Coach Training
Live (remote) Coach Training sessions are held in different regions in the Fall. Check our calendar for details to sign-up.
If you are unable to attend a live coach training session, here are some extracts for a self-paced training. Items marked * are part of the recommended minimum coach training in the first few weeks of coaching competitive teams. Other training can be taken as and when possible. For better performance, you may wait 10-15 seconds until the video is loaded before you start playing it.
You have the option to review the PowerPoint in PDF format but you may miss out on the narrative from our experienced presenters. We suggest you print the PDFs and make your own notes on it while you watch the video presentation. Howsever, PDFs get updated sooner than videos when changes occur..
Note: GT certificates for educator credits are provided at instructor-led training, not for self-paced training.
Please also check our Coach Resources page for additional white papers that you can download.
We also have a separate series of videos that you can watch with the team. They are listed at the Odyssey Academy webpage.
General Training Session: Program structure, the role of the Coordinator, the role of the Coach, forming Teams, “No Outside Assistance” explained, The Long-Term Problems, Competition Components, Scoring, Clarifications, Resources.
PDF updated Sep 2023.
Spontaneous Training: What is Spontaneous, Types of problems, Practice tips for teams.
Update from 2021 onwards: You can have up to seven participants in spontaneous. All participants enter the competition room.PDF updated Sep 2023.
Long Term Training: Choosing a problem, practice guide, brainstorming, understanding the problem and the scoring.
PDF updated Sep 2022 (still current).
Unpacking the 2023-24 long term problems. Learn about the current year problems.
This presentation covers the different sections of the long term problem specifications and how to approach them with the team.
PDF updated Sep 2023.
Description of style, elements to choose from, applying cohesive style throughout the long term problem. Example explained.
PDF updated Jan 2023.
Primary Training is for coaches of K-2 teams who select the Primary Problem. While these junior teams go through exactly through the same motions, this training shows you how to adjust the program to an age-appropriate pace. You can watch this training instead of long-term for an all-rounded approach as a first year coach.
Video and PDF are still current.
We have special training for the balsa structure problem in order to familiarize new coaches with techniques of buying materials, handling balsa wood and training teams to build structures. We cover topics such as training versus outside assistance.
Video is still current. PDF updated Nov 2023.
Clarifications: The official process for questions about the problem. When they are appropriate and recommended. Video update in progress.