The Art of the Pre-Game Talk

Inspiring your team to victory - some insights shared by some of the best minds in field hockey coaching

In the world of field hockey, the pre-game talk is a critical moment. It's the last opportunity to set the tone, reinforce key points, and mentally prepare your team for the match. Whether you're coaching seasoned professionals or a group of enthusiastic under-16s, the way you deliver your pre-game message can significantly impact your team’s performance. Drawing insights from top coaches like Raoul Ehren 🇳🇱, Katrina Powell 🇦🇺, and Danny Kerry 🇬🇧, let's delve into how you can craft and deliver an effective pre-game talk.

Keep It Short and Sweet

One of the most consistent pieces of advice from elite coaches is to keep pre-game talks concise. Raoul Ehren, the head coach of the Dutch women's national team, emphasizes that these talks should be no more than five minutes. The bulk of the preparation should already be done in training and analysis throughout the week. On game day, the focus is on reinforcing key points and ensuring clarity. Why? Players need to stay mentally sharp and not be overloaded with information right before stepping onto the pitch.

Limit your talk to two or three key points. For instance, you might say, "Stay compact in defense," "Exploit the weak side when transitioning," or "Be relentless in the circle—second post runs every time." By focusing on a few actionable items, you ensure your players remember and implement them during the game.

Reinforce Principles, Not Overcomplicated Tactics

Danny Kerry, known for his masterclass on zonal defense, highlights the importance of guiding your team’s actions with principles rather than overwhelming them with tactical details. Instead of saying, "Mark player X tightly," try "Deny their playmaker time and space by closing down early and forcing them wide." Principles like denying space, dictating play, and working as a unit provide a framework that allows players to make decisions in the heat of the moment without needing constant, detailed instructions.

Use Visual Aids Sparingly

Katrina Powell suggests that visual aids can be helpful, but they should be used briefly and to the point. Drawing up key points or scenarios on a whiteboard can help players visualize what's expected of them, but it should reinforce what has already been practiced. Quickly sketching defensive compactness in the circle, overload opportunities in midfield, or pressing triggers for the forwards can provide clarity without overwhelming.

Engage the Players

Raoul Ehren often asks players questions during pre-game talks to ensure they are mentally engaged and aligned with the plan. This also gives them a sense of ownership over the strategy. Asking questions like, "What’s our focus in the first five minutes?" "What do we do if we’re under pressure in our defensive 25?" or "What’s our plan for penalty corners today?" encourages them to think actively and internalize the game plan.

Build Confidence and Energy

The pre-game talk is also about setting the emotional tone. Highlight what the team has done well in training and remind them of their strengths. Instilling pride and passion can make a significant difference in their performance. For example, you might say, "We've worked hard on our pressing game this week, and it's looking sharp. Let’s bring that same intensity today and dominate the midfield."

Address Potential Scenarios

Prepare the team for potential game scenarios, as Raoul Ehren suggests. This helps players feel ready for unexpected situations. Examples of scenarios to cover include: "If we’re 1-0 up with 10 minutes to go, how do we manage the game?" "If we concede early, what's our response?" or "If we're awarded a penalty corner, what's our setup?" By thinking through these possibilities beforehand, players are less likely to panic and more likely to execute effectively when faced with them.

End on a Positive Note

Finish with a unifying message that motivates the team and reinforces their belief in the game plan. Keep it simple and impactful. A phrase like, "We've prepared for this. Trust each other, stick to the plan, and play with heart. Let’s own this game!" can leave a lasting positive impression.

Adapting Your Approach for Different Situations

When Playing a Team Way Above You in the Ranking

When facing a significantly stronger team, the approach must shift to focus on maximizing your strengths, minimizing their opportunities, and adapting your tactics to disrupt their rhythm. Prioritize defensive compactness. Keep your defensive lines tight and narrow, especially in the circle, and focus on zonal defense principles. Exploit transition opportunities. Train your team to counterattack quickly after winning possession and look for long passes to exploit gaps.

Adjust your press. A high press might not be sustainable against a stronger team. Consider a half-court or even a full-court press to limit their build-up play and force errors. Manage the tempo. Slowing the game down when needed can help disrupt the rhythm of a stronger team. Focus on set pieces. Capitalize on penalty corners and free hits, as chances may be limited. Finally, instill belief in your players and focus on the process rather than the result.

When Your Team Are the Big Favorites

When your team is the big favorite, the pre-game talk shifts from survival and disruption to emphasizing execution, discipline, and maintaining respect for the opponent. Reinforce the importance of discipline. Stick to your principles, whether you're playing a top-ranked team or a lower-ranked one. Focus on execution and standards. This game is about showing the quality you've worked hard to build.

Set process-oriented goals. Focus on specific actions rather than the overall outcome. Avoid complacency. Respect the opponent by playing at your best. Encourage creativity in the final third. Be aggressive in the circle and take calculated risks. Prepare for defensive transitions. Stay switched on and press immediately if you lose the ball. Manage the tempo. Dictate the pace and rhythm of the game. End with a motivational push. Remind your players of the bigger picture and the importance of maintaining high standards.

When Coaching Juniors Under 16

When coaching an under-16 team, adjustments are needed to account for their developmental stage. Emphasize simplicity and clarity. Limit your talk to one or two key principles and ensure they are actionable. Build confidence through positivity. Highlight what the team has done well in training and remind them of their progress. Reinforce the process over the result. Set process-oriented goals that emphasize effort and execution.

Engage and empower the players. Ask open-ended questions to encourage them to think critically about the game plan. Manage expectations and emotions. Normalize mistakes and emphasize resilience. Keep it fun and motivational. Use humor and light-hearted comments to create a positive atmosphere. Tailor the tactical focus. Focus on one tactical concept per game and introduce concepts gradually. End with a unifying message. Bring the team together and reinforce their shared purpose.

A Practical Example of a Pre-Game Talk

Here’s a sample structure for a pre-game talk:

1. Opening (30 seconds): "Alright, team, today’s about sticking to our principles and playing our game."

2. Key Points (2-3 minutes):

   • "Defensively, stay compact and deny space in the circle."

   • "In attack, exploit the weak side and make those second-post runs."

   • "Transitions—be quick and decisive."

3. Engagement (1 minute): "What’s our focus in the first five minutes? How do we handle their high press?"

4. Closing (30 seconds): "We’ve got this. Play with pride, play with passion, and let’s make it count."

Final Thoughts

The pre-game talk is more than just a pep talk. It’s a strategic opportunity to guide your team, build their confidence, and ensure they are ready for the challenge ahead. Whether you’re facing a formidable opponent, are the clear favorites, or are coaching a team of juniors, tailoring your approach to the specific situation is essential. By keeping your messages concise, reinforcing core principles, and engaging your players, you can inspire them to perform their best and achieve victory on the field.

Remember, as Jamilon Mülders said, success isn’t just about the result, it’s about the process and the lessons learned along the way. This is especially true when working with younger players where development and joy of the game must be the main aim. Now go out there and empower your team with an effective, memorable, and motivating pre-game talk!

Or tell us how you would do this differently?

Happy hockey !

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