Make Every Second Count At Halftime

Strategy, tactics and organization have to be reinforced at halftime or in some cases changed in a short amount of time

When it comes to halftime, you have three broad objectives:
• To motivate your players.
• To give them the best chance to absorb information.
• To let them recover and get properly hydrated.

Yes, you can criticize your players and their effectiveness to this point but do so in a productive manner. If the defense has holes, try not to blame players or dwell on it. Remind them how to cut off angles, get a hand into passing lanes and not reach into a player’s body with their hands. Players are not motivated by being told what they did wrong but more by how they can improve and resolve problems.

To ensure a well-planned, consistent halftime structure you need to:
• Keep the entire team engaged into the second-half game plan as you never know when injuries will pop up.
• Decide on the next step for the team, and be confident and focused on what you are about to say.
• Be in the best possible position to deliver a clear and logical viewpoint.

As soon as the first half is over, head to the locker room. If you are coaching a youth game with no locker room, move to your players. Don’t make them move to you. Make sure you stay a good distance from the opposition.
• Know that you have everyone’s attention.
• Provide two or three major points.
• Be clear, positive and constructive.
• Don’t talk until everyone is listening.
• Don’t concentrate on negatives.
• Don’t allow too much player input all at once.

“Well-coached teams are never surprised; they can adapt to anything they see.” Jack Ramsey, head coach of 1977 Portland Trail Blazers, NBA champions