Short. Simple. Repetitive.
Watch the NBA example of a strong coach message during a short break telling his players to embrace the boring...
Half-time talks in field hockey—let’s get real about them. They’re not just a pause in the game, they’re a critical moment to influence what happens next on the pitch. But here’s the catch: the way you approach your two-minute quarter breaks versus the ten-minute half-time break needs to be different. They serve different purposes, require different content, and demand different delivery styles.
I recently watched a short clip of NBA coach Mitch Johnson talking about possession, discipline, and “embracing the boring”. His team, the Spurs, were up by 25 points during this timeout…
“Possession by possession. Dismantle them in the half court. Play fast. Get back. Do it again. Be disciplined to be disciplined. Like and embrace the boring. The mundane,”
Coach Johnson expressed. “Stops. Rebounds. Fundamentals. Discipline. Physical. Rebound. Transition. Pace. Fundamentals. Again and again.”
“Be disciplined to be disciplined. Like and embrace the boring. The mundane.”
It struck me how much we in field hockey can learn from that mindset. The coach emphasized the importance of discipline and sticking to the fundamentals—even when it feels repetitive or dull—because that’s what wins games. That’s a powerful lesson for us when we talk to our teams during breaks.
Two-Minute Talks Between Quarters: Keep It Sharp, Simple, and Focused
Quarter breaks are short. Two minutes. That’s barely enough time to catch your breath, let alone deliver a complex tactical lecture. So, what do you do?
Keep it succinct. Focus on one or two key points. For example, if you’ve noticed your team is losing possession too easily, you might say: “Tighten up our ball control. Keep your passes sharp. Don’t force risky plays right now.”
Emphasize discipline. Just like the NBA coach said, discipline in possession is non-negotiable. Remind your players to stick to the game plan, avoid unnecessary risks, and trust the process—even if it feels boring or slow.
Use clear language and visuals. If possible, draw a quick diagram or point to a spot on the pitch to illustrate your point. Players need something concrete to latch onto.
In a recent quarter break I observed, the coach told his team who we’re giving the ball away too easily in midfield.
Slow down. Use the width. Look for the overlap. Stay patient. Slow down. Stay Patient.
That simple message refocused the team immediately.
Your players are high on adrenaline and not in the right state of mind for a calm and rational explanation with pros and cons and debate. Meet your players where they are in your messaging. Make sure they feel you.
Half-Time Break: More Time, More Depth, More Interaction
Half-time is your chance to dig deeper. You have more time, so you can cover a few points—but don’t overload your players. Katrina Powell, Australia’s women’s national coach, reminded me how important it is to keep half-time talks succinct but meaningful as well. Two or three key points max, with clear instructions on what to do next .
Structure your talk: Start with what’s going well to build confidence, then address areas for improvement. Use visuals if you have them handy.
Engage your players: Ask questions. “What do you think we need to do to break their press?” or “Where are we losing possession most?” This gets players thinking and owning the solutions.
Embrace the boring fundamentals: The NBA coach’s point about embracing the boring is gold here. Half-time is the moment to remind players that winning comes from doing the basics right—controlling possession, maintaining discipline, and executing set plays with precision.
Why the Distinction Matters
The two-minute quarter talks are about quick fixes and immediate focus—like a pit stop in a race. The ten-minute half-time is your strategic huddle, where you can reset mentally and tactically.
Trying to cram half-time content into a quarter break overwhelms players and dilutes your message. Conversely, treating half-time like a quarter break wastes valuable time and misses the chance to make a bigger impact.
Practical Tips to Apply This Week
Plan your messages in advance: Know your one or two quarter break points and your two or three half-time points before the game. Keep them simple and actionable.
Use questions to engage: Even in short breaks, ask players what they see and what they think needs fixing. This builds ownership and sharpens focus.
Reinforce discipline and fundamentals: Remind your team that success comes from doing the basics well, even if it feels repetitive or boring. That’s where games are won.
Final Thought
Half-time and quarter breaks are your coaching goldmines if you use them wisely. The NBA coach’s advice about possession and discipline is a reminder that sometimes the best way forward is to embrace the boring fundamentals and execute them with excellence. That’s how you get your team to perform consistently under pressure.