Deferring to 2nd Half

[GoRangers]

How is deferring any different than losing the coin toss? I mean, if you lose the coin toss, you get to decide the 2nd-half KO anyway.

I know there are subtleties, but I rarely see deferring as an advantage, yet it is done quite often.

Hmm...

[jrock210]

How is deferring any different than losing the coin toss? I mean, if you lose the coin toss, you get to decide the 2nd-half KO anyway.

I know there are subtleties, but I rarely see deferring as an advantage, yet it is done quite often.

Hmm...

I like when Judson receives in the 2nd half cuz you start off with the ball

[GoRangers]

I like when Judson receives in the 2nd half cuz you start off with the ball

So, you're saying the coin toss allows you to decide you'll get the ball to start the 2nd half, and that this decision is more important than getting the ball to start the game.

I believe teams that score 1st in a game are statistically more likely to win the game than getting the ball to start the 2nd half. No basis, just my belief.

[ktchamp97]

I always liked the thought of deferring, because getting the ball after halftime is usually at the very least a boost in confidence and it has the potential to change the game.

For example, say you go into halftime down 14...if you know you're getting the ball to start the second half, you know you have an immediate chance to get right back in the game if you've deferred. If you took the ball to start the game and you're down 14, you could face going down 21 pretty quickly and that would be a devastating blow.

Likewise, let's say you jump out to a 14 point lead at the half and you know you're getting the ball back. Now you're in position to deliver what could be a knockout punch if you are able to go up 21. If you had taken the ball to start the game, you'd face the possibility of having all of your momentum taken away if the opposing team takes the opening drive of the second half in for a TD.

[GoRangers]

I always liked the thought of deferring, because getting the ball after halftime is usually at the very least a boost in confidence and it has the potential to change the game.

For example, say you go into halftime down 14...if you know you're getting the ball to start the second half, you know you have an immediate chance to get right back in the game if you've deferred. If you took the ball to start the game and you're down 14, you could face going down 21 pretty quickly and that would be a devastating blow.

Likewise, let's say you jump out to a 14 point lead at the half and you know you're getting the ball back. Now you're in position to deliver what could be a knockout punch if you are able to go up 21. If you had taken the ball to start the game, you'd face the possibility of having all of your momentum taken away if the opposing team takes the opening drive of the second half in for a TD.

I see your point. I guess all of this is predicated on which score is more important: the one to start the game, or the one coming out after half-time. Also, if weather is involved, all you can decide is to get the ball or not to start the 2nd half, or the field direction, but not both.

If deferring is so advantageous, why have a coin flip to start the game (unless both teams want to defer). You're basically consceding the 1st-half decision to the other team, anyway.

[jrock210]

So, you're saying the coin toss allows you to decide you'll get the ball to start the 2nd half, and that this decision is more important than getting the ball to start the game.

I believe teams that score 1st in a game are statistically more likely to win the game than getting the ball to start the 2nd half. No basis, just my belief.

I just like to say that if you can score right before half and right after you have a quick 14 point turn

[slorch]

Another reason to defer is if your defense is strong and you would rather have your opponent lead off the game on offense. By deferring, you are forcing your opponent to face your defense of give up a possession right off the top if they choose to kick off( actually played in a game on JV where we deferred, and the other team still chose to kick to us because they thought their defense was so awesome. It wasn't :eek:)

[78 Spartan]

Another reason to defer is that you have confidence in your offensive half-time adjustments. At the beginning of the game, you are guessing about what you are going to see from the opponents' defense, but at the beginning of the third quarter, you've seen it and you know.

Stratford has been particularly outstanding offensively in the third quarter and I believe this is why. Our halftime X's and O's adjustments have been really great this year. I was doubting this strategy early in the year because we tended to get behind in the ballgames, but as I've watched more closely I see the logic in having the ball to start the third quarter.

[WHS23]

Another reason for deferring could be because of the wind....... You may choose to defend a certain end of the field in the fourth quarter due to wind factors which could possible affect special teams and good field position in your favor:)

Just another possibility:D

[slorch]

Another reason for deferring could be because of the wind....... You may choose to defend a certain end of the field in the fourth quarter due to wind factors which could possible affect special teams and good field position in your favor:)

Just another possibility:D

especially in West Texas...:eek: It is a very real factor.

[FarmerFootballPlayer]

Another reason to defer is if your defense is strong and you would rather have your opponent lead off the game on offense. By deferring, you are forcing your opponent to face your defense of give up a possession right off the top if they choose to kick off( actually played in a game on JV where we deferred, and the other team still chose to kick to us because they thought their defense was so awesome. It wasn't :eek:)

Lol, we actually did that once this year. Not because we thought we were awesome, but just because we made a dumb mistake. I didn't even know one team was allowed to kick twice. :D

[lonny23]

Teams defer because they're young men and have a fear of commitment!:D

OK, it usually means you like to play defense first, but don't want to choose to kick and not get the ball first in either half. Yes, I've seen teams choose to kick first and not get the ball in either half. I played in a flag game or two where the captain chose to kick after we won the toss and I wanted to kick him.

[STJL41]

Lol, we actually did that once this year. Not because we thought we were awesome, but just because we made a dumb mistake. I didn't even know one team was allowed to kick twice. :D

Neither did I until I saw the Katy vs. Houston Madison game this season...

[FootballCrazy727]

I dont think it really matters either way. Personally though I want the ball to start the game so I can send a message to the other team.