Being benched during a game is tough. It can feel embarrassing, especially with friends, teammates, and parents watching. Thoughts may race through your mind:
- “I’m better than him.”
- “I only had one bad game.”
- “The whole team is playing bad.”
- “Why am I being pulled from the game?”
- “The coach never liked me.”
- “Will I ever earn my spot again?”
These thoughts are natural, but how you respond to them can define your growth as an athlete and teammate. At Elite Camps, we believe that every challenge in basketball is an opportunity to learn a life lesson. Here’s how you can turn being benched into a stepping stone for growth and success.
Stay in the Game Mentally
When frustration, sadness, or anger sets in, it’s difficult to focus or support your team. You might feel unmotivated to cheer for your teammates or unprepared to step back into the game. But staying mentally sharp is crucial.
Instead of letting emotions take over, reframe the bench as an opportunity to grow. Recognize that you are still an important part of the team and that staying positive and focused benefits both you and your teammates.
Use the Bench as a Learning Tool
Being on the bench offers a valuable chance to see the game from a new perspective. Watch the players on the court closely:
- Learn from Others: Watch how teammates and opponents handle high-pressure situations, recover from mistakes, or execute plays.
- Identify Skills to Improve: Notice the strengths of other players—what makes them effective? Is it their footwork, communication, or decision-making?
- Adapt Strategies: Look for patterns and strategies to incorporate into your game.
The bench isn’t just a place to wait; it’s a classroom where you can study the game, reflect, and prepare to perform better when your number is called.
Build Mental Toughness
Facing adversity, like being benched, builds resilience. When you confront setbacks with a growth mindset, you strengthen your ability to persevere in facing challenges.
Russell Westbrook’s Bench Moment with the Lakers
In the 2022-2023 NBA season, Russell Westbrook, a former MVP, was moved to a bench role by the Los Angeles Lakers. Instead of becoming discouraged, he embraced his new position with professionalism. Westbrook focused on providing energy off the bench, making defensive plays, and supporting his teammates.
When given limited minutes, he remained engaged and prepared. During crucial games, he was ready to step in and make an impact when called upon. Westbrook transformed a potential setback into an opportunity for personal and team growth, demonstrating that one’s value isn’t determined by starting status but by attitude and willingness to contribute.
His story perfectly illustrates that adversity presents a chance to demonstrate character and that how you handle challenges often matters more than the challenges themselves.
Turning Adversity into Action
Feeling hurt or disappointed about being benched is natural. Take a moment to process those emotions—but don’t stay there. Instead, ask yourself:
- “What can I learn from being benched?”
- “How can I use this situation to improve my game?”
- “What can I contribute to my team while on the sidelines?”
By focusing on what’s within your control, you can turn the experience into an opportunity for growth.
Talking to Your Coach
If you’re unsure why you were benched, talk with your coach. Here’s how to approach it:
- Be Respectful and Open-Minded: Frame your questions around improvement, like “What areas of my game do you think I should focus on?”
- Create a Plan: Use the feedback to set specific goals and develop a plan to address those areas.
- Stay Positive: Coaches appreciate players who show commitment and a willingness to learn.
Focus on What You Can Control
One of the easiest ways to ensure you’re ready for your next opportunity is to stay sharp mentally and physically:
- Be a Good Teammate: Cheer for your team and support your replacement. Positive energy benefits the whole team and shows your leadership.
- Stay Prepared: Keep yourself warmed up and mentally ready to step back into the game.
- Strengthen Your Skills: Dedicate time outside of games to work on areas for improvement.
At Elite Camps, we offer programs designed to help players build their skills, confidence, and basketball IQ in a positive, encouraging environment. From Weekly Lessons, Semi-Private Training and Camps, we focus on both technical development and fostering resilience through challenges.
Seizing the Opportunity
Being benched isn’t the end of your story—it’s a moment to recalibrate, refocus, and grow. Adversity on the court mirrors challenges in life, and the skills you develop during these times—resilience, focus, and perseverance—will serve you far beyond basketball.
At Elite Camps, we’re here to support you on this journey. Every player has the potential to grow, and every challenge is an opportunity waiting to be seized.
Are you ready to take your game to the next level? Explore our programs designed to help athletes thrive both on and off the court. We have both weekly programs, day camps and overnight basketball camps.