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- The Huddle - Edition 69
The Huddle - Edition 69
A weekly newsletter from The Coaching Dad.
The Coaching Dad
October 23, 2025
Introduction
Rethinking the Bench - From Punishment to Purpose
Every youth coach has faced that moment — a player makes a mistake, loses focus, has a bad attitude, or seems to be struggling, and your instinct is to send them to the bench. It’s a natural reaction. But too often, the bench becomes a punishment rather than a tool. For kids, especially younger athletes, sitting on the bench can feel like rejection — like they’ve failed or disappointed you. And if that becomes the message, you risk losing their confidence, engagement, and motivation to improve.
The truth is, the bench is not a bad place. It’s part of the game — an opportunity for rest, reflection, and learning. Great coaches use it to teach situational awareness, to regroup with players who are frustrated, and to show that every role matters. When handled intentionally, it can help build smarter, more connected teams. When mishandled, it can fracture them.
This week, we’re diving into how coaches can better manage the bench — how to turn it from a symbol of failure into a space for learning, perspective, and preparation.
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Insight of the week
What the Bench Means to a Child
To a coach, the bench might just be a rotation strategy. To a child, it can feel like a spotlight on their shortcomings. When a young athlete is sent to the bench immediately after an error or poor play, their emotional interpretation often isn’t “Coach is making adjustments.” It’s “Coach doesn’t believe in me.” And once that thought takes root, confidence can unravel quickly.
Kids need context — they need to know why they’re sitting and what they can do to earn their way back in. If a coach frames it as a teaching opportunity (“Let’s take a quick breather and watch how the defense handles that next play”), the player feels included and guided. If it’s used as silent punishment, the bench becomes a place of shame.
A 2019 study from the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology found that players who receive positive, instructional feedback during rest periods report higher motivation and better focus upon returning to play. In other words, how you talk to your players when they’re not in the game directly affects how they perform when they’re back in it.
The takeaway? The bench isn’t about who’s off the field — it’s about preparing them for what comes next. Talk to your players during these moments. Ask them what they’re seeing, how they’d handle a situation, or what they noticed from the sideline. This keeps their mind engaged, builds game IQ, and reinforces that their role on the team is valued — even when they’re not between the lines.
Drill of the week
Basketball Defensive Drill
Goal:
Teach players proper defensive positioning, reaction time, and discipline when closing out on shooters and recovering to help defense.
Setup:
Mark three spots around the three-point line — wing, top of the key, and opposite wing.
Have one offensive player at each spot and a defender starting under the basket.
Coach stands with a ball near half-court.
Steps:
Coach passes to one of the offensive players. The defender sprints out to “close out,” keeping their body under control and hands up.
After contesting the imaginary shot, the defender immediately slides back toward the lane to help defense position.
Coach quickly passes to a different offensive player, and the defender repeats the closeout and recover sequence.
Run the drill for 30 seconds at full intensity before rotating players.
Coaching Notes:
Emphasize short, choppy steps during the closeout.
Keep the defender’s weight balanced — don’t overcommit or lean.
This drill teaches anticipation, hustle, and mental focus — perfect for any player who’s been on the bench and wants to re-enter the game ready to contribute defensively.
Coaching tip of the week
Using the Bench the Right Way
The bench should never feel like a timeout from learning. Here are a few ways coaches can transform it from punishment into purpose:
1. Communicate Before You Rotate.
Set expectations early in the season. Let players know that everyone will spend time on the bench — not because of mistakes, but because it’s part of how the game works. Transparency builds trust.
2. Teach from the Sideline.
Use the bench to pull players aside for short, specific feedback. “Did you see how their forward rotated? That’s what I want you to watch for next time.” It keeps them mentally in the game.
3. Recognize Positive Body Language.
Notice players who stay engaged, cheer for teammates, or respond well after being subbed out. Praise those moments publicly — it reinforces that being a great teammate is just as valuable as being a great scorer.
4. Rotate Intentionally.
Don’t wait for mistakes to make changes. Sub players regularly so the bench doesn’t feel like exile. Rotations based on effort, energy, and game flow show fairness and build buy-in from the entire roster.
5. Save the Bench for Effort Issues, Not Errors.
If a player needs to sit because of attitude or lack of effort, that’s a different story. Use it as a reset, not a reprimand. Pair it with a calm conversation to reinforce standards without embarrassment.
The bench isn’t the enemy of development — it’s a tool for it. Used wisely, it can teach humility, patience, awareness, and resilience. Coaches who master how to use it build players who are not only better athletes, but better teammates and competitors.
Blog highlight
The Bench Isn’t the Bad Guy
Ah, the bench! For many young athletes, it’s the scariest place in sports. Standing on the sidelines, watching teammates play, sometimes feeling invisible. But here’s the secret: used well, the bench isn’t punishment—it’s opportunity. As a coach or a parent, how you manage bench time can make the difference between kids checking out or leaning in.
Let’s dig into what the bench really represents, what the research says, and how you can transform sit‑time into growth time for every athlete on your roster.
The Volunteer Coach Academy
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Book highlight
The Constant Coach
This isn’t just a book—it’s your daily reset.
The Constant Coach delivers 366 motivational messages for coaches and parents who lead with more than a whistle and a clipboard. Whether you’re on the field, in the gym, or at the kitchen table planning practice, this book will guide you to show up with purpose, patience, and presence.
Each daily entry is built around real coaching values—like character, communication, confidence, and composure—and comes with practical insights, tough love, and thoughtful reflection. It’s written for:
Volunteer parents stepping up to lead
Career coaches seeking steady perspective
Anyone trying to grow the next generation through sports
You won’t find fluff here. Just honest encouragement, insights, tips, and reminders of why the work matters—even on the hard days.
Friends of The Coaching Dad
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