The View from the Bench

September 20, 2025

The whistle screams. The coach calls a name, and it is not yours. You jog off the court, your heart pounding a heavy, sour rhythm. The sting hits you before you even sit down. You feel a hundred pairs of eyes on your back as you find a spot on the cold, hard bench. You glance at the scoreboard, then back at the court where your teammates get to play, and you don’t.

Every athlete knows this feeling. It’s a bitter mix of anger, embarrassment, and helplessness. Your brain screams that you failed. That you aren't good enough.

And in that moment, you have a choice.

You can let the frustration win. You can sink into the bench, cross your arms, and let your anger build a wall around you. You can watch the game through a blurry fog of disappointment, counting the minutes until it’s over. This choice feels easy. It feels justified. But it steals your power.

Or you can make another choice. You can take a deep breath, sit up tall, and lean forward. You can lock your eyes on the game and open a notebook in your mind. This choice is harder. It takes guts. But it builds you into the player you want to become.

See the Game No One Else Sees

The truth is the bench isn't a punishment. It’s a vantage point.

Right now, it feels like a cage, but it’s actually the best seat in the house. From the bench, you can see the entire game unfold without the pressure of making the next touch. You have access to information that no one on the court does.

Instead of watching the ball, watch the patterns:

Where does their setter always look before she dumps the ball?
Does their star hitter swing cross-court when the game gets tight?
Which of your blockers is a split second late on their timing?

The players on the court are in a storm of action and reaction. You have the power to be a strategist. You can see the habits, the tells, and the cracks in the other team’s armor. This is work. This is training. This is how you get better, even without touching a ball.

Be the Teammate Everyone Needs

Your value to the team is not measured only in points scored or aces served. When you’re on the bench, your role changes, but it doesn't disappear. Ask yourself the following:

Can you be the loudest voice cheering when your team scores?
Can you be the first person to meet your teammates at a timeout, offering a high-five and a word of encouragement?
Can you watch the coach and anticipate what he needs, relaying plays and keeping the energy high?

A player who mopes on the sidelines drains energy from everyone. A player who stays engaged, positive, and supportive injects life into the team. Coaches notice that. Teammates remember that. This is how you build trust. This is how you lead, no matter where you are.

Stay Ready, So You Don't Have to Get Ready

Now the coach calls your name. If you’ve been lost in frustration, a jolt of panic hits you. Your muscles are cold, and your mind is a million miles away.

But if you’ve been working from the bench, you’re already in the game. You spent the last ten minutes studying their outside hitter. You know she loves to hit the line. You’ve been watching your blockers and know exactly where the seam is. You’re not just entering the game; you’re entering it with a plan. You step onto the court with sharp eyes and a clear mind. You are prepared.

The bench isn't your enemy. It’s not a verdict on your talent. It is a tool. It’s the place you sharpen your mind, prove your character, and prepare for your moment. The lessons you learn there about resilience, observation, and teamwork will make you a better player and a stronger person long after you’ve left the court.