The Advanced Certificate in Sports Coaching and Psychology equips you with the practical knowledge and applied strategies needed to lead, motivate, and support athletes in today’s high-performance environments. This professional development program is ideal for coaches, trainers, teachers, and sport professionals who want to develop a strong foundation in coaching techniques alongside psychological tools that improve performance and wellbeing.
In this online sports coaching and psychology course you’ll explore key coaching principles, such as goal setting, communication, leadership, and team development, while learning how to apply mental skills such as focus, resilience, and stress management. The course covers athlete development across different levels and contexts, from grassroots to competitive sport, helping you adapt your coaching style to meet a range of individual and team needs.
In the Advanced Certificate of Sports Coaching and Psychology you’ll learn evidence-based strategies including visualisation, self-talk, mindfulness, and motivation frameworks. You’ll also gain insights into how athletes respond to setbacks, injury, and transitions, and how coaches can support recovery, identity, and long-term engagement in sport.
You’ll also learn how to build safe, diverse, and respectful environments while staying current with emerging tools like wearable tech and digital training apps. This flexible online course is designed to support your growth as a confident, skilled, and adaptable coach who understands the full spectrum of athlete performance.
Course Structure
Unit 1: Sports Coaching
Unit 1: Foundations of Sports Coaching
- What is sports coaching?
- The role of the coach in modern sport
- Core coaching skills
- Key responsibilities of a coach
- Overview of coaching pathways in Australia
Unit 2: Ethics, Safety, and Professional Standards
- Coaching code of behaviour (Sport Integrity Australia guidelines)
- Ethics and conduct in coaching
- Legal responsibilities and duty of care
- Risk management in sport
- Basic first aid and injury prevention
- Working with children and vulnerable people
Unit 3: Communication and Relationships in Coaching
- Building rapport with athletes
- The coach-athlete relationship
- The 3 + 1 Cs model
- Setting clear expectations and ground rules
- How relationships evolve over time
- Communication styles and feedback
Unit 4: Coaching Methods and Learning Styles
- Stages of athlete learning
- Coaching styles: autocratic, democratic, laissez-faire, holistic
- Blended and situational coaching
- Adapting to athlete needs and sport contexts
- Coaching individuals vs teams
Unit 5: Motivation and Performance
- What drives motivation in sport?
- Intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation
- Using goal setting and feedback effectively
- Social facilitation and group dynamics
- Maintaining focus and enthusiasm in training
Unit 6: Coaching Individuals and Teams
- Differences between individual and team coaching
- Developing leadership in athletes
- Team building strategies
- Managing team dynamics and morale
Unit 7: Athlete Wellbeing and Identity
- Understanding athletic identity
- Mental health and athlete transitions
- Grief and injury recovery
- How coaches can support athlete wellbeing
- Working with parents and families
- Ethical coaching practices for children and youth sport
Unit 8: Growth as a Coach
- Differences between amateur and elite coaching
- Dealing with setbacks and pressure
- Staying engaged and avoiding burnout
- Ongoing professional development
- Building a long-term coaching career
Unit 2: Sports Psychology
Unit 1: Introduction to Sport Psychology
- Introduction to sport psychology
- Definition and scope of sport psychology
- Roles and responsibilities of sport psychologists
- Using sport psychology knowledge in non-psychologist roles
- Myths and realities
- Psychological strategies for performance and well-being
Unit 2: Motivation and Goal Setting
- Motivation and goal setting
- Theories of motivation
- Achievement goal theory
- Need achievement theory
- Attribution theory
- Goal setting theory
- Social cognitive theory
- Flow theory
- Theory of planned behaviour
- Affective-reflective theory
- Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic motivation
- Self-determination theory
- Identifying personal and team motivators
- Strategies for building and sustaining motivation
- Overcoming obstacles and maintaining focus during setbacks
Unit 3: Mental Skills for Performance
- Mental skills for performance
- Visualisation and imagery techniques
- Positive self-talk and affirmations
- Concentration and attention control
- Building self-confidence in sport settings
- Pre-performance routines and mental preparation
- Mindfulness and relaxation methods in sport
Unit 3: Stress, Anxiety, and Coping Strategies
- Stress, anxiety, and coping strategies
- Sources of stress and anxiety in sport and exercise
- Effects of stress and anxiety on performance
- Coping strategies for managing pressure
- Relaxation techniques
- Building resilience under pressure
- Mental health challenges in sport
Unit 5: Team Dynamics and Communication
- Team dynamics and communication
- Group dynamics and cohesion
- Trust, respect, and shared goals
- Communication skills for athletes and coaches
- Conflict resolution and feedback
- Leadership and role clarity
- Strategies for enhancing team motivation
Unit 6: Injury, Recovery, and Psychological Health
- Injury, recovery, and psychological health
- Psychological impact of injuries and setbacks
- Supporting athletes through recovery and return to play
- Coping with pain and loss of athletic identity
- Building resilience and positive mental health
- Psychological challenges: burnout and overtraining
- Promoting holistic wellbeing in sports
Unit 7: Diversity, Ethics, and Inclusive Practices
- Diversity, ethics, and inclusive practices
- Understanding diversity in sport
- Creating equitable and inclusive sport environments
- Ethical standards and professional responsibilities
- Discrimination and bias
- Supporting underrepresented and marginalised populations
- Cultural competence in sport
Unit 8: Technology, Innovation, and the Future of Sport Psychology
- Technology, innovation, and the future of sport psychology
- Digital tools and apps for mental skills training
- Wearable technology and feedback
- Virtual reality (VR) and gamification
- Data analytics and sport psychology
- Sports psychology and coaching trends
- Innovation and best practice
Study Hours
Estimated duration 80 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Approval and Recognition
Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.
Testimonials
The studying was easy, as was also doing University, i was able to commence studies when it suited and had 12 months to complete this in. So, it was perfect fit, no stress, and the tutors were very supportive
Sebastiaan | Fitzgibbon, QLD | Advanced Certificate of Sports Coaching and Nutrition
Very straight forward and easy to access.
Course was laid out excellently and was a joy to learn new things again.
Darnell | Rowville | Advanced Certificate of Sports Coaching and Nutrition
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:-
- Sports coaches
- Personal trainers
- Athletes
