Coaches Huddle
It's my opinion that a Head Coach shouldn't go into the locker room before the coaches huddle. Personally, the only time I went into the locker room before meeting with my coaches was when I was irate at my team. Obviously, there are times to be upset with your team, but your communication becomes diluted during those emotional times.
Remember, you want to connect more than communicate.
Which is why I think it's wise to have a emotional-check coach on your staff. For me, our experienced Associate Head Coach knew when to tell me to calm myself, or oftentimes knew when to inform me that I was coaching tight, thus our players were playing tight.
You can't adjust your players at halftime if you can't adjust yourself.
1. Always have a scribe, this should be the same Assistant Coach every game. The scribe needs to be an experienced coach.
2. Have the scribe keep notations on what was discussed during time-outs and end of quarters (HS). This coach should do this during the game on the bench (this is also helpful going into your time-outs). This time-out notation sheet will help guide your halftime discussions with your staff.
3. It's easy to focus on several negative aspects of your team's performance during the first half. However, try to remember, they will only retain 2-3 adjustment points, defensively and offensively.
Stats Evaluation
1. Allow your stats to validate the discussion points made in your coaches huddle - not the other way around. This is hard for me to do because I am so analytical.
2. If you have a coach who charts execution, have him debrief the staff on the good and the bad. We had a coach keep both offensive and defensive execution this year, but next year I will delegate offense (play execution) to one coach and defense (stop efficiency and kill count) to another coach during games.
3. Try to connect your first half stats to your game prep. Pay attention to your opponents key player stats and if your game plan on those individuals is working.
Adjustments
1. When frustrated with your defense - think match-ups. Adjust defensive roles within your personnel.
2. When frustrated with your defensive rebounding - first figure out who and where the rebounds are going. Are the offensive rebounds going to your opponent's bigs or perimeter players? I've found that by minimizing your help from a rebounding big and gapping (giving a step) on a scoring perimeter player may actually help your rebounding. In other words, stay tight to the big (helps your block-out timing) and make the scoring guards take tough 2's.
3. When frustrated with your shooting percentage - analyze ratios. Analyze the A:TO ratio, the A:FGM ratio and most importantly the A:FGA ratio. The A:FGA ratio will tell you if you are quick-shooting the ball or playing selfishly (whether intentional or not).
Make your last thing, the main thing.
Finally, make your last statement be the most meaningful. Sometimes we make an important point, then follow it with emotional banter. Try to refrain from this. Your meaningful statement will usually repeat one of the adjustments discussed earlier. I usually write down my last statement on the scribes page myself so I don't forget it.
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