Learn how to coach kids
Their success in sports does not depend on the drills you run in practice.
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It depends on YOU!
How you develop them. Â
How you teach them. Â
How you praise them.
How you correct them.
How you inspire them.Â
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How you coach them!
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GET STARTED We offer online coaching education, training & certification for coaches, and youth sport guidance for parents.
Coaching Basics
High quality, low cost, online training and affordable group Certifications, for youth sport organizations, and individuals.  Also great for coaches wanting/needing to get in touch with the coaching skills that are most important for working with kids.
Advanced Training
You want to take your coaching skills to the next level regardless of the sport you coach, with our 30 day online course called The Power of Practice.
Three options available to suit your individual or group coaching needs.
Parents
We learned over the years that it wasn't enough to just train coaches, we needed to complete the cycle and work with parents as well, so coaches and parents can be on the same team providing the best environment for their kids to be successful.
THE DIFFERENCE
We teach the art and science of coaching kids
It's not about X's & O's, forehands or backhands, or any finely executed play.  Their success, your success, is about evidence-based information on how to coach kids so engagement is high, learning is optimized, and performance is obtainable.
ABOUT US
CoachingSchool
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CoachingSchool originally started as a project of The National Institute for Play utilizing the latest play research to help coaches engage with young athletes.  The scope broaden quickly to include long-term development & learning models, behavioral sciences, the study of effort and deliberate practice, and communication skills and coaching tips, learned from working with some of the best coaching programs in North America.
Today CoachingSchool provides online coaching and training for individuals and youth sport organizations, as well as providing information for parents.
 CoachingSchool is a game-changer in the world of youth sports—and in the lives of the kids who play them. In a time when nearly 70% of kids are quitting sports by age 13, CoachingSchool's training offers a powerful antidote. The resulting retention has lifelong ripple effects: better health, stronger social bonds, and a deeper sense of self-confidence that reaches far beyond the field or court.
CoachingSchool has given me the tools to not only become a better coach, but to build programs that genuinely serve the kids and families in my community. The tools are not just motivational snippets—they’re actionable insights that help create a sports culture where kids want to stay.
CoachingSchool is more than education— for me, it’s a movement. One that’s desperately needed if we want to reverse the dropout trends and give kids the lasting benefits of sport. For coaches who want to make a deeper impact, there’s no better place to start."
- Susan Nardi
CoachingSchool is one of the best things to happen since the internet for youth development. Gary Avischious just gets it – he's truly blended the art and science of how kids learn. Most old models focus on what to teach, but Gary's all about creating a playful, non-threatening environment, which is so crucial.
CoachingSchool is packed with awesome, relevant activities that keep kids learning and, even better, keep them loving their sport. I've been using Gary's wisdom, especially his 'buttoning your shirt' advice, for two decades while designing youth tennis programs at Midtown, Junior Tennis Champions Center, and Life Time."
-Â Ajay Pant
ONLINE COURSES & DOWNLOADS
Make the difference
that can last a lifetime.
Learn how to coach kids.
This is an introductory course, perfect for new coaches, or can be used in conjunction with your sport specific training. Â
The 3Â lessons cover the top 10 things coaches need to do to effectively work with kids. The program also addresses the top 3 reasons kids drop out of youth sports, which will positively affect program retention.
Available in late June 2025.
Wait list available.
Coach Certification
The Coach Certification program is a test that covers the material presented in the CoachingClass.  Coaches will need a 75% passing score showing competency in working with kids. This affordable online option is perfect for non-profit Rec districts, Y's and Club teams.
Quantity discounts available.
Available in late June 2025.
Wait list available.
Power of Practice - PRO
30 days to becoming a better coach. Â Powerful course covering development, PLAY science, effort research, communication skills for kids, general coaching tips, deliberate practice and playing in the zone.
Relaunching in July 2025.
Wait list available.
Power of Practice - INTERACTIVE
Extra material included with daily questions to answer and four 20Â minute weekly calls with CoachingSchool.
Limit of 20 students per session. Â
Available in late July 2025.
Wait list available.
Power of Practice -COMMUNITY
The same extra material included in INTERACTIVE, but led by your own "community" or group organizer.
Study guide included designed to facilitate learning, comprehension and dialogue.Â
No size limit to group.
Available in early August 2025.
Wait list available.
Parent Guide
This is a downloadable resource for parents providing the Top 10 List of Most Important tips for parents to help their kids be successful in youth sports.
Quantity discounts available.
Available NOW