Game Time

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Playing Goals

These may sound simple, even cliché — but they define The Titan Way:

• Play Hard – Every possession, every moment.

• Play Smart – Decision-making is a skill.

• Play Together – One team, one heartbeat.

 

Playing Time

• No one should be “buried” at the end of the bench. Relatively speaking, everyone should play at least 1/3 of the game (if not more).

• On the flip side, no one should play the entire game either. Rotating lineups and combinations give players deeper and richer experiences.

• As players advance into high school, especially at the varsity level, the tipping point changes — playing time is earned, roles become more defined, and the promise of minutes naturally weans.

 

Control the Controllables

The one exception to the playing-time expectation is The ACE Factor.

• Poor Attitude, lack of Concentration, or weak Effort → the bench can be our greatest ally and motivator.

• Whenever possible, make sure this is communicated with the player ahead of time so they understand why and what is expected moving forward.
   

PGA’s (Post-Game Assessments)

We need to be very careful with post-game conversations, especially right after competition.

• The Ride Home video reminds us that 70% of kids quit sports before high school. One of the biggest reasons? The conversations they have with parents and coaches immediately after games.

• In the heat of the moment, emotions run high. Parents and even coaches can unintentionally turn the ride home—or the post-game huddle—into a negative experience that crushes joy instead of building it.

• Critiques about effort, mistakes, or playing time often do more harm than good when kids are still processing the game themselves.

• Our role is to protect their love for the game. If we want them to stick with sports, we need to make sure post-game conversations are marked by encouragement, patience, and support—not lectures.
   

Post-Game Conversations: Do’s & Don’ts (For Coaches)

Do:

• Keep your post-game huddle brief and encouraging.

• Highlight team effort and one or two positives everyone can take away.

• Save deeper teaching for the next practice, not immediately after the game.

• Use questions to spark reflection later (“What did we do well today?”).

• Protect the fun and energy of playing the game.

Don’t:

• Don’t unload critiques while emotions are high.

• Don’t single out mistakes or playing time in front of teammates.

• Don’t relive every possession or coach in hindsight.

• Don’t make the post-game huddle about your frustration.

• Don’t rob players of the chance to simply enjoy competing together.

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Remember: The goal of the post-game is to send kids home excited to come back.