Coaching Culture 412: Rethinking Halftime: Why Less is More in Coaching with Eamon Devlin of Minute Nine
Aug 3, 2025
Eamon Devlin, Founder of Minute Nine, focuses on optimizing communication during high-stakes moments in sports. He reveals how traditional halftime speeches often miss the mark and shares his journey from law to sports consulting. Eamon emphasizes the importance of brevity and emotional well-being for players, suggesting that clarity can enhance performance. He also advocates for a supportive communication culture, highlighting the power of genuine connection over dramatic outbursts. Coaches and athletes alike will find his insights transformative.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Origin Of Minute Nine
- Eamon named Minute Nine after timing a youth soccer team talk that lasted nine minutes during a heavy losing streak.
- His daughter's breakdown after a 24-0 loss sparked his interest in the science of halftime communication.
Halftime Is For Players
- Halftime must prioritise players, not the coach's need to vent or the fans' expectations.
- If a halftime talk won't help the players, Eamon argues it's better to say nothing.
Posture Reveals Halftime Impact
- Minute Nine measures players' posture and exit speed to infer halftime impact.
- Players often leave halftime more hunched and slower, suggesting talks can make them less ready for the second half.