Sportsmanship From The Bench

One of the most important aspects of a team's culture is the coaches' ability to make every player on the team feel important whether they are a starter or a role player. The bench can be a powerful element during competition. To me, it can become the X factor if you have people on the bench that are positive, energized, and are engaged in the game. Engaged can mean different things to different people. To me, every player on the bench has a purpose during the game whether it is charting opponents' tendencies, watching signs of opponents that may give you an advantage, giving verbal communication while on defense, or just making sure they are prepared to go into the game when their number is called. You have many ways to help your team when you are not a starter if you have a positive attitude and accept your role as a pinch runner, pinch hitter, bull pen catcher, or a late inning replacement on defense. These are all roles that must be established and communicated with your players so they will buy in to their role for the team's success. It does not mean that you do not continue to work hard in practices and try to be in the starting line-up! Playing time should be earned by your performance each day and if the process is a good one, through time and effort your opportunity will come. 

Written by: ASA Director of Coaching Education and two-time Olympic Coach Mike Candrea