This unit applies to current or past squash players operating as assistant squash coaches. This includes planning, conducting and evaluating training sessions and games under supervision.

Nil

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan basic squash session or sessions.

1.1. Assess participant's readiness and current knowledge of basic squash tactics and strategies in order to determine session aims and objectives.

1.2. Develop a plan according to participant's needs and characteristics, relevant legislation, organisational policies and procedures and accepted best practices of squash.

1.3. Identify safety procedures associated with basic squash drills, activities and games according to organisational policies and procedures.

1.4. Access suitable squash facility, equipment and resources according to organisational policies and procedures, and check to ensure safety and suitability.

2. Brief participants.

2.1. Communicate instructions and relevant information about basic squash drills, activities and games in a manner appropriate to participants.

2.2. Encourage participants to seek clarification, information and feedback as required.

2.3. Inform participants of known and anticipated risks, safety procedures, appropriate behaviour and squash rules and regulations.

2.4. Establish a suitable communication system to use while participating in drills, activities and games.

2.5. Conduct pre-match analysis and develop game plans and rally strategies which include tactics to counter strengths and weaknesses of own player or players and opposition player or players.

2.6. Prepare players psychologically for squash games played at a basic level.

3. Conduct drills, activities and games.

3.1. Apply clear and accurate teaching and coaching techniques to impart required knowledge and the requirements of the tactics and strategies to be developed.

3.2. Conduct warm-up and introductory activities for participants to reduce the risk of injury.

3.3. Monitor individual participant's performance and maintain effective communication during basic squash drills, activities and games.

3.4. Observe participants during squash drills, activities and games, and adjust or refine individual or group tactics and strategies as required.

3.5. Conduct in-match analysis and implement relevant adjustments where required.

3.6. Allow time for cooling down at the end of the session and inform participants of opportunities to further develop their squash tactics and strategies.

4. Complete post-session responsibilities.

4.1. Provide opportunities for participants to identify their personal progress and satisfaction with drills, activities and games, and give feedback as required.

4.2. Analyse performances of individuals and develop relevant on-going coaching strategies to enhance performance.

4.3. Evaluate relevant aspects of basic squash game and determine the level of learning achieved.

4.4. Identify potential areas of improvement for future basic squash games.

Required skills

communication skills to:

consult with participants to plan, conduct and evaluate basic squash drills, activities and games that meet their needs

convey information about safety aspects

clarify game plans, tactics and strategies

interact with participants between games

create a safe and positive squash environment

problem-solving skills to:

plan suitable squash drills, activities and games according to participant's needs and characteristics

determine player's intentions, movements, strengths and weaknesses

read and predict play

address participant difficulties in developing basic tactics and strategies

anticipate and respond appropriately to non-routine situations

planning and organising skills to:

source, allocate and coordinate resources, equipment and a suitable location

monitor and evaluate short and long term progress

develop game and rally plans

organise participants into manageable groups for squash drills, activities and games

language and literacy skills to:

produce a plan for basic squash sessions

complete post-game participant and self-evaluations

give and receive feedback teaching and coaching techniques to suit a range of participant's needs, characteristics and learning styles

numeracy skills to deliver drills, activities and games within timeframes

personal basic level squash tactics and strategies to a high level of technical correctness to demonstrate, explain and break down tactics and strategies for participants

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location.

Required knowledge

legislation, organisational policies and procedures, accepted best practices, and rules and regulations of squash to enable safe conduct of sessions

site-specific information to assist in the planning process and enable management of potential risks, and any special restrictions

equipment and resources used to teach and develop basic tactics and strategies of squash

teaching and coaching techniques and practices applicable to a range of ages and learning abilities

characteristics of a range of physical abilities, fitness and motor performance to enable assessment of participant readiness

basic squash tactics and strategies, such as rally and game plans for individuals and teams, and how to implement these during a game

specific drills, activities and games that promote the learning of tactics and strategies in individuals and groups

communication systems used between players, coaches, referees and support staff during basic squash

psychological methods and techniques used in game preparation

risks commonly associated with squash, and ways to avoid or prevent these

emergency response and safety procedures appropriate for squash, to ensure risk minimisation to self and group.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

plans and delivers information, explanations and demonstrations to ensure squash activities are conducted safely, according to participant's needs and characteristics

observes and monitors the progress of participants and provides constructive feedback and intervention to improve and develop the basic tactics, rally and game strategies of squash

