home or office.  

Q: Will I be able to view the videos in any order? 

With the Beach Coach Certification, each lesson builds upon the previous one. As such, it’s important to follow the course in the order it’s presented. Once you complete it, however, you’ll be able to jump around to any section or lesson you choose.  

Q: I don’t do well on tests. What happens if I fail one? 

Don’t worry! You’ll be able to take each test as many times as you need. They’re simply meant to reinforce what you’ve learned, not prevent you from earning your certification.

Ready to master the beach game? 

Click the button below to start training on the beach today!

Beach Coach CertificationGet Started >>