Starters vs. Bench Players

[moc3balla]

I've been noticing for some time that when players come off the bench -- the coaches expect more out of them than they do their starters sometimes.

 

When a starter misses shots or make bad plays -- the coaches don't seem to get overly upset, but when a kid goes in for a starter and makes 1 mistake --- LOOK OUT!! KATY, BAR THE DOOR!!

 

The players that come off the bench don't even have a chance -- as far as I can see it, because they're not given the chance. Yes, I understand that the bench players are expected to always be "ready" to play when called upon, but sometimes I feel they get a bad rap.

 

I used to coach high school basketball -- and as I look back I was guilty of doing the same thing.

 

What does everyone else think about this?

[Hobbes]

I don't like the idea of taking a player out for making a mistake. It is hard to play while looking over your shoulder.

 

Players need to understand their role. If it is made clear ahead of time what is expected, then the player can be be more relaxed on the floor.

[The Sports Guy]

I don't see that happening at Cumberland Gap High School. The boys team has 6 players that start, and 2 sophomores that play big roles, so they go 8 deep, and play as needed. I haven't seen any player benched for 1 mistake.

 

The girls team goes 7 deep, and the same is true concerning mistakes. Back to back fouls is the most likely cause for an expidited exit.

 

I have seen coaches and officials act in many unprofessional ways at many schools over the years.

 

All I can say is that they need to remain professional, and remember that they are working with teenagers, not professionals.

 

It makes me really appreciate Sherrill King & Ron Vannoy, and the Cumberland Gap experience.

[DunKmAsTeR]

yeah -- i see this happen quite a bit at one particular school.

The coach expects the players to be "perfect" all the time.

He'll put bench players in and expects them not to make any mistakes -- and if they do he pulls them out of the game almost immediately in disgust. Many times the bench players don't stand a chance.

[relientkc]

A bench player is just filling in for the starter to catch a breath. Most coaches realize that, but they also expect the bench player to be mistake-free. That's not really too much to ask though. The coach doesn't expect them to start running the offense and putting on a show. I think coaches get frustrated when a player comes in off of the bench and tries to impress people and makes a stupid mistake. Can you really blame a coach though?