I am a sophomore in high school and this is my first year on my high school’s varsity soccer team. Most of the girls are older than me. To be honest, I don’t play that much. I’m starting to lose confidence in my abilities and when I do get an opportunity to show my coach that I deserve more game time, I don’t take full advantage of it. My coach has said to not worry about playing time…you are all great players…etc. What is the best mentality for me to have as I ride the bench?
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Its all about politics. Its the same in any sport or circle; seniority wins. Your mentality should be one of patience. Soon you will be the senior with all the game time telling another sophomore to relax and that their turn will come. Keep practicing and have fun. Sports is all about challenging yourself, and your coach probably already has his/her favorites from last year, so don’t take it personally and just work on getting GOOD.
I had similar experiences with basketball, so I know what you’re talking about, although it was about 10,0 years ago, lol I sat on the bench a lot during freshman year, then in sophmore year, I was cut. Should have played more tennis in the first place! Soccer wasn’t “big” in those days, but we did have a team and conference program, etc
On the tennis team, there’s usually no bench to sit on. Either you play, or you don’t play [and just go home.] You normally are NOT required to sit on the bench and watch other kids play, kids who didn’t practice any more than you did. In tennis, you can go elsewhere and play or practice with other kids who are also not starters at the present time.
***What is the best mentality for me to have as I ride the bench?***
Quit soccer, and take up tennis 🙂
Here is a “Starter web page” from the U.S. Tennis Association:
http://www.usta.com/Play-Tennis/getting_started/
If you are looking for an instructor, here are links to three tennis-teaching organizations:
The web sites above have a function where you can enter your zip code or local area, so that you can find out how to contact any teaching professionals near you.
Sportsmanship might not be #1, but it’s way ahead of whatever is in 2nd place.
Life is short; play all the tennis you can.
Best of luck 🙂
Source(s): McEnroe, Patrick, with Peter Bodo. “Tennis for Dummies,” Wiley Publishing, Inc, 1998. ISBN: 978-0-7645-5087-4.
Milligan, Kris. “The Family Guide to Tennis.” Published by Kris L. Milligan Tennis Services, 2010. ISBN: 978-0-615-35820-8.
Peterson, Carl, and Nittinger, Nina. “Fit to Play Tennis,” Racquet Tech Publishing, 26. ISBN-13: 978-0-9722-759-5-8, ISBN-10: 0-9722759-5-9. Subtitle: “High Performance Training Tips.”
always try to learn a lot from every match
Your question is in the tennis category.