Coming off the bench (OTB) means that you are not a starter to begin a game. Its a sports term describing a player watching from the sidelines. Generally, all players want to start a game rather than enter a contest OTB.
Everyone wants to be a starter. However, there may be more gifted teammates, better athletes, those more deserving, who indeed end up being starters. Sometimes, though not often, being “benched” or coming OTB sends a message to try harder, improve one’s energy, effort, enthusiasm, or attitude. Simply improve and get better.
Bench players must be on constant mental alert and paying attention to the game. One never knows when one’s number will be called or for whom one might be substituting from the game. Preparedness and paying attention are key. Be prepared to enter the game. Pay close attention to the game, your coaches, and the team’s game plan. Closely follow how the opponent is playing the game. Are they going under screens? Are they switching all screens? How are they rotating on help defensive? Is anyone left-handed? Make an impact upon entering the game.
While on the bench, actively and enthusiastically support your teammates. Some teams have bench protocol and decorum. Sitting in the same way or manner slightly forward in the chair. Showing a readiness to enter the game. No backwards slouching, nor legs extended or crossed upon the other. During tight contests, some teams will link arms showing a solidarity and togetherness. Upon entering the game, the bench player may deliver a fresh towel for the substituted player. The exiting player may jog down the bench receiving high-fives or fist bumps from teammates. The recognition goes all the way down to the water cooler and includes managers, trainers, and student managers. Everyone is part of the team and acknowledgement. Then return to open bench chairs next to an assistant coach for discussion. Teammates shift right to make room for the player exiting the floor. The manager finds the player’s labeled water bottle from the caddy and delivers it. All precise and well choreographed.
A mortal sin is leaving the bench during an on-court scuffle, i.e., joining in the tussle. This will assuredly result in technical fouls, free throws for the opponent, and potentially an automatic ejection from the game. Don’t do it. And, do not leave the general bench area.
At at Women’s D-1 basketball game recently and sitting behind the visitor’s bench, the Muse watched the student manager fastidiously fold fresh towels, and place them on each chair. At halftime, the soiled towels were all removed and fresh ones took their place. Before receiving the towels, Clorex disinfectant wipes were applied to the chairs, and were followed by a spray disinfectant. Serious sanitizing- these players will not get sick from one another. The chairs were then precisely lined up in an array, leg to leg – with no chair leg being out-of-line. They were perfectly placed to begin the second half. The head coach’s chair was the third from the scorer’s table. Beneath it were five paper cups of water. Major bench preparedness by support staff with an uber-attention to detail.
Having a deep bench staves off the affects and impacts of injuries. Presently in the NBA, the Golden State Warriors have a great bench lead by Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield often scoring 50+ points collectively as a bench unit. The Houston Rockets too have an excellent bench lead by Tari Eason and Amen Thompson.
In Women’s College Basketball (WCBB) both Connecticut (CT) and South Carolina (SC) have excellent benches. CT features Jana El Alfy, K.K. Arnold, and Azzi Fudd. SC has Ashlyn Watkins, Tessa Johnson, and Milashia Fulwiley OTB. All six of these WCBB players would start and star anywhere else in the country. Azzi Fudd is coming off an ACL injury and is projected as being selected 3rd in a mock WNBA draft. They are all really great WCBB basketball players and likely future professionals.
On “X” the Muse celebrates and identifies great bench performance in WCBB and the NBA. Its hard to do and worthy of highlight and feature on social media. There are also post-season awards to recognize excellent OTB play, called the sixth player award in basketball.
A recap – how to get off the bench? First, and most importantly, significantly improve one’s game. Second, go harder in practice, exert more effort. Third, be enthusiastic and upbeat. Lastly, become a reliable and consistent player. It should yield more minutes, even if its off the bench.
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