CFZ The myth of “halftime adjustments”

[Doomsday101]

It's actually 12 minutes. Takes 3-4 minutes to get everybody to the locker room, and 3-4 minutes to come back out to play.

Yeah of course, the halftime is 15 min by the time guys make it to the locker room you looking about 10 min. No doubt some conversations going on between players and coaches. You got more time on the sidelines to go over things and actually make changes or adjustments.

 

[Runwildboys]

Another article on a teams strategy for halftime.

https://buffalonews.com/sports/bill...cle_d181ab9e-1e1a-11ec-99db-0fad936bc83d.html

Pretty much what I would expect.

 

[thunderpimp91]

I'm going to take the middle ground on this subject. The idea that adjustments aren't made during halftime seems ridiculous to me, but I'm not sure halftime is anymore important than in game adjustments. The only difference I see coming out of the half is you have a little more control. You know who is getting the ball, you have a chance to reset, even script out the next series of plays like starting the game, etc. Aside from that I agree it's pretty overrated.

 

[erod]

Yeah of course, the halftime is 15 min by the time guys make it to the locker room you looking about 10 min. No doubt some conversations going on between players and coaches. You got more time on the sidelines to go over things and actually make changes or adjustments.

It's not 15 minutes. It's 12 minutes from the last second of the first half to the kickoff in the second.

 

[plasticman]

Actually, the "halftime adjustments" is what Hollywood Henderson used to keep in his locker.

 

[CouchCoach]

Parcells made adjustments before he had to in anticipation of the other coach, that is a form of arrogance.

With both teams in NY and in NE he let it play out until the other coach blinked but I think he thought he got smarter when he got to Dallas and would just beat them to the punch.

He owns the worst coached playoff game in Cowboys history and Romo's bobble covered up one of the worst game plans of all time against a team with both Safety's off the street and one was Pete Hunter, who they knew very well. All he did was praise his buddy, Holmgren, and then let him outcoach him with little to no adjustments during that game. I was ready for him to go after that game.

 

[Bobhaze]

Actually, the "halftime adjustments" is what Hollywood Henderson used to keep in his locker.

Lol! Most people won’t get this this reference!

 

[Floatyworm]

These guys are adjusting all game long.

 

[Point-of-the-Star]

Interesting info and take.
We seem to playing better the second half for some reason.

On offense I think there may be a focus to start the 3rd qtr on plays that the defense is going to be less adept at to come out and be more efficient. But we also see the Cowboys generally move the ball well just before halftime which is the same scenario. I think this is more coordination between the pressbox and the sidelines though. I think defensive adjustments are more pronounced after halftime just watching the D operate.

I once remember the 80's Cowboys players saying Coach Landry gave either a pregame or halftime motivational speech and several of the players said they were very moved by it. (Can't remember if this was a PO game or whatever). Anyway the team lost that day. Old brain with lots of clutter up there so I can't be more specific about timeframe or game.

 

[atlantacowboy]

It’s a long held belief that when a team comes out for the second half of a game and plays significantly better, that the coaches made some great “halftime adjustments”. In actuality, most of the time, there are few major adjustments being made at the half. Several NFL players have pointed this out.

Last year, I was tuned in to a “Manning cast” broadcast on Monday Night Football, and both Peyton and Eli made it clear that halftime adjustments are mostly a myth based on their collective experiences in the NFL. I’ve also heard Troy Aikman say that many times. Former Ravens coach Brian Bilick was quoted in a 2018 article in the LA Times (sorry can’t link it because of paywall):

“In all my years in the NFL, I can’t think of a single ‘Let’s go win one for the Gipper’ halftime speech,” said Super Bowl-winning coach Brian Billick, among the more eloquent speakers in the game. “It’s certainly more about, ‘Here’s what happened. Here’s what we’re going to start out doing in the second half.’ It’s the same way with people saying these teams make these brilliant halftime adjustments. I’ve never seen it. I’ve seen people make adjustments during the course of the game. I’ve seen people adjust during the second half. But I’ve never heard of anybody at halftime getting this flash of divine inspiration: ‘Oh, let’s do this!’ ” ​

Here are some of the reasons why halftime adjustments are mostly a myth:

• First and foremost, adjustments are actually being made the whole game. The best HCs and coordinators are adjusting game plans, plays and noticing what the other team is doing throughout the game. Most coaches say if you wait until half to make adjustments, it’s too late.

