Quiz the Coach :: I'm a Benchwarmer!

So ya dig sports but need some help with your game? Don't understand some of the rules of football, basketball or hockey? Got a gripe about P.E. class, skateboarders, cheerleading, coaches, or anything? Why not ?

Hey Coach,
Ok, I am really sick and tired of getting no playing time!! I know I am a better basketball player than some of the other kids who play. This is embarrassing and I want to quit and play for another school because this sucks! My coach is an idiot and will not give a chance! Tell me what I should do!
Flowrida03

Flowrida03,
I understand how you feel, not playing can be so so frustrating. Basketball players are competitive and everybody wants to play. I've been in that situation before myself, so here are a few suggestions I can pass along to you.

Remember, attitude counts. If you have a bad attitude, you will alientate yourself from your teammates and coaches. If the coach doesn't like your attitude, the more he or she will not play you. Try to get on his or her good side. Talk to your coach to find out if there are ways you can improve. Bust your butt in practice and prove you are worthy to get playing time. Remember, actions speak louder than words. Be the first one at practice and the last one to leave. If your coach sees you are putting in the work to get better and improve in your weak areas, they'll reward you eventually.

Not everybody starts out as the star player, sometimes you have to be patient and wait your turn. People forget that Michael Jordan was once cut from his high school team and Tracy McGrady spent his first two years in the NBA on the bench. You always have to keep working on your game and not losing sight of your goal. Don't get discouraged, just keep finding ways to improve and get better and I promise you will be rewarded. When you do get a chance to play, make sure you make the most of it. Play every possession hard and most importantly play defense! Coaches are way more impressed with people who play D, rebound and work hard. Like my high school coach once said, you can't control if your shot goes in, but you can always control how hard you play.

So in recap, practice hard, maintain a good attitude and stay ready. You focus on these three aspects and I guarantee things will improve for you. Good luck!

Do you need tips or advice on sports, fitness or health? to the Kidzworld Coach. Keep in mind peeps, the Kidzworld Coach isn't a doctor or a professional athlete or anything like that. He's just a dude who digs sports, plays 'em and knows a lot about 'em. You should always talk to your 'rents, a doctor or your school gym teacher before starting a new sport or a new exercise.

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