6 tips for players biding their time for a chance to start

By Nick Ragsdale | Posted 10/23/2014

Riding the pine.

Benchwarmer.

Pine time player.

No matter how you say it, sitting on the bench can be disheartening for young football players. I would argue that the hardest, most emotionally draining, frustrating position in football is backup anything. You have a kid who prepares all week and probably has confidence he can perform if he’d only get a shot, but maybe it rarely – if ever – comes this season.

So what do you do? Do you suck it up and wait for your time? Do you switch teams? Do you quit? Never fear. I have some ideas that should help make you the player you want to be and your coaches and teammates want to be around.

  1. Your time will come. I know that it’s cliche, but like your mother always says: Your time will come. It might come next game, later this season or next season, but there will come a time when your team needs you on the field and contributing. Keeping a positive attitude and preparing every day like you will be starting is the best way to make sure you stay in the starting spot when your time comes.
  2. You will be better for it. You probably hate hearing it, but it’s true. It is better to earn something than to be given it. Things that we earn, whether it’s a car or playing time, mean more to us because we know how much sacrifice it took to get it. Even if you stop playing football after high school, you will never regret sticking to something, persevering for a goal and a seeing it through to completion. I guarantee you a winning attitude like that will serve you well for the rest of your life.
  3. Talk to the coach. If you want to know what you need to do to earn some playing time, try talking to the coach. Be careful with your approach. You don’t want to be seen as demanding playing time or questioning his ability. Instead, make sure that you are respectful and ask what you can work on to improve your game, then earn his trust on the practice field. Most coaches will see this determination and commitment as an asset and will look at your game a little closer. Prove to them that you are willing to put in the time, and you should see the field soon.
  4. Don’t complain. While it could be beneficial to talk to your coach about playing time, it’s probably not a good idea to talk to everyone about it. Talking to teammates about riding the pine can be seen as belligerent or start unnecessary rumors – and probably offend the guy who currently holds the starting job. 
  5. Do you value winning or playing? At some point, you may feel like you need to make a decision: What’s more important, winning while riding the bench or changing teams so you can play? A team deep with talent may not need you until you are older. More experienced players probably will get most of the playing time. You might be tempted to go to a less talented team that will give you a chance to start. Be careful. The grass isn’t always greener. Great teams are great for a reason. Coaches know how to develop talent, and they teach athletes how to prepare. However, if you’ve waited and still aren’t getting any opportunities to play, you may want to check out other options. Talk to your parents and coaches and make the decision that is best for you long-term, not just for one season.
  6. Be a good teammate. It’s hard riding the bench, but being a good teammate is important. Cheer on your teammates, encourage them and help the guy who is starting in front of you prepare. If you see something on the sidelines that might help the players on the field, be sure to share the knowledge. A good attitude will make your teammates want you to succeed when your time comes – and often this comes from you cheering them on first. Remember Rudy?

Nick Ragsdale is a football-loving, blog-writing contributor to USA Football, an Indianapolis Colts season ticket holder and parent. He likes tacos, movies and short walks on the beach (the sand can get hot).

 

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