Earning More Playing Time
Being part of a competitive club team is a significant accomplishment, but not every athlete will be a starter. For many young players, limited playing time can be frustrating, discouraging, and even demotivating. However, not getting regular game time does not mean you lack potential—it means there’s an opportunity for growth.
The best athletes in the world have faced setbacks, but they used those moments to fuel their improvement. The key is understanding how to stay motivated, improve your skills, and earn more opportunities on the field or court.
This article provides evidence-based strategies to help young athletes maximize their playing time, develop their game, and stay mentally strong when they aren’t the best player on their team.
1. Understanding Why Playing Time is Limited
Playing time in club sports is often based on several factors, including:
Skill Level – Coaches prioritize athletes who consistently execute game plans.
Work Ethic in Practice – Effort and attitude during training impact coach decisions.
Game Strategy – Certain matchups require specific player strengths.
Physical Conditioning – Fitness and endurance play a role in game readiness.
Team Chemistry and Leadership – Players who communicate well and bring energy to the team often get more opportunities.
Instead of focusing on what isn’t working, the best approach is to identify areas for growth and take proactive steps toward improvement.
2. The Growth Mindset: How to Approach Limited Playing Time
A growth mindset, a concept developed by psychologist Carol Dweck, emphasizes that skills and abilities are not fixed—they can be improved with effort and learning.
Athletes with a growth mindset:
See challenges as opportunities instead of roadblocks.
Understand that effort leads to improvement, even if results aren’t immediate.
Seek constructive feedback rather than feeling discouraged by criticism.
How to Apply a Growth Mindset in Your Situation
- Ask Your Coach for Specific Feedback: Instead of asking, “Why am I not playing more?”, ask, “What skills should I improve to earn more playing time?”
- Focus on Small, Measurable Improvements: Set goals like increasing your passing accuracy, reaction speed, or defensive positioning.
- Be Patient with Progress: Many great athletes started as bench players before earning major roles.
3. Strategies to Earn More Playing Time
1. Stand Out in Practice
- Give 100% Effort: Coaches notice players who consistently hustle, even in warm-ups.
- Be a Student of the Game: Ask questions, absorb coaching advice, and implement feedback.
- Stay Engaged: If you’re not in the starting lineup, remain locked in during drills and team discussions.
2. Become an Expert in Your Role
- Master the Fundamentals: Passing, defense, positioning, and decision-making matter more than flashy plays.
- Be Reliable in Game Situations: If you’re trusted to execute the basics under pressure, your coach is more likely to put you in critical moments.
3. Improve Your Conditioning
- Increase Stamina and Strength: The better your endurance, the more valuable you are late in games.
- Work on Speed and Agility: Quickness and reaction time can help you stand out.
4. Be a Positive and Supportive Teammate
- Encourage Others: Coaches value players who bring energy and enthusiasm.
- Communicate on the Court/Field: Even from the bench, showing leadership can make an impact.
- Stay Ready: If you’re called into the game, be mentally prepared to contribute immediately.
5. Train Outside of Team Practices
- Extra Work Separates You: Many top athletes train outside of scheduled practices to refine their skills.
- Use Film Study: Watching games can help you identify areas for improvement.
4. Managing Frustration and Staying Motivated
Recognizing and Managing Emotional Responses
Feeling disappointed about playing time is normal, but learning how to channel that frustration productively is what separates great athletes.
- Avoid Comparing Yourself to Others – Focus on your progress, not who’s ahead of you.
- Use Setbacks as Motivation – View challenges as fuel to work harder and smarter.
- Celebrate Small Wins – Every improvement, no matter how small, is progress.
What to Do if You’re Still Not Getting More Playing Time
- Re-evaluate Your Role on the Team – Even if you’re not a starter, can you be a defensive specialist, energy player, or motivator?
- Have a Conversation with Your Coach – If you’ve improved but are still not playing, ask for a clear development plan.
- Consider Whether This Team is the Right Fit – If development is your goal and you’re stuck behind more experienced players, a different team or league may provide better opportunities.
5. The Long-Term Benefits of Overcoming Playing Time Challenges
Many elite athletes once struggled with limited playing time before developing into top performers. Learning how to handle adversity, work through setbacks, and persist despite challenges builds:
- Resilience – The ability to push through obstacles in sports and life.
- Work Ethic – Understanding that success is earned, not given.
- Coachability – Athletes who learn to accept and apply feedback become more valuable to any team.
The ultimate goal isn’t just more minutes on the court or field—it’s about developing into a stronger, smarter, and more well-rounded athlete who is ready for any opportunity.
Conclusion: Playing Time is Earned, Not Given
Not being the best player on your team doesn’t define your potential—it defines your opportunity to improve. How you respond to limited playing time will shape your growth, both as an athlete and as a competitor.
By focusing on skill development, work ethic, and a positive attitude, you increase your chances of earning more minutes while also preparing yourself for long-term success in sports and beyond.
Coach Luc Tremblay is the Founder and Head Coach of Volleyball Winnipeg. Luc has been coaching volleyball for 30+ years with athletes of all age classes and all abilities. He has developed most of the training techniques used by VISION coaches and is responsible for the coach development program at Volleyball Winnipeg. For more details on our Coach Resources, click here.