Jamaica squash invests in the future with advanced coaching certification program

Jamaica Squash has taken another significant step toward strengthening the sport's foundation by hosting an intensive World Squash Federation (WSF) Level 2 Coaching Course at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston.

The three-day certification program, sponsored by the Federation of Pan American Squash, brought together 12 coaches, including two participants from the Cayman Islands, as part of an ongoing effort to elevate coaching standards and expand the sport's reach throughout the region.

The course began on Friday at the Liguanea Club, widely regarded as the home of Jamaica Squash, with participants embarking on a demanding schedule designed to deepen their technical knowledge, coaching methodology, and instructional skills.

Experienced tutor returns to lead advanced training

Guiding the program is veteran squash educator Colin White, who returns to Jamaica after facilitating the WSF Level 1 Coaching Course last year.

White brings an extensive résumé to the assignment, holding WSF and European Squash Federation Level 1, 2, and 3 coaching and tutoring certifications. Over the years, he has coached and taught squash across multiple countries, including the United States, Austria, Hungary, and Russia.

Reflecting on the opening day, White expressed satisfaction with the participants' engagement and commitment.

"First I am very happy to come back and present this course on behalf of Pan American Squash and World Squash in conjunction with Jamaica Squash. The first day went very well. It was a little bit of de-brief and a reminder of what went on in Level 1 to make sure that the core components that are taught at Level 1, they've been used during the past 15 months and now Level 2 builds on top of Level 1."

Revisiting fundamentals before advancing

Rather than immediately introducing new concepts, the opening session focused on reinforcing foundational principles and encouraging coaches to view the game through the eyes of beginners.

One of the exercises required participants to teach and play using their non-dominant hand, creating a practical reminder of the challenges novice players often face.

White explained that the activity served a broader educational purpose.

"A little bit of fun to break the ice, we got them to do some lessons but the student had to use their non-dominant hand so it was a little bit of a reminder of the trouble you might have with a beginner who is starting and having trouble to make good contact with the ball."

The exercise also allowed instructors to evaluate how effectively participants communicated, engaged learners, and applied the coaching philosophies introduced during the Level 1 course.

Teaching understanding, not just technique

According to White, modern squash coaching extends beyond simply teaching players how to execute shots. Instead, coaches must help athletes understand the purpose and tactical reasoning behind every decision on court.

"We also got to see their skill of delivery, what they are doing, how they engage with the person and how are they using some of the core principles that we teach at Level 1 which goes through Level 2 and Level 3, which should be game based. You are trying to teach a little bit more the intention not just a shot. You try to teach the person the what and the why you want to hit a shot and the understanding that everybody is uniquely different so you need different solutions for different people."

That philosophy, adapting coaching methods to individual learning styles, forms a central component of the advanced certification program.

Strong start encourages organizers

Despite the demanding curriculum ahead, White said the candidates made an impressive first impression.

"We have alot to get through over the three days but the first day the candidates really put the best foot forward. They were engaging, they were asking questions, they were interacting with me, they were interacting with each other and those are really good things to start with. They seemed to get a grasp of what it was I was trying to get across."

The second day of the course was expected to shift toward practical application, with participants being tested on their ability to deliver structured lessons and demonstrate effective coaching techniques in real-world scenarios.

Developing coaches to grow the sport

For Jamaica Squash President Karen Anderson, the course represents a long-term investment in the sport's future.

Her vision centers on expanding the pool of qualified coaches who can introduce squash to more young people and help nurture the next generation of players.

By increasing the number of certified instructors across Jamaica and the wider region, the organization hopes to create stronger pathways for youth participation, development, and eventual high-performance success.

Final assessments await

The WSF Level 2 Coaching Course as scheduled to conclude on Sunday afternoon with formal assessments of each participant's on-court instructional abilities.

Under White's supervision, candidates were expected to be evaluated on their coaching delivery, technical knowledge, communication skills, and overall ability to guide player development.

For Jamaica Squash, the program represents more than a certification exercise. It is part of a broader strategy to build coaching excellence, strengthen grassroots development, and ensure that the sport continues to thrive for years to come.