Great coaches know the importance of full participation.
"We put a huge premium on body language. If your body language is bad, you will never get in the game...I'm checking what's going on on the bench."
Pat Summitt routinely filmed the Tennessee bench to assess their involvement.
Coach Roy Williams was recruiting a player who fouled out. The player didn't sulk. He sprinted to the water cooler to get cups of water for his teammates still in the game. His actions showed a 'team first' player. Williams knew he had someone special. "Your actions speak so loudly I cannot hear a word you say."
Head coaches can't see everything, so assistants have to monitor the bench. Find willing energy givers on the sidelines. Players who GIVE from both the court and the bench make important contributions.
Layups.com suggests 8 ways to encourage reserve players.
1. Take the time to teach them individually
2. Follow their progress
3. Recognize their skills
4. Motivate them to improve their game
5. Listen to them
6. Give them the responsibility
7. Let them feel that they are important to the team
8. Take chances on them: Let them play
- Celebrate your teammates
- Give your teammates reminders
- Know the time, score, and situation
