- Benchwarming has a negative connotation due to lack of playing time
- Benchwarming is not a bad thing and is the beginning of a learning curve
- The negative connotation around benchwarming can be diminished with a positive attitude
A student athlete sits patiently on the bench, waiting for their name to be called. They are the benchwarmer. Yet instead of being discouraged, they settle in and observe the game. Cheering and yelling, they spot missed opportunities and areas for their team’s improvement. By the time the buzzer sounds at the end of the fourth quarter, they’re eagerly bubbling with new ideas to share with their team — proving that being a benchwarmer is more useful and rewarding than it seems at first glance.
Benchwarmers tend to get a bad rap, but behind the scenes they play a vital role. This position is often less desirable, but the negative connotations connected to benchwarmers fail to reflect the importance of the role. From providing moral support to serving as backup in case of injury, players sitting on the sidelines have crucial responsibilities, as well as a promising road ahead of them. Almost all athletes start on the sidelines, and in the context of an athlete’s journey, there’s no shame in sitting on the bench.
“Being a benchwarmer helps you push harder to improve, so you get in the games and you’re not watching so much,” PE teacher Ray Wright said.
The most common duty of a benchwarmer is to fill support roles on the field, such as stepping in for an injured teammate. Meanwhile, they also build team spirit by cheering for their teammates who are in the game. Spirit plays an important role in team performance: many players feel more motivated when their friends cheer them on. This motivation unites the team and makes the sport a more enjoyable experience.
“Cheering is really important because it keeps the team’s morale up,” sophomore and field hockey player Aashvi Gireesh said. “Even if they’re not doing that good, cheering helps them not feel discouraged.”
While on the sidelines, benchwarmers also watch games from a perspective that many players don’t typically consider. Through being on the bench, they gain new insights like openings and potential strategies that their teammates on the field are unaware of. Seeing the bigger picture is invaluable for learning and allowing the whole team to develop their strategy.
“To be able to sit and watch and see the competition and the way other players play against each other is very beneficial,” PE teacher Lauren Blazek said.
It may be discouraging to constantly watch teammates from the sidelines, but benchwarming is a foundational part of the learning curve to success. Often, new players start on the bench before working their way up to the field. The bench allows players to bloom into refined athletes with a range of physical and observation skills.
In order to diminish the bad rap of a benchwarmer, sports teams should exemplify a positive attitude toward all student athletes. Kindness and patience is key to a thriving team with players who will eventually become great athletes.
“Benchwarmers are the future of the team,” sophomore and JV football player Shrey Datta said.
