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Not in the Line Up??? Be an All-Star
Garland Cooper
StudentSportsSoftball.com Managing Editor
Sitting the bench can be discouraging and frustrating to the point where it can consume a player and take the fun out of the game: but it doesn't have to.
There are countless ways to contribute off the field when you aren't in the line-up. Below are just a few ways to help your team win when you can't get the big hit or make the big play.
1. CHEER
That's right. Get on the fence and yell your brains out. Get the girl next to you to do it too.
Everyone on the team plays a role in wins and losses.
In a game, momentum is huge. If a team is constantly cheering on their teammates and really celebrating great moments in the game, it can not only intimidate the other team and rattle them, but it can keep the momentum on your side. Softball is a game of momentum and the team that can keep it in their favor will come out on top. One way to steal the momentum or keep it is to cheer, cheer, cheer.
This cheering should not just be done to celebrate, but ESPECIALLY when the team is struggling. That is when the leaders on the bench need to cheer and get the team going again and pick up their spirits to regain that momentum.
2. PICK THE SIGNS
Picking the other team's signs can be huge. Imagine taking a pitcher's change-up completely out of a game!
On the bench, a player can study the signs given from a coach, the way the pitcher holds the ball, or even see if the players in the field move according to pitch location. Being able to catch on to any of these things can change a game and really give your team the edge.
This also goes for the coach's signs to the batters. If you can know when a batter is going to bunt, a runner will steal, or they will squeeze, it will make it impossible for them to outsmart your defense or catch the team off-guard. What might have been a run scored on a squeeze, could be an out and a game-saver.
3. ALERT THE TEAM
Another important role a player can take on, is alerting the team to plays and moves by their opponents.
This means yelling when a player is a stealing, bunting, squeezing, or anything of the like. It also refers to calling out bases the infielders and outfielders should throw to on a play. Should they try to get the runner at two or get the out at one? Should the cut-off cut the ball, or let it go through? The players on the bench can see the whole field and are in a good position to help out their teammates.
In doing this and making the players on the field aware of a certain play, outs can be made more easily, and those on the field will be able to make the most favorable play to help the team.
4. KEEP THEM FOCUSED
Sometimes players can get distracted, whether it is from a bad play they made, or a parent calling to them from the stands. That is when teammates need to step in and make sure they are focused and ready to be in the game.
Telling a teammate to let go of the mistake they made, or being firm with them and letting them know they can't talk to fans while in the dugout is important. Everyone on the team needs to be into the game and focused. A player on the bench can notice when their teammates seem distracted and they can help to alleviate the problem.
5. SET THE EXAMPLE
The games are not the only place where players get to show off their skills and work ethic. If you are not playing, set the example in practice and work hard. If you are hustling all over the field and continually working hard and playing hard, it will catch on with your teammates and it will also catch the eye of your coaches.
Not playing can be frustrating, but instead of getting down about it, use it as a chance to work harder, prove yourself, and set an example for those around you.
Everyone wants to be on the field and while it can be difficult to sit on the bench, especially when a player thinks it unfair, it is important to stay in the game and remember that you are a part of a team and whether you are on the field or not, the team needs you.
Some of the best people, best leaders, and hardest workers I have ever played with never played in a game. However, they inspired the rest of the team to work harder and do everything they could because each athlete has the same goal and everyone needs to always put in as much effort as they can.
This is a team sport, so if you aren't playing for one reason or another, remember that you can still make a huge impact and contribute to the success of the team.
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