What is a team?

[NUMBERONE]

I recently went to a game where only the top six players played in the game and as I watched the game I noticed the teammates on the bench. These kids caught my attention. They did not get to even take off their warmup shirts but they sat watching their teammates and clapped and cheered them on. Some of the kids were Seniors who would love to be out their too but in good sports kept clapping and yelling for their teammates to win. I just thought a crowd only gives the boys on the court credit but look at the kids on the bench who are never sad for not getting to play but they are what a team is all about. Many coaches never see the others sitting on the bench for there interest in the game but from the stands the real winners in alot of the games is the players who are sitting on the bench. Sometimes the scoreboard doesn't really tell what a team has. It is seen through many eyes and many kids who practice everyday and have hopes of getting only 1 minute in a game. I just wish everyone would stop to see what a team is. I know all coaches want to win but if they would just take time to tell a kid who sits on the bench they are important too it would help. If I go back to watch this team play again that I saw I would like to film not only the ones playing the game but everyone needs to see these kids on the bench to and give them credit too. It takes a team to play. Yes 5 players is all that is needed on the court but from what I saw this team had a whole bench full of players and that is what a team is all about. I just think all the players need to be reconized. If you are a player who doesn't get to play I think your a winner by just supporting your teammates.

[katsup]

well said my friend

[coachlj65]

Kudos!! They may sit on the bench waiting for any chance to get on the court, but remember, they practice the same hours, make the same sacrifices and the same long road trips. Not to mention having to practice against the first team day in and day out. How could a team improve practicing 5 on 0 ?

[0u812]

I doubt seriously that any player on the bench is overlooked by the coach. They may not be good enough or ready for p.t., but a team is as only as good as its weakest player. You can quote that. The bench prepares the starters for the next game and most of the time they don't mind the starters whipping the other team instead of them day in and out. The real question is , how do you keep jealousy under control when all the parents want their child to be the star and there is obviously a player on the floor that is superior but lacks the support from his teammates?

Edited November 21, 2003 by 0u812

[cclausel]

Great post NUMBERONE! Team work ,and every player getting along and helping the other player whether it be in practice , or cheering for them from the bench helps their team. The kids on the bench rarely get the credit they deserve.