AOC Coaching Certification

Head Coach Certification: Level 1

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The Most Comprehensive Volleyball Education Experience We’ve Ever Created

How do you learn to coach like a pro? You get trained by a pro. With Jim Stone, we’ve lined up one of the best.

Jim is the “coach of coaches.” For 30 years, he’s developed the best players at the collegiate and national levels, and has enjoyed successes that most coaches only dream about. And now you can get direct access to him and his expertise through the Head Coach Certification.  

When you enroll, you’ll get instant access to one of the most comprehensive and in-depth explorations of the game today. You’ll hear Jim’s coaching insights and success secrets... and learn about everything from coaching philosophy, team chemistry and skills development to match management, talent scouting and injury prevention.  

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

  • Hold a productive tryout that allows you to quickly and easily identify talent
  • Plan daily practices that bring out the best in your players 
  • Optimize performance through individual and team assessments 
  • Understand the differences between the 5 offensive system types and the factors that impact your chosen system
  • Run any of the 5 team defensive systems for combatting offensive attacks  
  • Manage matches more effectively, including substitutions and timeouts  
  • And much more

Plus, you’ll be able to learn in the comfort of your home or office, working at your own pace, without spending hundreds, or perhaps thousands, of dollars to travel to a coaching clinic across the country. 

Everything you need is right here at your fingertips. 

If you want to become a better coach, run a successful program and win more games, enroll in the Head Coach Certification today... and unlock the coaching secrets waiting inside! 

Level 1 Certification: Key Features

Jim’s Personal Toolbox 

Take a peek inside Jim’s personal coaching toolbox. Each of his 50+ lessons contains proven strategies and techniques designed to help you master the sport and win more games.  

Jim Stone Office Hours

  Talk with Jim and fellow coaches as you work through this course. With exclusive 24/7 access, you can ask questions, share ideas and connect with peers anytime you want. 

Bonus Content

Look for links to bonus videos and reference materials found on The Art of Coaching Volleyball site as you move from lesson to lesson. They’re meant to further enhance your education.  

The Total Package

  • 6 video hours of A to Z volleyball instruction 
  • 13 core modules 
  • 53 video lessons 
  • 13 review quizzes 
  • Transcription of each lesson 
  • “Members only” access to the online forum
  • Bonus videos and reference materials through The Art of Coaching Volleyball 
  • Status as a Certified Level One Head 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
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Level 1 Certification: Topics Covered

Coach Development

Skill Education

Strategies & Systems

Full Curriculum - OVER 50 VIDEOS!

Program Structure and Philosophy 

  • Developing a core philosophy
  • Developing a season practice plan 
  • Developing a daily practice plan
  • Tryout administration
  • Developing team chemistry
  • Injury prevention

Attacking Mechanics and Strategies

  • Analysis of correct movement skills
  • Analysis of armswing biomechanics
  • Outside hitter approach footwork
  • Middle hitter approach footwork
  • Keys for developing correct armswing when attacking
  • Developing the quick attack
  • Mechanics of running the slide attack

Setter Training

  • Setter posture and footwork
  • Setting hand position and release
  • The front/back set
  • Jump setting
  • The setter attack
  • Setting strategies
  • Selecting the setter

Coaching Individual Defense

  • Defensive posture and movement
  • Defensively directing the ball
  • Emergency skills (extending, rolling)
  • Reading keys on defense

Serving & Serve Reception

  • Serving strategies
  • Mechanics of the standing float serve
  • Mechanics of the jump float serve
  • Mechanics of the jump spin serve
  • Keys to the forearm pass 
  • Serve receive patterns

Blocking Systems and Teaching Points

  • Footwork for middle blockers
  • Footwork for outside blockers
  • Teaching athletes to shape the block
  • Blocking systems

Offensive Systems

  • The 6-6, the 4-2 / International 4-2
  • The 5-1
  • The 6-2
  • Factors for system selection
  • Developing an offensive tempo
  • Executing combination plays
  • Out of system offense

Defensive Systems

  • Base positions
  • Using parallel lines in defense
  • Free ball defense
  • Perimeter defense
  • Slide defense
  • Player up defense
  • Rotation defense

Match Management & Strategies

  • Match strategy
  • Scouting
  • Time-out strategy
  • Post match strategy
  • Performance evaluation
  • Statistics

Level 1 Certification: Pricing

Head Coach Certification: Level 1

$150

Head Coach Certification: Level 1 for AOC Premium Members 

$75

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Learn more about the AOC premium membership here.

Art of Coaching Certifications 

Certifications available now:

About Your Instructor: Jim Stone

When it comes to coaching volleyball, few know more about the game than Jim Stone. For more than 30 years, this Ohio State Hall of Fame Coach has trained some of the best players at the collegiate and national levels. He has also been recognized as one of the most experienced and knowledgeable coaches of all time.  

Collegiate Career - Head Coach Ohio State University 1982-2007 - 531-294 overall record - Appeared in 15 NCAA Tournaments - Won 3 Big Ten Titles 

National Career - Coached USA Girls’ Youth National Team 2008 - 2013 - 3 gold medals at the NORCECA Youth Championships - Silver medal at the Youth World Championships 

World Championships Awards - Four-time AVCA Regional Coach of the Year - Four-time Big Ten Coach of the Year - USAV All-Time Great Coach in Ohio State Athletics Department Hall of Fame 

Jim Stone

   Start learning from Jim   

FAQ

Q: Who should get certified? 

The Head Coach Certification is for anyone who wants to establish credibility as a coach—specifically beginner to intermediate coaches—or anyone who wants to refresh their knowledge of the fundamentals. This also includes parents who want to understand the game better, players making the transition to coaching, assistant coaches advancing to head coaching roles, athletic directors who want to educate their coaches, and avid enthusiasts who want in-depth insight about the game from one of the most respected coaches in volleyball.  

Q: Why should I get certified?  

While there are currently no certification requirements for volleyball coaches, having this badge will set you apart from other coaches. You’ll get access to unique drills 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 match management, coaching philosophy and season organization that will make you a more effective coach. All taught by one of the most experienced and knowledgeable coaches on the planet. 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 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 Head 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 a few days if you’re working at it full-time. Or it might take a week, a month 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 course 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 certification within 6 months from your date of enrollment in order to receive your Level One certification. 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 Head Coach Certificatin, 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 to. They’re simply meant to reinforce what you’ve learned, not prevent you from earning your certification. 

Ready to take your coaching to the next level?

Click the button below to start training with Jim!

Head Coach CertificationLevel One