FdSc Basketball Coaching and Performance

About the course

The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire. The Basketball Coaching and Performance Foundation Degree course has been specifically developed to meet the needs of those who have an interest in pursuing a career in basketball, whether it be in a coaching or performance capacity. The course provides students with the practical skills, academic knowledge and coaching expertise that will ultimately enable them to gain employment in a variety of roles across the Basketball industry.

This course represents an ideal choice for anyone who wants to develop his or her knowledge of basketball, coaching and performance from both an academic and practical perspective. This course provides a unique opportunity for students to develop their own basketball performance through our outstanding talent development program, whilst also developing students’ academic abilities.

Sharing a home within the Myerscough Basketball academy, this course offers a unique opportunity for aspiring basketball players. Students on the course can develop their playing ability with access to expert coaches, extensive new facilities and the opportunities to play in national and regional leagues of a highly successful program. Much of the core content of the course takes place in the High-Performance Centre which houses the new playing court, fully equipped strength and conditioning suite and physiotherapy clinic. Aspiring coaches have access International level coaches and the opportunity to be involved in in the daily coaching sessions and fixtures of national title winning teams.

A strong focus is placed on developing a combination of essential skills for your future employment in the professional game. The course includes a range of Basketball coaching modules delivered by elite professional Basketball coaches, developing your knowledge of techniques, tactics, strategies, skill acquisition, whilst improving your own performance. Your knowledge of sports science will be advanced, giving you a foundation of knowledge for strength and conditioning, talent identification, and rehabilitation modules. Our outstanding equipment and facilities will provide you an opportunity to work with analysis equipment, software, cameras, timing gates, all under the guidance of outstanding professional Basketball coaches.

This blend of academic, performance and coaching opportunities make this course unrivaled by other coaching courses available to aspiring basketball minded students.

It should be noted that to succeed on this course it is not a pre-requisite to be a gifted and talented Basketballer. However, it is important to have an enthusiasm for Basketball and a desire to explore all aspects of the professional industry.

On commencing the course students may be required to complete a CRB check at a cost to the student.

Year 1
Year 2

Year 1

Coaching Principles and Practice

This module provides students with the essential theories of the coaching process. It identifies the main philosophies, styles and practices of Basketball coaching. This module promotes an understanding of session planning, delivery and evaluation. Content includes the acquisition of skills, delivery techniques, child protection, equity and coaching and the law.

Sports Performance (Double module)

This module introduces students to the evaluation and development of Basketball performance. Through effective performance analysis, students will be able to provide a comprehensive player profile and evaluation facilitating player development. This player profile will include technical, tactical, physical and psychological elements. Reinforcing the main concepts established in Basketball Coaching Principles and Practice, students will learn how to focus coaching on the needs of the individual player, developing their technical and tactical skills. Further to the development of technical and tactical skills, this focus on individual development will help students to develop the physical capacities of players. Students will gain an understanding of scientific principles, concepts, and theories of conditioning, as well as their practical delivery. The module applies specific conditioning practices to the enhancement of performance, through a variety of practical experiences.

Introduction to Sport Science

This module focuses on the three main areas of sport science utilized in Basketball coaching: physiology, psychology and biomechanics. Students must apply these concepts to Basketball specific situations in order to demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of the coaching process. An essential understanding of Sports Science will facilitate learning in other modules, providing a grounding understanding.

Coaching and Pedagogy

This module prepares students for future employment where an understanding of educational theories and concepts is essential. The coaching process requires a strong understanding of the learning process and pedagological tools to optimise learning. The module prepare students to improve leadership behaviours, developing graduate skills in teaching which can facilitate becoming a teacher and more effective coach in the future.

Academic and Vocational Skills

This module provides students with first-hand experience where students will use their industry environment to develop practical and technical skills. Students will be given an opportunity to work with Myerscough Basketball academy, working with many elite level male and female players and coaches in a multi-national championship winning basketball program. Students will record and reflect on their own personal development during the module.

