From Gavin Pugh, Director of the Dragon Soccer Club (MN) -
Half-time is perhaps the most interesting period of a soccer game!
What happened in the first half? How do we discuss it? Who should be allowed to talk? Should we point fingers if necessary? What shall we change? Can we realistically change it? But my players just need to rest!
As you can see, half-time serves various purposes. Of course our players need to rest and regenerate, but this is an excellent tool for altering the course of the game.
As Coaches we have a very limited time to work within, it takes a few minutes for the players to come off, get a drink, and a few minutes to get ready for the game. That only leaves me perhaps 5 minutes to affect them. What shall I say? To who?
First, we should allow the players to switch off for a minute or two. Do not feel like you have to discuss every major issue that occurred in the first half, your job is to identify patterns of play / issues that you can positively change for the second half. A Coach certainly does not need to talk about a technical error, e.g. a right-defender’s mis-control of the ball, unless you saw a repetitive pattern of errors and can highlight it is a tactical situation, i.e. tactically s/he is in the wrong area of the field when receiving the ball, with no immediate support, body shape and position is incorrect, and calling for the ball each time, thus creating a difficult situation each time they receive it.
The Coach must also motivate the players. Can we be critical towards players, how will the other players react? Of course a Coach can be critical if a player is not pulling their weight, but it takes a very good coach to find the right balance of positive criticism, motivation and the correct information. We all know that a Coach who finds this balance will become a hero when the team comes out second half transformed!
Do not try to overload players with information; 2 or 3 points will suffice, but make sure they are relevant, and are issues/thoughts that can be corrected in the second half. Remember that saying something does not guarantee it will be heard, hearing does not mean understanding, and understanding does not mean agreeing. Be clear and concise. All other info can wait until full-time.
So what happens at half-time…?
So what happens at half-time?
Half-time is perhaps the most interesting period of a soccer game!
What happened in the first half? How do we discuss it? Who should be allowed to talk? Should we point fingers if necessary? What shall we change? Can we realistically change it? But my players just need to rest!
As you can see, half-time serves various purposes. Of course our players need to rest and regenerate, but this is an excellent tool for altering the course of the game.
As Coaches we have a very limited time to work within, it takes a few minutes for the players to come off, get a drink, and a few minutes to get ready for the game. That only leaves me perhaps 5 minutes to affect them. What shall I say? To who?
First, we should allow the players to switch off for a minute or two. Do not feel like you have to discuss every major issue that occurred in the first half, your job is to identify patterns of play / issues that you can positively change for the second half. A Coach certainly does not need to talk about a technical error, e.g. a right-defender’s mis-control of the ball, unless you saw a repetitive pattern of errors and can highlight it is a tactical situation, i.e. tactically s/he is in the wrong area of the field when receiving the ball, with no immediate support, body shape and position is incorrect, and calling for the ball each time, thus creating a difficult situation each time they receive it.
The Coach must also motivate the players. Can we be critical towards players, how will the other players react? Of course a Coach can be critical if a player is not pulling their weight, but it takes a very good coach to find the right balance of positive criticism, motivation and the correct information. We all know that a Coach who finds this balance will become a hero when the team comes out second half transformed!
Do not try to overload players with information; 2 or 3 points will suffice, but make sure they are relevant, and are issues/thoughts that can be corrected in the second half. Remember that saying something does not guarantee it will be heard, hearing does not mean understanding, and understanding does not mean agreeing. Be clear and concise. All other info can wait until full-time.
So what happens at half-time…?
So what happens at half-time?
- “Blowing off steam” - Players / coaches talk about 1st half issues
- Rest - Players calm down and hydrate
- Information - Coach begins to provide his/her thoughts
- Focusing on the second half - What / how can we change
- Motivation - Last minute preparation and excitement
- Get their attention - Don’t start to talk too soon, conversations between players is ok, but not accusations at each other. Information should be structured, easy to understand and motivational.
- Tactics - Don’t assign them unless they are appropriate. Don’t get into drawn out discussions. Listen to your player’s problems, make sure they absorb the chosen solution
- Create an atmosphere of trust - No hurtful or embarrassing accusations. Balance blame with praise. Do not encourage negative criticism or fear.
- Motivation - Praise stabilizes players’ feelings of self-confidence and self-worth, use this tool wisely. Appeal to individual characters, some need motivating, some need help with self-confidence, etc.
- Encourage change - Only choose tactics the players have already mastered. And of course, limit your comments to only the most important points.