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Introduction
Every aspiring athlete dreams of being a valuable contributor to their team. However, the reality is that you might not always get the playing time you desire. It's crucial not to give in to the frustration and disappointment that can come with sitting on the bench. In this article, we’ll discuss the mindset you need to shift in order to become a meaningful contributor to your team—no matter your role.
1. Embrace the Learning Opportunity
There’s often a reason you're not getting playing time. Instead of focusing on that frustration, see this time as an opportunity to learn. Take it as a chance to reflect on yourself and how you handle adversity. You can either let adversity make you bitter or better—the choice is yours.
The temptation to envy or feel jealous of those who are getting playing time is natural, but it's the biggest mistake you can make. Ask yourself:
“What am I not doing that I should be doing?”
“Do I know where I need to improve?”
“Have I truly invested the time to earn playing time?”
“What are the positive things my teammates are doing that I could adopt into my own habits?”
2. Maintain a Positive Attitude
It's easy to get discouraged and throw in the towel, especially when things feel tough. But when you give into complaints and negativity, you lose your power to change your situation. Positive results can't come from negative thoughts.
Decide that every day you will show up and give your best effort. Which leads us to the next point...
3. Work Hard During Practice For Playing Time
Many young athletes make the mistake of thinking they earn playing time only on game day. In reality, you earn it during practice. Practice is where you prove your worth and it must become your game day. Treat practice like a game, and shift your mindset accordingly.
This mindset shift was a game-changer for me in college. After adopting this approach, I went from being a bench player to a three-year starter.
4. Seek Feedback
As difficult as it can be, actively seek feedback. Elite athletes work closely with their coaches, using feedback to help them grow. Feedback from others helps us see blind spots we might not notice ourselves.
Don’t shy away from truth-tellers in your life. You need people who will be honest with you about what you’re doing right and where you can improve.
5. Be Patient and Persistent
This is why we emphasize “progress over perfection.” Focus on making small, incremental improvements every day. Over time, the results will follow. Remember, the oak tree started as a seed. Be diligent, take your time, and stay persistent. The tide will turn—will you be ready for the opportunity when it comes?
6. Focus on Team Contribution
Just because you’re not playing doesn’t mean you’re not a vital part of the team. In fact, moments like this can be perfect for finding ways to lead in your own way. Leadership isn't about titles—it's about positively influencing others.
7. Set Realistic Goals
Instead of fixating solely on playing time, set both short-term and long-term goals. Here are some examples:
Short-Term Goals:
Stay after practice for 15 minutes to work on your game.
Focus on improving one specific technique during practice.
Long-Term Goals:
Earn a starting spot on the team.
Improve a particular skill.
Become a team captain.
The key is to stay focused on your goals and track your progress. Write them down where you can see them every day. The more you see and think about your goals, the closer you’ll get to achieving them.
8. Stay Prepared
Opportunities can arise at any moment—be ready when they do! This means being physically fit, mentally sharp, and understanding your role on the team.
As the saying goes, “Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.” When your moment arrives, others will have to wait their turn. Your opportunity might be brief—like being put in during the last few minutes of a game—but consider it a test.
Give your best effort, even in small opportunities, because they are the stepping stones to bigger moments.
Conclusion
Facing limited playing time can be tough, but it’s a challenge that many successful athletes have faced. Use this time to develop your skills, contribute to your team, and demonstrate your commitment. Stay positive, work hard, and focus on continuous improvement.
Many professional athletes have come off the bench to achieve greatness. In time, you’ll look back and be grateful you didn’t give up. Your moment will come—press forward!
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