Pause, realign and recover. Learn how to a timeout as effectively as possible.

Playoff time is intense! Tight hockey in post-season play is the norm and is characterized by precise execution and purposeful strategy in a high-intensity environment. The often do-or-die stakes mean that every read and react, and every play, requires consistent and ideal execution. In fact, during playoff games, all positional assignments become musts, and risk and reward scenarios on the ice become a narrowed proposition allowing predetermined team strategies to rule the day. Because of this, the strategic use of the timeout becomes vital and more consequential when compared to other seasonal periods.

In its basicness, the timeout is simply a temporary suspension of play. Signalling a timeout allows the coaches of either team to pause, realign and recover. Each team is provided one 30-second timeout per game. As such, this valuable breather can, at its best, allow for team communication, strategic demarcation, physical and mental recuperation, some motivation and confidence adjustments, as well as exercising control over perceived momentum. Of course, the timeout is legally employed during a stoppage of play, but cannot be used after an icing. Analytics suggests the frequency of timeouts increases in the last five minutes of regulation time, and most are taken by the trailing team. Furthermore, the team taking the timeout is typically losing by one goal. In other sports, timeouts are frequently used, and in hockey, the suggestion is that most teams underuse this strategy.

As a Head Coach ask yourself: are your team’s timeouts as effective and productive as they could be? Or are they inefficacious, disorganized affairs chosen randomly? For many teams, the latter is true. And unfortunately, the poor use of the timeout suggests a wasted opportunity and a withdrawal from team confidence. This is because of the unorganized exchanges and confused execution and explanations that an impromptu timeout can create. A panicked and poor timeout is, in fact, at the top of the list of things that erode players’ confidence in their coaches.

On the flip side is the well-placed and well-used timeout. One that builds player confidence and motivation and one that calms and creates the capacity to perform. The best timeouts are therefore clear, concise re-sets that result in periods of tactical advantage, recovery and sensed momentum change. To win big games, productive timeout use is required and results in invaluable and strategic play outcomes. Statistically, more quality shots on the net and more scoring chances result from good timeouts. A coach must evaluate if the probability of using a time out will allow for unique chances or if letting the gameplay out is best. Again analysis and the numbers suggest that a timeout used late in a one-goal game by the trailing team is a launchpad for a set play like an offensive zone faceoff. Or just a chance to rest the top five.

As with all coaching strategies and methods, preparation and acuity are key factors in the timeout. Therefore, pre-game considerations must be made in advance of timeout placement. As a coaching staff meet and answer, “When in the game…” questions and the “If this, then…” questions. For example, discuss with your Assistant Coaches the prescription of the timeout late in the game, below the 3:00 min mark when tied or up by one. Being specific and time-based in answering these questions will help with needed on-the-spot decisions in the heat of the game when distraction is at its peak. Situation-specific discussions are also warranted and recommended. Situations must be thoroughly discussed and identified as triggers for the timeout. For example, if the puck is low in the offensive zone with sustained puck control and pressure, or perhaps if a penalty is called at a key juncture and the first unit special team has been on the ice for a long shift. These and other play situations are locations that will dictate team determinations for the timeout. Furthermore, as I recently learned, having all players, especially the player notifying the official, on the same page as to when and if, is also crucial. Having even one unclear player can end the chance to change the game.

A timeout effectively executed can also cue players’ focus toward the opponent’s alignment and positioning, as well as highlighting tendencies to provide your team with an advantage. Furthermore, specific and practiced roles and responsibilities can be quickly reviewed in a well-done timeout. For example, on the other side of the puck, the leading team may use its timeout when trapped in the defensive zone. This may be a situation to reorganize and review in the timeout or where the line out there is outmatched and the increased hazard of losing the lead is the reason for the timeout. It is notable to consider that when statistical modelling is used at the end of a one-goal hockey game as a survival situation of the leading team, timeouts by either team do not seem to have any significant effect on the probability that the leading team holds its lead.

Regardless of the X’s and O’s and analytics, or even if the whiteboard or video tablet is used to instruct during the timeout, the following four keys will immediately improve your timeouts.

1. Demand attention – Get eye contact and make sure everyone on the ice can see the diagrammed play. All active players must hear and see so choose a section of the bench to report to that is free of distraction and clutter. Verification of understanding of the directions provided is also a must. Ask for it and get an acknowledgement. All players on the ice including the goaltender must attend the brief. No exceptions.
2. Instruct and inform – This is the time as a coach to utilize your authoritative leadership skills. Take charge of the situation and use concise and directive language directly. Exude confidence. The limited time (30 seconds) is the constraint that demands this contingent communication/leadership style. Select the chosen strategy or play from known plays and strategies. Now is not the time to make it up. Pick the tried, true and proven and have these key plays pre-loaded into the tablet with animation or video (See Hockey Coach Vision for examples of animation tools) or place pre-drawn plays on the whiteboard using a clear laminate overlay as a time saver. The timeout isn’t the time for discussion and/or for extended player discourse. Instead, it is time to get specific directive strategies out on the ice.
3. Use and answer questions – use close-ended questions to elicit understanding. Answer any questions and allow for a quick end of timeout clarifier. Finish with a flurry of pre-determined cues like jump here, hold up, swing, quick release and not your guy! Ambiguity and misunderstanding will kill you without seeking understanding. Don’t assume they understood your instruction.
4. Clarify outcome and key roles – Players always want to know why. Fulfilling this need will motivate and will allow them to attend to their specific technical and tactical requirements within the called play or strategy. Assignment of who does what from the coaching staff. For example, an Assistant Coach, the tactician, may be board-in-hand, at ice level, diagramming the formation using recognized symbols and arrows. In these situations, players must be identified by their assigned number and name. Avoid the use of F1, F2, F3, D1, D2 or LW, C, RW, RD, and LD terminology. Obscurity and misunderstandings in these circumstances will kill you.

With the tips in this article, find your best strategic advantage and enjoy that the use of your timeout will be vital and consequential in the next big win.