5 helpful tips for riding the bench in college
I don’t know how else to say this, but you might sit the bench in college at first.
If there’s one object that will bring you back down from the glory days of club and high school soccer, it’s the shiny, cold, aluminum bench along the sideline. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a bench with an aluminum back. Going from club and high school soccer to college is a huge jump, especially D1. You’re probably going to plant your yourself on the bench in the beginning, but don’t worry. I’m going to give you 5 helpful tips for riding the bench in college.
Relax, your coach doesn’t trust you…yet
Your new college teammates were also their teams stand out players. Did you think you were going to waltz right into college at 18 years old and not miss a beat against 21 and 22 year old’s? Relax, a good coach won’t throw you to the wolves right away. In the meantime, plant yourself on the bench and watch the position you’re playing while studying the opponents moves and tendencies. Don’t forget to cheer on your teammates. They were in your shoes at one point.
Chill with some of your older teammates
Believe it or not, the older players need you as much as you need them. During the season, it’s typically all business with no extra curricular activities except for maybe a night at the bowling alley. You’re going to be spending a lot of time together. While your probably a little shy at first don’t be afraid to sit at the same table as them, catch them walking to class, or walk with them from the locker room to the practice field. You’re going to be able to get inside their heads and learn a lot. Again, they were in your shoes so paying it forward is natural.
Skip class (kidding) and practice some more
Trust me, in college I would rather be on the soccer field with my teammates than in the classroom. We know being a student goes hand in hand so make sure you’re going to all of your classes. However, while you’re riding the silver train grab some of your fellow freshmen in between games and get some extra touches on the ball during some down time. It doesn’t have to be 100%, but it serves as a reminder that it’s soccer season and it keeps your mind focused.
Your game day routine should always be the same
Whether you’re playing all 90 minutes, 20 minutes, or none try to keep your game day routine the same just like you did when you were the “go to” player in club and high school. Every game is different and you never know if your coach is going to call your name. A 10 minute substitute appearance can lead to a 20 minute appearance next game. I credit myself for this. I was always excited for game day and I kept to a routine mentally and physically. Coaches see that.
Don’t ever get mad – work harder
I get it. You want to play. We all do. You’re playing in college for a reason. You may have a great week of practice and yet you still don’t get to play. Heck, even your parents and granny came to watch. Should you get mad and lash out verbally or go in for a nasty challenge at practice against a teammate? NO! Should you convince yourself to transfer? NO!
You have to keep working hard, learn how to live on your own, balance a schedule so you’re always on time and compete against not only older but sometimes really talented players.
Your time will come to play a major role in the game. In the meantime, remember these 5 helpful tips from a former benchwarmer.
