This 4-hour course is designed for teachers with little or no experience of volleyball working at Key Stage 1 and 2 or coaches working with groups starting volleyball for the first time. The course aims to introduce candidates to the fundamentals of movement and sending/receiving skills through the development of basic tactical concepts for attacking and defending. Modified games of 1 v 1 and 2 v 2 are explored using a set of specially designed activity cards. With a strong emphasis on teaching methodology creative approaches to improving leadership skills through communication, use of rules, equipment and group/session organisation are explored. The course is not examined and an attendance certificate is awarded to those who complete the course.

This 4-hour course is primarily aimed at secondary teachers (KS 3) or coaches who have an existing level 1 award or who have previously attended the VolleySport course. It offers an opportunity for candidates’ to progress knowledge and understanding by developing the 3-a-side (mini volley) format of the game. As the tactical complexity of the game is developed new skills are introduced providing a selection of possible solutions to the challenges that are encountered. The course is not examined and an attendance certificate is awarded to those who complete the course.

This 4-hour course is primarily aimed at secondary teachers (KS 4) or coaches who have a level 1 award or who have previously attended the Mini Volley course. It provides the key link in the transition from small-sided games to the full 6-a-side version. Skills are advanced further in the context of a number of 4-a-side versions of the game that are used to introduce and explore a selection of tactical possibilities from both an attacking and defensive perspective. The course is not examined and an attendance certificate will be awarded to those who complete the course.

This 12-hour course prepares the Leader to be able to assist in the introduction of volleyball as a recreational game to a group of inexperienced adults or children in a safe, controlled and enjoyable manner. Basic concepts, skills and rules are introduced through progressive small-sided versions of the game. The course is not examined and an attendance certificate will be awarded to those who complete the course.

This is the basic introductory coaching award and is a minimum of 16 hours. The course aims to enable the coach to assist in the introduction of volleyball to a group of inexperienced adults or children in a safe, controlled and enjoyable manner. Knowledge and understanding of tactics and skills is developed through a progression of small-sided games based on three modules that address the VolleySport, Mini Volley and Super Mini Volley formats (see above). Opportunities are provided for candidates to build their experience of practical coaching in a group setting and assessment is completed by a formal written examination.

The Level II award is a minimum of 24 hours and it prepares the coach who has some experience of competitive volleyball to plan, organise, and deliver a series of volleyball sessions in a safe and enjoyable manner to a group of adults or children. The course focuses on the development of basic tactics for the 6-a-side game and progresses the basic techniques and skills that were introduced at level I, with some introduction of specialist roles. Opportunities are provided for candidates to further extend their experience of practical coaching in a group setting and assessment is completed by a formal written examination.

The Level III award prepares the experienced coach to deliver a programme of training sessions aimed at improving the technical and tactical performance of individual players and a team over a series of matches (season). The course also covers; game analysis and evaluation of performance, short, medium and long-term planning of training and competition, physical and psychological development of individuals and teams and coaching methodology. Opportunities are provided for candidates to extend their experience of practical coaching in a group setting and assessment is completed by formal written examination and group project work.

The EVA offers a number of non-examined courses delivered with the teacher in mind. Adapted versions of VolleySport, Mini-Volley, Super Mini-Volley and Level 1 are available and all make clear links to national curriculum programmes of study and end of key stage statements. An attendance certificate will be awarded to those who complete the course.