Coaches from Rockhampton to the Gold Coast, from under 12’s through to the QAFL were present at the AFL Queensland Level 2 Coaching Course on the weekend.
Fifty-six people took the opportunity to mix with other coaches from all levels of the game; to share, debate, discuss and validate ideas to improve their coaching effectiveness.
The Level 2 course is the highest level coaching course conducted in Queensland for community coaches at the youth and senior levels.
Participants were given an insight into the latest techniques in coaching, from the AFL to community level, in order to further their skillset, and adapt their practices to the modern day game.
Saturday kicked off with newly appointed Gold Coast SUNS NEAFL Coach, and 2015 Labrador premiership Coach, Steve Daniel presenting on coaching philosophies.
It continued with Gold Coast SUNS Assistant Coaches, Andy Lovell and Ashley Prescott, Park Ridge State High School’s Craig McBrien, Aspley’s NEAFL Coach John Blair, and AFL Queensland’s Adrian Fletcher, Jack Barry, and Craig Starcevich covering off on areas such as fitness, game day coaching, skills, lifestyle, and decision making.
Day two started with Brisbane Lions Assistant, Gary O’Donnell, presenting on building an effective coaching team, followed by fellow Lions’ Mitch Hahn, Murray Davis and Leigh Harding, as well as AFL Queensland’s Steve Wildschut and Cameron Williamson, covering off on midfield and defensive strategies, tackling techniques, communication, and the relationship between coaches and umpires.
Adrian Fletcher’s presentation surrounding decision making drill and game sense coaching was a massive hit with the participants, who loved seeing the process of employing techniques during training, all the way through to being executed on game day.
One of the most integral parts of football these days is the midfield, so Leigh Harding running through the way in which modern midfields are coached at the elite level was also really well received.
Despite presenting on the Saturday, John Blair came back on the second day, sitting up the back busily taking notes on the other presenters, proving how valuable and informative the course was, and that you can always learn more.
The course allowed those in attendance to further their skillset and knowledge, gain an insight into the elite programs, and share ideas with some of the best in the business.
The AFL Queensland Level 2 coaching courses usually run every 12 months, so keep your eyes peeled throughout 2016 for more details.
