Here’s practical advice that I have found helpful the last couple years.
Michael Lombardi has written extensively on Bill Belichick’s game management. Belichick stresses the importance of winning the “Middle 8” - the last 4 minutes of the first half and the first 4 minutes of the second half.
As a coach, it is important to be sharp in the Middle 8.
My advice is:
“Don’t wait for halftime!”
Spend the first quarter deciding if you need to make adjustments. Spend the second quarter identifying & implementing 3 specific adjustments. Use halftime to solidify those 3 adjustments for the second half.
There is nothing worse than a coaches meeting at halftime asking, “What adjustments should we make?” Don’t waste too much time discussing. If you wait for halftime, you’re too late!
The goal is to go into halftime having already identified any changes that need to be made and be on your way to implementing those adjustments.
Don’t overdo it - maximum 3 adjustments.
