In this two-day course, participants will gain practical information from top-level coaches about weightlifting technique, assessing movement, motor learning, biomechanics, effective coaching, and programming training. In addition to covering scientifically based concepts to optimize training and skill learning, a large portion of the course will be hands-on teaching and application of the complete technical progressions of the snatch, clean and jerk, and assistance lifts. Learn highly effective coaching tips and cues from our veteran weightlifting coaches, who will help you safely and effectively implement Olympic lifting movements in training weightlifters, clients, and athletes of all ages and abilities.  

This course balances hands-on learning, in-depth discussions of technical progressions, and science-based programming information. Gain access to proven training plans to get your athletes or clients started with Olympic lifting and enjoy the support of USAW to help you further your knowledge about training and coaching athletes.

At the end of the course, participants should feel comfortable understanding and implementing a training plan, teaching beginner and intermediate athletes how to perform weightlifting movements, quickly correcting common technique errors, and employing best practices in coaching. Whether you are looking to get started coaching weightlifting, refine your coaching skills, or apply the weightlifting movements to other sports, this course is a valuable investment in your career. 

Course Materials:

Extensive course manual with videos of all exercise progressions, helpful resources, and sample weightlifting programming.

Prerequisites:

Other than an active USA Weightlifting membership, there are no prerequisites for this course. The course is open to anyone 17 or older, and no prior experience coaching or performing Olympic lifting is required.

CEUs/CECs:

This course has a total of 13 contact hours and is eligible for ACSM CECs. For exact reporting requirements, please see our FAQs here.

Generic Course Schedule:

Day 1: 8:00am-5:00pm, and Day 2: 8:00am to 2:00pm (Please see individual course information for course specific schedule)

Requirements for Certification:

In compliance with our USOC accreditation, both the free online Athlete Development Model training module and online course certification exam are required to receive your USAW Level 1 Coach certification. For more information about the certification process, please visit our FAQs here.

Who Should Take this Course?

• Weightlifting coaches
• Personal trainers
• Exercise Physiologists
• Sport performance coaches
• College and university students
• Functional fitness coaches
• Anyone interested in improving weightlifting technique

Registration Information and Pricing:  $499 $399 (exclusive for ACSM)

• All course participants must be current USAW members.
• Pre-registration is required for all courses. On-site registration is not allowed.
• The registration deadline is 3 business days prior to the first day of the course. 
• Registration costs are non-refundable. In the rare event a course is cancelled, USA Weightlifting is not responsible for any pre-paid expenses incurred by participant. A refund or transfer to another offering is available under this circumstance.

Benefits of being USA Weightlifting Level 1 Certified

• Industry recognition as a weightlifting coach from the sole governing body on weightlifting in the USA 
• Increased desirability as a potential hire when you seek employment in coaching and training
• Access to USAW coaching materials to support your growth as a coach 
• Exclusive discounts for products and services with USAW partners and sponsors
• Ability to purchase affordable and comprehensive liability insurance
• Exclusive discounts for select USAW events and USAW apparel
• Membership with USA Weightlifting, enabling you to enjoy all the benefits of competition and camaraderie in the sport 

Why Attend a USA Weightlifting Coaching Course?

• USA Weightlifting is the original and only provider of weightlifting coaching certification in the USA
• Optimal blend of high-quality content, experienced coaches, and hands-on learning
• We are invested in your development and will support you as you grow in your career. 

Course Description: In this course, participants will delve deeper into topics covered in the Level 1 course, as well as learn about essentials such as competition preparation, effective communication, and dozens of great exercises for weightlifters. Over the course of two days, expert USAW coaches will cover advanced strength and power development principles, scientifically based program design, national competition preparation and coaching strategies, as well as long-term development of weightlifters. Participants will have a chance to discuss how to approach programming through examples of training systems and real-world plans for the development of weightlifters and other athletes.

Course Materials:
Extensive online, interactive course with dozens of videos and extras. Course materials are divided into two sections, Level 2 Foundations and Level 2 Core. The Foundations section is available 2 weeks prior to the start of the course and the Core section is available on the first day of the course. Course access is open for a year after the course and indefinitely thereafter so long as the Level 2 certification is current.

Prerequisites:
To enroll in this course, participants must have obtained the USA Weightlifting Level 1 certification, be over the age of 17, and be a current member of USAW in good standing.

CEUs/CECs:
This course has a total of 16 contact hours and is eligible for ACSM CECs. For exact reporting requirements, please see FAQs here.

Course Schedule:

Day 1: 8:00am-5:00pm

• Introduction and brief Level 1 review
• Advanced weightlifting technique
• How to communicate effectively
• Hands-on coaching: snatch, clean and jerk
• How to correct technique errors
• Supplemental exercises for weightlifting
• Hands-on coaching: supplemental exercises

Day 2: 8:00am-5:00pm

• How to correct technique errors
• Major training principles and periodization
• Small group programming for weightlifting
• In-depth programming for advanced weightlifting
• Small group programming for sport
• Competition coaching
• Mock competition for coaching

Requirements for Certification:
After completing the course, participants have 14 days to pass an online course certification exam to earn the USAW Level 2 coach certification. Participants have 2 attempts to earn a 70% or greater on a self-paced exam.

Requirements for USAW National Coach Designation:
USAW Level 2 coaches who successfully complete the background check and athlete performance requirements will receive the USAW National Coach designation.

Who Should Take this Course?

• Weightlifting coaches
• Personal trainers
• Exercise Physiologists
• Sport performance coaches
• College and university students
• Functional fitness coaches

Registration Information and Pricing: $499 $399 (exclusive for ACSM)

• All course participants must be current USAW members. To sign up for membership, visit here.
• Pre-registration is required for all courses. On-site registration is not allowed.
• The registration deadline for any course is 3 business days prior to the first day of the course.
• Registration costs are non-refundable. In the rare event a course is cancelled, USA Weightlifting is not responsible for any pre-paid expenses incurred by participant. A refund or transfer to another offering is available under this circumstance.

Benefits of Being USA Weightlifting Level 2 Certified

• Industry recognition as an advanced weightlifting coach from the sole governing authority on weightlifting in the USA
• High level of credibility as a weightlifting coach conferred to potential employers and athletes
• Access to affordable and comprehensive liability insurance
• Exclusive discounts for products and services with USAW partners and sponsors

Why Attend a USAW Coaching Course?

• USA Weightlifting is the original and only provider of weightlifting coaching certification in the USA

• Optimal blend of high-quality content, experienced coaches, and hands-on learning