“It’s so fun to sit on the bench.” – said no one ever! Chances are, you play baseball because you love the game and want to perform. The bench is the last place you want to be. Want to avoid that dreaded bench time? Here are 5 ways to earn more playing time:
Train for the Game
If you want more playing time, then showing up to practice is not going to cut it. You’re going to have to work harder. You’ll want to do things that will improve speed, agility, batting, and fielding. This can be a combination of weight lifting and one-on-one baseball training sessions with expertly trained coaches, but whatever it is, do it. Pretty soon, that added training will pay off.
Focus On Yourself
You can wallow in the “whys” of why someone else gets to play more or worry about how the game will go next week, but those thoughts aren’t constructive. Instead, just focus on yourself and things you can control. Focus on your skill level, making strides to improve. Positivity and mental toughness can go a long way toward improving your gameday play.
Show the Coach You Want It
Beyond additional training, the little things matter when showing your coach you’re ready to play. Show up first for practice. Be the last one off the field. Be an encouraging teammate. A good attitude shines.
Improve Your Batting
If you can hit, you’ll have a better chance of playing. You won’t sit the bench for getting too many hits, but you will for striking out too often. If hitting is a weakness, get in the cages and improve your game.
Talk to the Coach
Don’t whine that you want extra playing time, but do ask the coach where your weaknesses are and where he would like to see improvement, then do something about it! Take his feedback and do work!
As always, D-BAT – the best baseball/softball training facility in the country – is here to help with state-of-the-art facilities and an expertly trained coaching staff. Find the nearest location to you HERE!