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8 Ways to Help your Team and Yourself from the Bench

Article by Stacie Mahoe

Almost every player comes upon a time in their career where they find themselves on the bench. For some it's because of injury, for others it's simply because they need a little more "polishing" before earning their own playing time. Now I've heard many people say things like "You don't learn anything by sitting on the bench" or "I'm not good because I never get to play" and "I'm only second string." However, I believe, a player on the bench are just as important as any other player on the team. I've said it once and I'll say it once more, even from the bench you can have an impact on your team and even on the bench, you can continue to learn and improve as a player. How do I know? Heck, I spent time on the bench too. It took some getting used to, but I took that role just as seriously as I took any starting role.

So with that in mind, here are some things I learned about helping your team and continuing to improve as a player while "sitting on the bench."

1. Support teammates every single inning - top and bottom
Yes, this means chatter. This means letting those starters know you're there, you're paying attention, and you support them 100% no matter what the situation. It's easy to be upbeat and supportive when things are going great, but often times I see teams and players quiet down or lose intensity and confidence when things aren't quite going their way. This is when your team needs you the MOST. Stay up, stay positive, keep encouraging and supporting your teammates on the field on offense and defense. It's tough for those the players in the game to get "down" when their teammates on the bench won't let them. Be the strong foundation they need so they don't crumble and fall when things get rough.

2. Know the situation and help your defense
This helps both you and your team. You can be the one who prevents a mental error by reminding your teammates out on the field what the situation is before the play happens. Help keep them alert and ready. This also helps you because although you're not on the field, you are still going through every situation as though you were. That way, when it's your turn, you have just as much "experience" in those situations as the players in the game. You've seen the situations just like any regular starter, you've been through them, and you've had a chance to learn and see what to do in each one. During a game, this also keeps you mentally alert and sharp so that if your coach needs you to step in, your mind is already at "game speed."

3. Keep track of opposing batters
Make notes of opposing batters, where they hit, if they chase high pitches, if they got burned on a change, if they have power, speed, etc. Then alert your defense when someone with exceptional speed or power comes up to bat. Remind your teammates on defense where the batter went the last time. Give them any edge you can in successfully defending against each batter. Again this also helps you get to learn batters strengths and weaknesses so that when you get your turn on the field, you'll already be one step ahead.

4. Study the opposing pitcher
See if you can pick up any tendencies or cues that the pitcher may have. Maybe they use a certain pitch at a certain point in the count. Maybe they present their change up a little differently than their other pitches. Maybe she's always throwing the first pitch for a strike. Maybe she's starting off inside, then finishing off the count outside. What is her favorite "go to" pitch? Anything you can pick up and alert your team to can be helpful in the success of your team's offense. Once more, this information also helps you if you find yourself in the batters box in the game or if you find yourself hitting against this pitcher in the future.

5. Study the opposing coaches
See if you can figure out a signal. Often times coaches give defensive signals (pick offs, 1st and 3rd plays, etc), pitching signals, and hitting/offensive signals. Can you figure one of them out? Imagine giving your team the slight advantage of knowing when the other team was going to bunt or steal or throw a change-up or run a pick off. Plus it's kind of fun when you figure one out.

6. Help keep the dugout tidy
This may sound simple and unimportant, but it can actually be a big help. Often times the players on the field have to get in and out of the dugout quickly as they change over from offense to defense. Having a dugout that is unorganized and messy can really hinder the speed at which your teammates make this transition which, in turn, can limit warm-up time leaving your teammates less prepared when the game gets back in full swing. With a neat and organized dugout, players aren't scrambling while looking for equipment, the chance of tripping over equipment or other players lessens, and players have more time to prepare mentally and physically for their next task be it offense or defense.

7. Pay attention to signals
Earlier we talked about opposing team's signals, but this time we're talking about your own team signals. Practice reading all the signals being given by your coach. One thing that drives me nuts as a coach is a lost opportunity because of a missed signal. Use every chance you have and practice getting the signals correct so that when you're in the game, you'll know exactly what the coach wants of you for any given signal offense or defense.

8. Stay warm
Last but not least, stay warm throughout the game. You never know when your team may need you in the game. You don't want to come off the bench "cold." Throw every now and then swing the bat every now and then run every now and then. Some teams have everyone warm up in the outfield when their defense goes out, some teams have players run between innings, others teams have nets set up so that players can take swings during the game. If your coach has those opportunities to stay warm in place for you, make use of them. Take them seriously. Keep yourself "game ready" physically. Even if your coach doesn't make everyone throw or run every inning, offer to warm-up the outfielder or ask your coach if it's okay for you to take a jog down the foul line between innings. Even if there isn't a net set up where you can hit off the tee or hit some soft toss, usually there's some space outside the dugout where you can grab your bat and take a few swings, just to stay loose and ready. If your coach calls upon you in a game to come off the bench, you want to be ready and make the most of your playing time! Plus your team needs you to fill in the spot you're given just like a starter. So stay warm and stay ready both mentally and physically.

Remember, just because you are not on the field, doesn't mean you're not important. Your team still needs you "in the game." There is a LOT you can do on the bench to help your team succeed and also grow as a player at the same time. Don't count yourself out just because you're on the bench. Take advantage of every chance you're given. Help your team and yourself in any way you can think of. This is just a short list of things you can do to be a positive impact on your team. I challenge you to find other ways to contribute to your team's success. There are many out there, get your butt up off that bench if you have to, take charge, and make a difference on your team.

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