My Life Sports

Famous Benchwarmers - Lamar Odom

2/2/2012 2:02:32 PM

wendylynne

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What to do if you sit on the bench. http://www.mentaltoughnesstrainer.com

It's a fact of team sports that there are always going to be more players than can play at any given time. Backups are necessary!

Pro basketball is one of the few sports that officially recognizes the best player coming off the bench with it's yearly 6th man award.

In recent years, Lamar Odom of the NBA LA Lakers has been given a lot of credit for the Lakers back-to-back championships coming off the bench.

Quarterback Steve Young sat the bench for 4 years, before he got his chance and now he is in the Hall of Fame.

The list is endless... they all had one thing in common....

THEY DID NOT GIVE UP!

So what do you do if you're a benchwarmer?

First off, I'll tell you what not to do...and that's "pout" or "complain" about it.

Second, find the right time to ask the coach what it is that you need to do to get more playing time or become a starter....and then follow that advice!

Third, you have to remember coaches are most interested in the team winning. You've got to ask yourself, "what can I do from the bench to help this team win?"

One thing you certainly can do is be the best benchwarmer there ever was, which means it's your job to fire up and cheer on your team.

There's absolutely no excuse for those sitting on the bench to hang their heads or not pay attention to the game. Get in the game from the bench!

Show the coach your energy, fire, and enthusiasm. Be that player that comes to the game with a great attitude no matter what.

Believe me, this has an influence on coaches. Sulking or having a pity party will only keep you on the bench.

Many coaches have been known to pick players off the bench on a hunch based on how much "heart" that player has. Be that player whether you get in the game or not.

Even if you ride the bench the whole year, you will be learning powerful lessons about yourself that will be valuable in your whole life such as discipline, consistency, perseverance, and especially patience.

When you feel down about riding the bench, remember Matt Cassell and never, ever, ever, ever give up! Your time will come.

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