Year 2

Research Development

The aim of this module is to develop the ability of students to undertake investigative research and underpin dissertation and double project work at Level 6. The module will focus upon information-related academic and market research skills, research methodology, data collection techniques, data analysis and writing skills.

Sports Performance Analysis

This module provides a framework in which Basketball coaches can apply the coaching process and develop techniques to evaluate Basketball performance. This will include a review of pertinent scientific elements of training/performance with students engaging in appropriate coaching practicals to elaborate upon the theoretical themes.

Industry Project

This module applies the practical, technical and personal skills developed in the Academic and Vocational Skills. It will utilise a structured work environment chosen by the student to identify a suitable project. Working with their supervisor, students will develop and manage the project, reporting on the outcomes of the project. Students will be encouraged to use the industry project to develop professional working relationships and identify their chosen career options.

Lifestyle, Recovery and Rehabilitation

Progressing the underpinning knowledge developed in sports science during year 1, this module will apply these theories in the development of athlete’s lifestyle, and recovery from training, games and injury. The importance of keeping healthy and eating well is increasingly recognised in modern Basketball, creating exciting career opportunities. You will gain an understanding of exercise, nutrition, health, recovery strategies, and sports injuries.

Talent Identification and Sport Development

The aim of this module is to provide the student with an understanding of talent identification and performance pathways developed by organisations to cultivate players to their full potential. Graduates skills will be developed which are integral in Basketball coaching and player identification/scouting.

Coaching for Sport Performance

Progressing knowledge gained in Coaching Principles and Practice during year 1. This module gives students the opportunity to develop coaching methods to develop the skills, techniques and strategies in Basketball players. The module will challenge coaches to develop skills required in Level 3 NGB awards, reflecting on the coaching process, and educational theories developed in year 1. A development of your own style and philosophy will challenge learners to coach at a more advanced level, utilising a range of coaching skills to enhance player performance.

Entry requirements & additional information

Entry requirements

5 GCSE passes at Grade C (4) or above (including Maths and English or equivalent)

Plus 48 UCAS Tariff points from one or more of the following:

· 2 A-levels (A2), at least one at C or above

· BTEC/C&G Level 3

· 2 Scottish Highers at C or above

· 3 Irish Highers at C or above

· International Baccalaureate at 24 points

· NVQ Level 3 in a relevant discipline

AS levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma and Scottish Intermediate 2s may be used to contribute to entry requirements but they are not sufficient for entry on their own. Alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively.

Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent.

All offers may be subject to successful interview

Learning and assessment

Learning Environment:

Learning activities on the course are diverse, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and workshops.

Students are expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and group presentations form an important part of the course. Students will have access to specialist IT hardware and software, an on-line learning environment and reference facility.

Assessment:

Students will complete a variety of assessments including delivery of practical coaching sessions, performance planning and analysis, essays, multimedia presentations, reports, multiple choice tests, presentations, group work and mini projects.

What work experience can I get?

There is no formal work placement on this course. The Academic and Vocational Skills and Industry Project modules will utilise both on and off site working environments to provide the opportunity for students to develop real practical and technical skills and help prepare them for employment in their chosen subject area.

Progression

On successful completion of the course, students may apply for BA (Hons) Sports Coaching or BA (Hons) Sports Studies.

Professional accreditations

Lancashire Spinners Basketball

Special requirements

Students are expected to be prepared for practical sessions and are expected to maintain a presentable appearance when representing the college in the community.

Extra Costs:

Additional costs for items that are essential for the course:

· Sports Kit £100

Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for the course include:

· Academy Fee if playing National League - Covers Registration, playing uniform, tracksuits £150

UCLan Sports Scholarship

The University of Central Lancashire offers opportunities for student athletes to be supported with their aspirations of maintaining their playing career whilst also studying for a high-quality degree. Our panel will consider applicants as part of the admissions cycle and will offer support to those they feel will make a valuable contribution to the University’s sporting objectives. Find out more and how to apply on their website.