• Many coordinators are up in the press box- by the time they get to the locker room and take a restroom break, there’s no time for big speeches or charts. Sometimes position coaches may circle up a few players, but big halftime speeches or adjustments usually aren’t happening.

• By the time players get to locker room and take restroom breaks, there is very little time for much else. I recent heard Dak say in an interview there’s not a lot said at the half. NFL halftimes only last 15 minutes. By the time players get off the field, there’s just not much time.

So the next time you hear the old saying, “They made some great halftime adjustments”, just know that’s mostly a myth.

I think its just a common expression from a bygone era. The game has changed a lot with the integration of technology that give coaches on the sideline real time information. In 1955, halftime was probably necessary to make adjustments as the coaches with different vantage points of the field could meet and discuss what they were seeing and adjust accordingly. I honestly think halftime is no longer necessary and done more out of tradition than necessity.

 

[MWH1967]

Only at my level we really did. No game film and no eyes in the sky. I Miss those Saturday mornings.

 

[HungryLion]

Exactly.

It might be only 13 minutes but it's the only 13 minutes of the game that the coaches' attention doesn't have to be on the field.

On that note. I always find the little mini interviews the sideline reporters do with coaches after the 1st and 3rd quarter to be comical.


1. You can tell the coaches hate it because their focus is elsewhere.

2. None of the coaches say anything other than your typical coach speak lol. “We gotta stop the run”. “We gotta pass protect better” etc. lol

 

[jazzcat22]

I said this before, that I heard several coaches say half time adjustments don't really happen. It is more like they basically say, get back to the game plan and execute better.
And has been posted, the adjustments happen during the game.

But I have noticed lately and on all teams and games.
We used see players, specifically the QB looking at photos, which are now on a tablet. But I have not noticed that recently. Or they just don't show it like they used to do. Many times I see the QB just sitting on the bench.

 

[Diehardblues]

It’s a long held belief that when a team comes out for the second half of a game and plays significantly better, that the coaches made some great “halftime adjustments”. In actuality, most of the time, there are few major adjustments being made at the half. Several NFL players have pointed this out.

Last year, I was tuned in to a “Manning cast” broadcast on Monday Night Football, and both Peyton and Eli made it clear that halftime adjustments are mostly a myth based on their collective experiences in the NFL. I’ve also heard Troy Aikman say that many times. Former Ravens coach Brian Bilick was quoted in a 2018 article in the LA Times (sorry can’t link it because of paywall):

“In all my years in the NFL, I can’t think of a single ‘Let’s go win one for the Gipper’ halftime speech,” said Super Bowl-winning coach Brian Billick, among the more eloquent speakers in the game. “It’s certainly more about, ‘Here’s what happened. Here’s what we’re going to start out doing in the second half.’ It’s the same way with people saying these teams make these brilliant halftime adjustments. I’ve never seen it. I’ve seen people make adjustments during the course of the game. I’ve seen people adjust during the second half. But I’ve never heard of anybody at halftime getting this flash of divine inspiration: ‘Oh, let’s do this!’ ” ​

Here are some of the reasons why halftime adjustments are mostly a myth:

• First and foremost, adjustments are actually being made the whole game. The best HCs and coordinators are adjusting game plans, plays and noticing what the other team is doing throughout the game. Most coaches say if you wait until half to make adjustments, it’s too late.

