The Never Ending Challenge

What is the one thing every coach has to deal with all the way up to the pros? Playing time, no matter the team sport, no matter the level, playing time is always an issue. It comes from players, and all to often parents feel the need to give their unsolicited point as to why their player needs more time, innings, more minutes etc. I think you get my point because experiences like this are inevitable for any coach.

As players start to enter the more competitive ranks of sports where there are not rules concerning playing time it is important for coaches to take the time and explain how players will see minutes. I have this conversation early in the year and have it more then once. This way, there is no confusion amongst the players and there is a standard and clear expectation right from the start as to how one will get playing time. In the process this gives us as coaches more to lean on and refer back to when confronted by a parent. In addition it makes the player more accountable as to why they are getting the minutes they are.

There are a few ingredients I use to help determine playing time. The first is attendance at practice, can't play if you can't come to practice. Make the commitment and you will be rewarded. Attitude, one needs to have a good attitude while at practice, this plays into coachability which is equally as important. Attitude and coachability mean players are willing to listen and take the time to get better. Effort at practice goes a long way and playes into the two previous aspects. Players who never take a rep off and  practice at a high level throughout practice are able to play at a sustained high level come game time.

It is always a challenge to deal with playing time. I have found the ability to embrace the challenge because it is part of competitive sports, so it will follow me wherever I go. It helps with other aspects of team chemistry because it helps teens have perspective as well as mature as an athlete. Having clear expectations will help players understand how to get better and make the effort to do so. Clear expectations puts the accountability on the player to do their job in order to get playing time. Challenges are what make us grow as individuals, embrace them come up with a resolution and all will benefit, players coaches and parents.