All athletes want to see the field as much as possible. But in team sports, that is not always the case. Players must earn their playing time and the best way to do that is to show your coaches that you deserve a spot on the field. Yes, skillset plays a huge role in how much playing time an athlete gets. However, there are qualities in a player that coaches look for that can end up earning athletes playing time as well.
Fall sports are just around the corner, and the beginning of a new season is the best time to make yourself stand out. For incoming freshmen, these first couple of weeks can be challenging and nerve-racking. However, they are crucial in setting a good impression and dictating your playing time for the entire year. Below we go over some ways any athlete can make a good first impression with their coaches.
Show that you are a team player
One of the first things football coaches look for in their team is someone who is a team player. Players who are all about themselves or quick to blame their teammates don’t sit well with coaches. Since football is a team sport, you should be all about the team, no matter your skill level. To show that you truly care about the team, do these things:
- Hustle during plays and between drills
- Show your teammates some love when they make mistakes
- Never point your finger at your teammate
- Congratulate your teammates when they make a good play
- Always keep your own head up
Be coachable
Another way to make yourself stand out to your coaches, as well as improve your game, is by being coachable. When we say be coachable, there are a few things we mean:
- Be respectful to your coaches
- When your coach is talking to you, look them in the eyes and listen
- Be willing to accept criticism
- Be humble
- Apply what they are teaching you to drills
Always hustle
Another thing coaches look out for is whether athletes are hustling or not. Athletes should strive to hustle every single day. Whether it’s pre-practice stretching, in-between drills, during practice or a water break, athletes who don’t hustle will stand out like a sore thumb. To get playing time, you need to show your coaches that you want to be there. Being the first one back from water break, hustling between drills and playing hard until the whistle will show your coaches that you are always willing to put in extra effort.
Get to practice early and stay late
Lastly, coaches always recognize the athletes who are getting to practices early, as well as those who are the last to leave. Putting in extra work either before or after practice is one of the best ways to stand out to coaches. Also, helping coaches set up and take down drills is a great way to show them that you truly care and are willing to put in extra effort to help the team.
On top of skillset, there are many things that can help you earn playing time this fall. As practices are set to start up in a couple of weeks, be sure to keep these things in mind to help make a good first impression on your coaches.
At Warren Academy, we offer a variety of youth training programs. From strength and conditioning to our speed camp, our youth training programs are designed to help athletes take their game to the next level. Visit our website today to learn more about all of our youth training programs!
