{"id":1819,"date":"2025-12-10T13:38:02","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T18:38:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/webinology.website\/nation2021\/what-to-do-when-you-want-more-playing-time\/"},"modified":"2025-12-16T15:33:27","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T20:33:27","slug":"what-to-do-when-you-want-more-playing-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.coachup.com\/nation\/articles\/what-to-do-when-you-want-more-playing-time","title":{"rendered":"What to do When you Want More Playing Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Every athlete\u2019s goals should include both individual and team successes. <\/span>Human nature, however, tends to lead us towards achieving our own interests first. There is nothing in sports that more greatly impacts self-interest than playing time<\/strong>. More specifically, a lack thereof. There are a number of influences on why athletes face limited playing time; from performance and ability, to awareness and reliability. There are a number of positive actions for athletes to take in order to improve upon their experience within the season. But let’s first take a look at a few things you should never do if you’re feeling strapped for playing time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key things that athletes should not do <\/em>when playing time is limited<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Act like it doesn\u2019t matter<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Caring is cool. Something I have noticed when working with young athletes, especially teenagers, is that many are afraid to commit emotionally to their sport. I think we can all agree that the harder you work for something, the more success you will have<\/strong>. However, we don\u2019t always take that one step further and ask \u201cwhy is someone willing to work harder?\u201d Oftentimes it is as simple as caring more. <\/span>If it is more playing time that you seek, showing your coach that you care is a great place to start. Be the first one to the yard, and the last one out of the dugout. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Single out coaching decisions<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Never use a specific example of a time when you should’ve been in the game but weren\u2019t. When it comes to playing time, there is a finite amount. Therefore, if there was a\u00a0game you thought you <\/span>should<\/span><\/em>\u00a0have played in, that means you also think one of your teammates <\/span>should not<\/span><\/em> have played\u00a0in the game. Calling out these examples shows a lack of trust and respect for your teammates who likely have the same goals as you do. Pulling this move shows a blatant disregard for the success of the team and <\/span>will likely lead to even less playing time for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get your parents involved<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

There is nothing wrong with venting your frustrations to someone close to you. However, you will never make a coach happy by sending your parents after them to inquire about your playing time. Coaches want to build relationships with you, understand what makes you tick as an athlete, and speak to you directly about the problems you may have. <\/span>The best solution to any conflict with your coach is always clear communication. It may be difficult and scary, but it will always be worth it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compare your game to the player ahead of you<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Comparison is the theft of joy, and you don’t stand to gain anything by measuring yourself against your teammates. If you\u2019re a ground-ball pitcher and the guy ahead of you throws hard and gets hitters to chase <\/span>high fastballs, don’t try to adopt his game to gain the edge. <\/span>Every player has their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Honing in on your personal strengths is the best way to find more playing time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, let’s cover a few positive actions that athletes should make<\/em> in order to improve their playing time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Four ways for athletes to get more playing time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Become your team\u2019s biggest fan<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

It is hard to be\u00a0an athlete who has limited playing time when the team is having success. How can you justify that you should be in and others should be out when your team is doing well!? Whether you are having an impact on the box score or not<\/span>, you need to embrace your team\u2019s success<\/strong>.<\/span> Being a bummer in the dugout during high points of the season is only going to keep you there longer. Becoming your team’s biggest fan doesn’t have to be corny, just try to take a step back from your own frustrations and appreciate the winning. Remaining an involved part of the team in any capacity will make the season more fun, and keep you in good spirits for when your opportunity for playing time does arise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make it clear you want to play<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Every coach and athlete understands and respects the desire to compete. If you didn’t want to be involved in the heat of the moment, you wouldn’t be on the team in the first place. <\/span>Clarifying to your coach your desire to play is a great way to earn more time on the field. The key is to communicate it in a positive way. Ask your coach what you can do to improve if you are unsure. It is not enough to simply ask for more playing time, you need to prove your ability to work for it as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do the little things<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Be the first one to the field for practice and take extra ground balls after practice. Better yet, a great way to help with the inherent selfishness that comes with wanting to play more is to grab\u00a0a teammate and switch off hitting grounders to each other to maximize the work you are putting in. Making yourself better, showing the coach how much you care, and helping teammates along the way is <\/span>a recipe for more playing time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be patient<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Most good things take time<\/a> and achieving your goals on the field is no exception.<\/strong> However, in order to let those goals materialize, you need to maintain positive relationships with your coaches and teammates in the meantime. My collegiate baseball career appearances and innings are below:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n