There are several coaching adages out there that deal with the bench player. “You’re only as good as your weakest player”, probably rings true. Even though, most coaches focus on developing the starters’ talents and abilities rather than the non-starters. Several problems could arise from ignoring the bench players or treating them differently than the starters. One of the most devastating problems to a team’s chemistry is poor attitudes which like a cancer will spread and eventually kill the team. Usually the negative attitude starts with players who are not getting playing time or who don’t feel like a valued member of the team. If this attitude goes unchecked and the coach chooses to ignore this problem rather than addressing it, then other players will feed off of this negativity and the team’s cohesion and performance will suffer.
There are many different ways to get bench players to feel like valued parts of the team. It will take a conscientious effort on the part of the coach to take some steps, but this investment will reap larger returns through the season.
Here are several proven ways to handle the bench players

1) Define a role for each player and communicate that with the player. One of the most important qualities of a coach is to be honest with their communications with a player. Let the player know that they will be getting a few minutes every game and that their job is to play great defense against the other teams’ leading scorer. Or possibly their role is to possess the ball and get it to another scorer. Need to communicate with that player and honestly let them know what their contribution to the team will be.

2) During practices, call out their names. This lets them know that you’re recognizing their efforts…and that you know their name! People like to hear their name being called.

3) Whenever possible, use their efforts as positive examples. Point out during practices what the player is doing well to the rest of the team. This gives them the recognition and satisfaction of knowing that the coach is noticing them.

4) Focus your “awards” to areas that bench players can excel. Many coaches give out daily, weekly or seasonal awards for various qualities. Rather than recognizing the MVP or the All-League players (the starters), choose awards for Hustle, Unselfish play, Effort and Sacrifice to the team. Maybe you recognize Spirit, Sportsmanship and Dedication. Focus on these types of awards and in your presentations, give those players their much deserved recognition.

5) In any communication, game summaries, school paper stories etc… give recognition to some of the bench players for the roles that they have. Give recognition to them for working hard as the scout team and that’s why the team was so well prepared. Again, give them recognition.

We’ve included more ideas from our video series on handling coaches from Coach Mac
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Handling the bench players:

• Takes a conscientious effort on the part of the coach
• Can help build great team chemistry
• Can make it a positive experience for all players, coaches and parents