uses and modifies coaching techniques, drills, activities and games to cater for a range of individual learning styles

evaluates and reflects on own coaching performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure the conduct of safe drills, activities and games that reflect the needs and characteristics of a range of participants and are of sufficient duration and breadth to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

squash facilities with suitable courts

a group of participants to take part in the basic drills, activities and games

equipment such as racquets and squash balls

resources and information regarding participants and location to accurately plan, coach and document basic squash sessions for a variety of participants

current relevant legislation, organisational policies and procedures, accepted best practices, and rules and regulations of squash that impact on the conduct of drills, activities and games.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

observation of planning processes, such as consulting with participants to determine their needs and characteristics

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation, organisational policies and procedures, and rules and regulations of squash to enable safe conduct of all drills, activities and games

observation of safe coaching of basic squash tactics and strategies and monitoring and adjusting instructional techniques according to participant's needs, characteristics and responses

portfolio of plans and self-evaluations

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

SISSSQU201A Teach the fundamental skills of squash.

Guidance information for assessment

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Readiness may include:

appropriate levels of fitness

motor performance factors

level of arousal which will enhance performance

psychological and emotional

positive approach to enjoyment and performance.

Basic squash tactics and strategies may include:

moving the opposition player around the court

breaking up opponent's game

court positioning

returning to the 'T'

playing to the gaps

rally and game strategies

motivating self

decision making

anticipation.

Aims and objectives may include:

progressive acquisition

self-improvement

fitness targets

motivation.

Plan may include:

session's aims and objectives

date, time and duration

location, resources and equipment

coach and participant ratios

tactic based, technical or physical drills and activities

participant information

safety requirements.

Needs and characteristics may include:

age

cultural factors

fitness level and physical capabilities

squash skills and knowledge

injuries and illnesses.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permission from council or clubs

privacy

working with children

Australian Sport Commission Harassment-free Sport policy.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

conflict resolution

communication protocols

use, care and maintenance of equipment and court

training and scheduling commitments

code of ethics.

Accepted best practices of squash may include:

Squash Coaches Code of Conduct as developed by the Professional Squash Coaches Association of Australia

Squash Coaches Resource Manual

Squash Centre Operations Manual.

Safety procedures may include:

group management in emergency situations

symptoms, treatment and prevention of common squash injuries

maintenance and usage of equipment and court.

Drills, activities and games may include:

warm ups and cool downs

simulated games

individual and pair drills

group drills

restricted and modified games.

Equipment may include:

squash racquets

squash balls

eye protection.

Resources may include:

teaching and coaching tools

video equipment

first aid resources.

Relevant information may include:

tactic and strategy focus

equipment and resource requirements, selection and use

safety procedures

conditions and external influences

rules and regulations of squash

responsible and safe behaviour.

Risks may include:

injuries

exhaustion

dehydration

collision.

Rules and regulations may include:

current edition of the International Rules of Squash.

Pre-match analysis may include:

analysing strengths and weaknesses of player's technique, skill level, physical and psychological abilities

developing game plans

analysing strengths and weaknesses of opponent.

Game plans may include:

individual or pair

set plays

targeting weaknesses in opposition

style of play.

Rally strategies may include:

applying the ten fundamentals strategies of squash to a rally and game

developing basic tactical decision making skills

deception

adapting strategies to strengths and weaknesses

shot selection and placement

anticipation.

Psychologically may include:

goal setting

visualisation

relaxation techniques

motivation techniques

focusing.

Teaching and coaching techniques may include:

demonstration

discussion

focusing on single or multiple tactics and strategies

breaking down complex tactics and strategies

individual, pair and group work

positive reinforcement and ongoing feedback

assessment and evaluation.

Required knowledge may include:

rules and regulations of squash

squash tactics and counteractive strategies encountered during competition

biomechanical principles

factors affecting acquisition of tactics and strategies

strengths and weaknesses of own players and opponents

equipment selection, use and maintenance.

Participant's performance may include:

participation

speed and accuracy of performance

attitude and behaviour.

In-match analysis may include:

adopting psychological approaches

analysing strengths and weaknesses of own players and opponents in relation to in-match strategies

changing or adapting pre-match strategies.

Relevant aspects may include:

effectiveness of the teaching and coaching session

suitability of teaching and coaching methods

feedback provided to or by participants

initial and final assessment of participant's abilities.

Unit sector

Sport

This unit contains employability skills.