Reader,
We have officially reached halftime. If you view your season like a match, the holiday period is that critical 15-minute break in the dressing room.
Usually, coaches spend this time of year worrying. We worry about the games we lost in November, we worry about whether the players will come back fit, and we worry about all the administration waiting for us in January. But the best halftime talks aren’t about panic; they are about clarity and adjustment.
This week, instead of just telling you to “switch off,” I want to encourage you to reset. Just as we ask our players to find solutions to problems on the pitch, we need to do the same for our own coaching. Did we drift away from our principles? Did we over-complicate our sessions? Did we lose the “fun factor”?
When we are in the thick of the season, it is easy to get tunnel vision on tactics and the next result. This ‘halftime’ break is your opportunity to zoom out. By stepping away from the weekly grind, you can regain the perspective needed to stop reacting to every weekend result and start proactively planning for success.
Download free our “Coaching Fundamentals” ebook
Three Things to Consider
1 – Audit Your Season
Just as you would review the first half stats, look back at your progress. Did you hit your goals? Use the break to fill out a “Summary” to see what went well and what needs changing.
2 – Get Organized Early
Being organized is the bare minimum of effective coaching. It shows respect to your players and saves you stress. Having a clear plan for the season ahead allows you to focus on the players rather than the admin work.
3 – Focus on the Fundamentals
When you do return, remember that the “Fun Factor” is crucial. If we create environments full of joy, challenge, and connection, we win the battle of keeping players engaged.
Download free our “Coach Planner”
One thing to try this week
Take 30 minutes to map out your first week back. Don’t worry about the rest of the season yet. Just grab a notebook or a planner and script your first session for the new year. Focus specifically on an arrival activity that generates high energy and excitement. By having your first week locked in now, you can truly relax for the rest of the holidays, knowing you are prepared.
One Critical Resource on the Topic
We have prepared not one, but two free gifts to help you with your “halftime reset”.
- PDP’s “Coaching Fundamentals” eBook: Covers the six steps to creating quality sessions that your players will love. Download here.
- PDP’s “Coach Planner”: A printable planner with templates designed to help you stay organized through the season. Download here.