• Many coordinators are up in the press box- by the time they get to the locker room and take a restroom break, there’s no time for big speeches or charts. Sometimes position coaches may circle up a few players, but big halftime speeches or adjustments usually aren’t happening.

• By the time players get to locker room and take restroom breaks, there is very little time for much else. I recent heard Dak say in an interview there’s not a lot said at the half. NFL halftimes only last 15 minutes. By the time players get off the field, there’s just not much time.

So the next time you hear the old saying, “They made some great halftime adjustments”, just know that’s mostly a myth.

Amazing . And to think that was most of the criticism of Garrett’s coaching staff over the years . All rubbish. Shocking ..

 

[jazzcat22]

On that note. I always find the little mini interviews the sideline reporters do with coaches after the 1st and 3rd quarter to be comical.


1. You can tell the coaches hate it because their focus is elsewhere.

2. None of the coaches say anything other than your typical coach speak lol. “We gotta stop the run”. “We gotta pass protect better” etc. lol

Yeah I don't like those, and never really like the halftime interviews either.

However the best halftime interview ever.....
SB XXVII
They asked Jimmy about Buffalo being known for big 2nd half comebacks....Jimmy....WE AIN'T HOUSTON.....

 

[Diehardblues]

Former Ravens coach Brian Bilick said (quoted in the OP) “…the same way with people saying these teams make these brilliant halftime adjustments. I’ve never seen it. I’ve seen people make adjustments during the course of the game. I’ve seen people adjust during the second half. But I’ve never heard of anybody at halftime getting this flash of divine inspiration: ‘Oh, let’s do this!’ ”

Famous college coach Mike Leach used to say when he was at Texas Tech that halftime was too late for adjustments and that usually when things aren’t working, it’s because of poor play execution. Leach called adjustments, “players playing better”.

That was always Landry’s take. Poor execution was a common symptom. Or better execution was the key to success.

 

[DanA]

Half time adjustments happen, otherwise they’d just sip Gatorade and rest up rather than break in to position group meetings.

Obviously they make small adjustments all game but you don’t always get 10 minutes to convey a concept at other stages of the game and with more time you get more opportunity to think, and adjust.

 

[terra]

Parcells made adjustments before he had to in anticipation of the other coach, that is a form or arrogance.

With both teams in NY and in NE he let it play out until the other coach blinked but I think he thought he got smarter when he got to Dallas and would just beat them to the punch.

He owns the worst coached playoff game in Cowboys history and Romo's bobble covered up one of the worst game plans of all time against a team with both Safety's off the street and one was Pete Hunter, who they knew very well. All he did was praise his buddy, Holmgren, and then let him outcoach him with little to no adjustments during that game. I was ready for him to go after that game.

I sense someone has supped of the bowl of sour grapes as he describes himself as a coach. Bottom line is that BP is in the HOF and you are not.

 

[Bobhaze]

On that note. I always find the little mini interviews the sideline reporters do with coaches after the 1st and 3rd quarter to be comical.


1. You can tell the coaches hate it because their focus is elsewhere.

2. None of the coaches say anything other than your typical coach speak lol. “We gotta stop the run”. “We gotta pass protect better” etc. lol

I absolutely hate the sideline interviews at pre-game time, halftime and post game. Again Miss State head coach Mike Leach usually gives a great halftime interview. If he’s losing, when asked what adjustments need to be made, Leach almost always gives the most honest and true 5 word statement to what is essentially a stupid question- “We need to play better”.

 

[Bobhaze]

That was always Landry’s take. Poor execution was a common symptom. Or better execution was the key to success.

Landry was an absolute master of film room breakdowns. Most players who played for Landry said he spent hours in the film room with players showing them where their execution worked and where it needed to improve.

Landry was not a rah-rah type coach who gave rousing speeches. His genius was his ability to have his teams completely prepared each week for their opponent with uncanny attention to detail. The Landry-era Cowboys were almost always the best prepared team in the league.