Game Day Checklist

0-5 minutes Watch 
5-10 minutes Look at opposition 
  – what are they doing
  – patterns of attack
  – marking
  – identify key players
10-15 minutes Look at own team
  – are they doing what they are supposed to be doing
15-20 minutes Detach yourself from the game
  – what is going on
  – act like a commentator
  – what is happening  v what should be happening
20-25 minutes What can be changed?
  – usually certain things stand out
25-30 minutes Statistics & any other reports
30-35 minutes Put together 1/2 time talk

2nd HALF

Utilize alternative tactics  ~ Make substitutions ~ revisit checklist above

Match Observations.

Opposition

  1. Preferred methods and side. Key players
  2. Outlet control. Press, drop away, leave certain players open, man to man marking.
  3. Are they marking man to man any of our players?
  4. What is their preferred attacking style? Fast/slow build up, which side
  5. Penalty Corners. Defence, what positions do they run to? Does the goalie run/stay.
  6. Penalty Corner. Attack, Positions and variations.

Our Team

  1. How are our outlet controls working? Is any player not doing what is required? Are we following our match plan? Is it working?
  2. How are individual players performing?
  3. Defence and attack as a unit
  4. What changes need to be made? 20 minutes to go each half. Do we go for broke if behind?
  5. Specific Tactics. Kill the game, attack right or left side, backs to run the ball out or transfer, interchange of forwards.

 

Hints for Effective Pre-game and half time talks

  1. Deliver only a few messages
  2. Convey a sense of control, composure, and conviction rather than anxiety
  3. be positive and use praise to reinforce appropriate behaviour in athletes and the team
  4. speak about an opposition player or team
  5. concentrate more on communications related to tactics and strategies
  6. prepare the address with the following structure:
  • begin with a commentary on the previous performance during the game (especially on what the opposition has been doing)
  • provide solutions (tactics and strategies) that are informed by an analysis of the oppositions performance
  • finish with a short motivational analysis
  1.