How to Keep your Bench Focused

There are many different aspects of being a coach: as you well know, directing players on the field is only a part of the job. It is the responsibility of the coach to manage the players on the bench as well. Keeping the players engaged can help their development, communication skills and investment in the team. On the other hand, unengaged and unsupervised subs can cause disruptions for your field and those around them.

Here are some suggestions on how to keep your players focused and engaged on the bench:

• Assign your players a task (counting passes in a row, counting shots on goal, etc.) - one coach recommended giving players a click counter to keep track, as having something to literally do while watching and counting made them more focused. All the kids wanted to use the counter!
  
  
• Have subs follow a player that plays their position (either from your team or the other team). Have them share observations about the match and the position after the game or practice.

Reminder!! SFYS A-Licensed Director of Coaching and USSF Grassroots Instructor, Lee Dunne, hosts a weekly Virtual Coach Roundtable where coaches can discuss issues they are facing on and off the pitch during the season, including managing players. If you are interested in attending, check out more info here. We also have a portal post where you can post questions to the community.

How do you manage your players on the sidelines? Submit your tips, tricks, or suggestions to help out our coaches in the comment section below.