The final two hours leading up to a match is a critical planning and management time for the coach. This time is important for team bonding and reinforcing the team plan and giving individual players specific instructions.

Pre-Match Meeting

In this meeting the coach must reinforce team tactics decided earlier in the week and practised at training. Little new information should be given. This brief meeting should aim to:

• eliminate all confusion and distraction
• calm anxious players
• unite all players in the sense of belonging to a team.
• clearly spell out the team plan for the game with reference to the ground condition and opposition team

General Warm Up and Stretching

Players should start preparing physically for the game with the pre-match warm up. They should commence their own physical preparation with individual stretching and ball handling. Following this, there is a general team warm up of 4 to 5 minutes to be conducted by the fitness adviser.

During the warm up period the build-up should be gradual. The coach must maintain a calm approach and use this time to individually talk to players giving final instructions and reassuring them with positive words of encouragement.

At the end of the group warm up allow time for individual preparation. All players react differently prior to a match and therefore should be given the opportunity to have a few minutes to themselves.

Pre-Match Address

Finally, just prior to going out on the ground the coach should address the team as one. The final instructions should provide a concise summary of the team plan with reference to the key areas of that plan.

Concentrate on gaining the early initiative and working hard against the opposition. Look no further than the first quarter. Given the stress of the pre-match situation, footballers can absorb a limited number of instructions, therefore the message should be brief.

On Ground Warm Up

Many coaches ignore the final few minutes prior to the start of a match. However, the on ground warm up provides a great opportunity for players to 'acclimatise' to the ground and prevailing weather conditions.

A short, sharp skills warm up should be organised. This can be followed by a general kicking session, especially important for forwards.

Team leaders can be given responsibilities in this situation with the captain giving a last minute reminder to fellow team members.

The Match

Full concentration is required during the course of the game. A well organised coach will be prepared to meet all contingencies and deal with them in a quick and efficient manner.

On The Bench

Select the personnel you require to sit with you in the coach's box to observe the game. Try to avoid interference or distraction from outside influences.

Use of Assistants

An assistant coach or injured player can be used to note down key plays as they occur. These can be useful fir the quarter time address.

Team Runner

Use the runner to relay messages and to positively reinforce passages of team play. The runner can also provide feedback from the players to the coach.

Quarter-Time Break

The quarter time break should be used productively to allow players to rest and seek medical attention if required. The coach can seek out individual players for special instruction. Speak briefly to the team, commenting on the general pattern of play with emphasis on your attacking and defensive play. Look toward the next quarter of the game highlighting the type of team play required.

Half-Time Interval

The half time interval alows players to rest and give the coach and match committee time to assess the team's performance, examine the statistical information and make adjustments to the team line up. The coach should spend time talking positively to individual players suggesting ways they can improve. If the team is playing below its ability, it should be told so. The coach can be critical of the team performance but should avoid individual criticism.

In the half time address the coach can review the first half performance and suggest ways of improving the team effort in the next quarter.

Post Match

Immediately after the game, briefly sit the players down and provide some general feedback on the team's performance. Be positive outlining the good features of the game. You might ask the players 'What did we do well?' followed by 'What can we improve on?'. Listen carefully to the players' responses. They will provide valuable information on the team's performance.

The coach, in consultation with the match committee, is then able to plan training for the week ahead.

Injured players should be treated and given appropriate attention prior to leaving the ground.