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Last updated: Jan 09, 2023
Table of Contents
- What is Halftime in Football?
- Football Halftime Show
- Football Halftime Speech
- Halftime Adjustments
- Football Second Half
- FAQ
Every football game is made up of two halves broken up into four quarters of game time. Between the second and third quarters of the game, there is a long break in play called halftime.This intermission period lasts 13 minutes and allows players and teams time to reorganize and prepare for the third and fourth quarters.
During halftime, play is suspended.Most commonly, the teams go into their respective locker rooms to strategize. During this period, another form of entertainment will typically take over the field and perform for the spectators. This performance is called the halftime show.
Football Halftime Show
The halftime show usually consists of some form of entertainment, like a marching band or a celebrity performer. Outside of this entertainment, this is a time for more commercials and for sports analysts to comment on the game. The Super Bowl halftime show is known for being one of the most extravagant performances of the year; it is carefully choreographed and broadcast for millions of viewers to see. During the Super Bowl, the halftime show is much larger in scale and production than halftime shows during a typical football game.
While commercials and the halftime show are going on for the fans and media, the team gets an opportunity to talk privately in the locker room. Most commonly, the head coach will give a speech to players in order to motivate them for the second half. If they are down at the half, the coach will have to inspire them to do better, and if they are up at the half, the coach wants to make sure they keep up the momentum. These speeches during halftime are crucial to keeping up team morale for the rest of the game.
Halftime Adjustments
Halftime is a valuable intermission where coaches and players can make adjustments to their strategy based on what happened in the first half. At higher levels of football, coaches will show their players film from the first half and point out weaknesses in the other team’s defense to exploit. They can also show players any mistakes they made and how to avoid them in the second half.
The second half begins at the start of the third quarter. When play returns in the second half, the team who kicked off in the first half will receive the ball on the opening kickoff. Just like in the first half, the teams will switch directions after the end of the third quarter.
FAQ
How long is halftime in football?
Halftime during an NFL game lasts approximately 13 minutes.However, for special events like the Super Bowl, halftime will be longer. These 13 minutes are used by teams to strategize, rest, and recover for the second half.
How long is the break between quarters in football?
The break between quarters in the NFL is two minutes long.This is much shorter than the break for halftime, which is 13 minutes long. Teams use the break between quarters to quickly recover and adjust strategy.
When is halftime in football?
Halftime always takes place between the second and third quarters of a football game. Each quarter is 15 minutes long, so after 30 minutes have elapsed from the game clock, it is time for halftime. Keep in mind that 30 minutes of game time will take longer than 30 minutes of real time since the game clock is frequently stopped for substitutions, timeouts, injuries, and other reasons.
