Why this matters
Half time is the only coaching window in a match where everyone is listening. Used well it changes the second half; used badly it drains it.
The common problem
The classic half-time talk is an emotional review of everything that went wrong, delivered at volume, to eleven players who are cold, thirsty and switching off after twenty seconds.
Try this instead
- Let them drink and breathe for thirty seconds before you say anything.
- Say one thing that went well, one thing to change, one thing to look for.
- Talk to units rather than the whole group when the fix is positional.
- Ask one question — 'What are they doing that's hurting us?' — and use their answer.
- Finish on the change, not the criticism, so the last thing they hear is the action.
On the pitch
Losing 2-0 with the midfield overrun: 'Good pressing from the front two. We're getting outnumbered in the middle — Sam drop in alongside Jack. Look for the switch when they press one side.' Done in forty seconds.
Questions to ask
- What's working for us?
- What are they doing that's causing us problems?
- What's the one thing we change?
Your coaching challenge
Cap your next half-time talk at three points and time yourself.
Reflect afterwards
Did the second half look different, and could the players tell you the change?