I’ll never forget my first halftime as a Head Coach!
It was chaotic. It was just something I hadn’t put a whole lot of time and effort in to thinking about. Our staff for the most part was the same as the year before. The head coach moved out of state, I was chosen as the HC, and most of our staff stayed together.
So, I just thought that we would run things the same way, but that first game it was chaotic. Every coach kind of did his own thing, and I was a little surprised it wasn’t just like it was the year before, but then I realized that I failed to communicate how we would handle halftime.
So, I put this together and have used it ever since!
Those precious moments in the locker room aren’t just a break from the action; they’re a chance to reset, refocus, and reload for the second half. If you want to come out swinging and finish strong, you’ve got to nail halftime. Here’s the deal: six things must happen during those 15 minutes, and we’ve got a tight, disciplined plan to make it happen. Let’s dive in, Eight-man style, and talk about how to own the break like champions.
Six things that must happen during halftime:
1. Players must be given time to rest.
First things first, our players need a breather. You’ve been out there hitting, running, and grinding for two quarters. Your body’s taken a beating, and your mind’s been racing. Halftime is your moment to sit down, catch your breath, and let your legs recover. No distractions, no nonsense—just rest. This sets you up to come out fresh for the second half.
2. All injuries evaluated by medical staff, and reported directly to Head Coach
If you’re banged up, we’re on it. Our medical staff, not your position coach, evaluates every tweak, bruise, or sprain. No hiding injuries—you report them, and the Team Doctor reports directly to the Head Coach so that we can make any decisions about removing you from the game. Ultimately, it is the Team Doctor’s decision, not the Head Coach, not the player and definitely not the parents! We’re not guessing with your health. We assess, address, and make smart decisions to keep you safe and the team strong.
Head Coach needs to know if the player will not be returning so that he can make adjustments to all special teams, and depth charts.
3. Any equipment problems taken care of by Equipment Manager
Cleats slipping? Helmet loose? Shoulder pads acting up? Our equipment manager is your guy. He’s a wizard with gear, and he’ll have everything dialed in before you hit the field again. No excuses for equipment issues slowing us down—Dale’s got your back.
4. Coaching staff must analyze the first half and make adjustments for the second half.
While you’re resting, the coaching staff is working. We’re breaking down the first half—what worked, what didn’t, and what the other team’s trying to pull. We’re looking at tendencies, formations, and adjustments. By the time we’re done, we’ve got a game plan to exploit their weaknesses and shut down their strengths in the second half.
5. Players must be re-motivated to play the final part of the game.
Halftime isn’t just about X’s and O’s; it’s about heart. We’re firing you up to finish what you started. Whether we’re up by 20 or fighting from behind, we’re digging deep to remind you why you play this game. You’re not just a team—you’re a family, and we’re going to battle together until the final whistle.
6. Players and coaches re-hydrate themselves with Gatorade and water.
Gatorade and water are your best friends at halftime. Dehydration is the enemy of performance, so we’re making sure every player and coach is chugging fluids. No cramps, no fatigue—just full tanks ready to roll for the second half.
Make sure to put an Assistant Coach in charge of how much time is left, with a stopwatch or personal watch or phone if the Head Coach is not doing it.
Start 15 minute countdown on your watch/phone when the scoreboard starts it as we leave the field.
The Halftime Blueprint: Four Periods in 15 Minutes, No Wasted Seconds!
We don’t mess around at halftime.
Every second counts, and we’ve got a precise, 15-minute plan to make it happen. Name your Assistant Coach in charge of time, stopwatch/phone in hand, keeping us on track. When the scoreboard clock starts the halftime countdown, we’re locked in.
Here’s how we break it down into four three-minute periods:
First Period (Minutes 1-4): Reset and Recover
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Coaches Circle Up: The coaching staff huddles immediately to share quick observations from the first half. We’re laying the groundwork for our adjustments.
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Team Rests: Players, this is your time to sit, breathe, and recharge. No talking, no distractions—just focus on recovery.
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Injury and Equipment Care: Team Doctor, Athletic Trainer and their crew evaluate injuries, Equipment Manager/Assistant Coach handles any equipment issues. If you’ve got a problem, speak up now.
Second Period (Minutes 5-8): Position Group Breakdown
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Position Coaches Meet with Groups: Offensive and defensive position coaches split off to meet with their units. Linemen, skill players, whoever you are—you’re getting targeted feedback. We’re talking technique, assignments, and specific adjustments for your role in the second half.
Third Period (Minutes 9-11): Coordinators Take Charge
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Offensive and Defensive Coordinators Address Teams: The OC and DC step up to lay out the big-picture plan. This is where we dial in our strategy—new plays, defensive tweaks, whatever it takes to outsmart the opponent. You’ll know exactly what’s expected when you hit the field.
Fourth Period (Minutes 12-13): Head Coach Fires Up the Team
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Head Coach Addresses the Team: This is my time to talk to you, heart to heart. I’m reminding you who you are, what we’re fighting for, and how we’re going to finish this game. We’re leaving that locker room as a united front, ready to dominate.
Final Stretch: Back to the Field (Minutes 14-15)
We’re out of the locker room and walking back to the field with 00:00 left on the clock—plenty of time for warm-ups and to get your head back in the game. The mandatory warm up time of three minutes will get your body right to start the second half. The exact time we leave depends on the halftime location and the school we’re playing at. No dawdling, no delays—just precision.
Chris Fore is a veteran Administrator, Athletic Director, and Head Football Coach from Southern California; he currently serves as a Principal. He has written four books and produced coaching manuals, available at EightLaces.org. Both schools where he served as Athletic Director set school records for championships won in a single school year, and were recognized for both sportsmanship and academic excellence. Fore holds a Master’s in Coaching and Athletic Administration and multiple education credentials. A Certified Athletic Administrator, he served as President of the California Coaches Association (2018–2021) and has held various other leadership roles in several different organizations. A sought-after speaker, Fore has contributed to national sports publications and appeared on radio and podcasts. He also serves as an expert witness in athletic lawsuits. Follow him on X!
