Time: 14:50 – 15:05
Session: PhD & Trainee Talk

Half-Time Team Talks in Elite Sport – What Works / What Doesn’t?

Speaker Profile

Eamon Devlin is a PhD researcher at Leeds Beckett University, focusing on communication and decision-making in elite sport. He is the founder of Minute9, a consultancy working with professional teams to enhance performance through improved communication in high-pressure situations.

His work bridges sport, business, and psychological science, drawing on experience as a lawyer, researcher, and performance consultant working with elite organisations across football and rugby.

Overview

This session explores the role of half-time communication in elite sport, examining how coaches and teams use this critical moment to influence performance. Drawing on PhD research and applied consultancy work, the session highlights common challenges identified by coaches, players, and support staff.

It will provide insight into how half-time is experienced by athletes and outline practical, evidence-informed strategies that coaches can use to improve clarity, decision making, and impact during high-pressure moments.