"Bench Strength"-Understanding the Importance of Team

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"Bench Strength"

Understanding the Importance of Team by Doug Reese

"The bench" holds different meanings to different people. Many athletes have a negative connotation to the bench - and those who reside there. In reality, the bench may be the most misunderstood resource of the team.

Bench Myths

Many "starting" athletes believe that they are important while the people on the bench are not. They believe those on the bench are not important to the team. Others who spend much of their time on the bench don't even recognize their own value or contribution. Unfortunately, some athletes mistakenly believe that they do not have to bother preparing the way starters do - that they don't have to be ready to compete. But the truth is that a good bench is indispensable. Without a good bench, a team will never be successful.

Depth is a Key to Success

The first thing a good bench gives is depth. It is possible in many sports that teams can produce winning seasons, but when the level of competition goes up - such as in the post-season, a team without depth cannot get it done. If a team does not have strong bench players, it will not be able to go the distance. Success comes when each member of the team is equipped, developed and prepared to do their best and get the job done when the situation calls.

A Good Bench Gives Strategic Flexibility

Having a good group of athletes, who are able to play different roles or positions gives the coaches great flexibility in any situation. In basketball of instances, a coach will start a game with one group of players when playing against a team whose athletes are particularly tall. He may have another lineup when playing a team who is rather quick. Some combinations of players will be great defensively. Other athletes may be strong at executing a run-and-gun fast break offense. Which players are put in the game will often depend on who the opponent is. Coaches have more options when they have a strong and deep bench. With depth, the team can handle a variety of situations and demands with grace and effectiveness.

Iron Sharpens Iron

Another property of a team's bench is that it sets the tone for the whole team's level of play. This is true because the team's preparation depends on the bench. In practice the team prepares for competition against itself. If the number one team only practices against weak teammates, their performance will not improve. But a good bench causes the first team to be challenged, to work at a high level, and to constantly improve. If the level of play on the team is high every day, then the team's performance will be top-notch when it really counts.

A Good Bench Reloads

Finally, a good bench is a requirement for a successful team because it provides a place for a weary player rest and catch a break. On successful teams, when one player cannot make it any further due to fatigue or injury, his teammates carry the load and give him a rest. This is possibly the finest quality of teamwork - the willingness of one player to step up his level of play and go the extra mile for his teammates in a time of need. It is the ultimate indication of a player's desire to put the team and its goals first.