In this article I will share my point of view on pre game talk. Please be aware that it base on my observations and experience. Other coaches could have arguments to make it differently, especially on top level.
When?
In my opinion the best is to make that directly before warm up. The players should be ready to get the court. It means every 'pre warm up’ activities like taping, messages should be done before pre game talk. All phones hidden and muted. I prefer not to make another block of time between pre game talk and warm up because I feel that that break calms down our player while we want them to be motivated after the pre game talk. Some coaches prefer to go to dressing room after warm up to make motivational talk, however it is risky to make that habit because sometimes logistics will not let you do it.
How long?
I would say for me the perfect time is between 10 and 15 minutes. If it is shorter – it is hard for players to get into 'game mode’ and focus totally on a game. If it is much longer – we lose player’s attention, they get bored and they can even be demotivated and overwhelmed. There could be exceptions. If the coach has huge authority and charisma then probably will attract attention of the player for longer time with motivational speech. Nevertheless, we should always be prepared and concrete. I always make notes to know exactly what I want to say. Players are intelligent and will immediately know once you start talking nonsense. I try to always make pre game talk with the same time length. No matter if we play the last team or the leader of the table. The exceptions: pre season friendly games – sometimes I allow shorter talk.
Goals
- To remind the information about opponent. Players, strengths, weak points, tactical schemas etc.
- To remind about our tactical plan for the game.
- To focus on the game and get into 'game mode’.
- To motivate (team spirit).
How? (the structure)
- Entry: circumstances, match rate, information about opponent.
- Tactical plan. Reminding about few (described before on video) tactical plays of the opponent & our tactical plan (few tactical plays vs the opponent).
- Motivational part. Focus on things and values that motivate us as a team. We all want to be awaken and ready for fighting on 100%.
Rules
Build up a tension. If you start with motivational part, the players will be excited and will not focus on the tactics.
Focus on a positive things. We try to underline our strengths. If we call our lose or weak side, do that only to motivate (and if you are sure that it motivate the players). You have about 16 players and if you tell them to make everything to not to fell like after last game you lost – some of them will be motivated and other demotivated or scared of loosing again. Remember that.
If you show the tactics, never show new things in pre game talk. It is not the time and too late to make it happen on a court. In my opinion it should be repetition from the video session you make during previous week (before the game). I like to focus on 2-3 tactics rival’s plays. Do not overwhelm the players – they will not remember 10 details you tell just before the game. Also, do not change the strategy before the game – you cannot do that. Adapt that with the tactics for a next game. More about that you can read here: https://bethecoach.pl/index.php/2023/02/15/strategy-or-tactics-is-that-the-same/
Be prepared. Make notes. Players do not like to hear nonsense talk or the same thing twice or more times during one talk. Respect everyone’s attention and time.
Always ask the players if they see something differently or they want to add something. If the players are creative and want to cooperate it is the biggest value you can have. Give them space to discuss and make their own insights.
And last but not least: Always BE YOURSELF. Everyone want to be the person who attract attention. But not every coach has this kind of authority and charisma. If you are calm and analytical – do not pretend anyone else. Probably all of us are mix of calm and charismatic coach. Just find your way and always be honest in pre game talk – it will pays off!