What To Do When My Coach Won't Play Me (My #1 Piece of Advice)

Facing limited playing time because your coach has a favorite or possibly harbors a bias is a discouraging reality many athletes encounter. It can feel deeply personal and unfair, especially when opportunities to prove yourself are rare and often come with immense pressure to perform flawlessly. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s crucial to adopt a mindset and strategy that turns these challenges into opportunities for personal growth and development.

@catchingmadesimple “My coach won’t play me” 😢 This is something I hear all the time 👂🏽 Its a real thing: there’s only one catcher spot. The coaches kid plays. The coach doesnt like you. There’s only one solution i’ve found for this 1️⃣ BE SO GOOD THEY CAN’T IGNORE YOU 💪🏼 #catching #catchingcoach #baseball #playingtime ♬ Fighter (Instrumental) - ROKKA

The Reality of Unfair Playing Time

It's tough when you feel sidelined due to circumstances beyond your control, such as:

• Coach’s Bias: Sometimes, a coach might prefer another player over you, possibly due to personal reasons or relationships.
• Limited Opportunities: When you finally get a chance to play, the pressure to perform exceptionally well can lead to increased anxiety and decreased performance.
• Feeling Overlooked: Consistently being overlooked can impact your confidence and mental game, which are crucial for success on the field.

The Solution: Irrefutable Excellence

The advice "Be so good they can’t ignore you" encapsulates the proactive approach needed to overcome these challenges. Here’s how you can put this philosophy into action:

1. Master Your Skills

Dedicate yourself to improving every aspect of your game. Seek feedback, invest time in training, and focus on areas that need strengthening. Being the hardest worker on and off the field makes it harder for any coach to overlook your dedication and improvement.

2. Stay Ready

Always prepare as if you’re starting the next game. This means understanding game plans, knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your opponents, and being physically and mentally fit. Staying ready ensures that when opportunities arise, no matter how infrequent, you’re prepared to make the most of them.

3. Stay Positive and Be a Team Player

Your attitude can be just as important as your athletic skills. Be a positive presence on your team, support your teammates, and show leadership in every situation. Coaches value athletes who contribute positively to the team culture.

4. Communicate Effectively

If you feel comfortable, consider having an open, respectful conversation with your coach about your playing time. Ask for specific feedback and what you can improve to earn more time on the field.

Conclusion

While it's frustrating to deal with perceived unfairness in sports, focusing on what you can control — your effort, attitude, and skill — can sometimes shift the dynamics in your favor. Remember, the goal is to be so undeniably good that your performance speaks volumes, making it impossible for you to be put on the bench.

If you're looking for coaching on improving your catching skills, consider exploring resources like:

• CatchCORE - A 4-week transformation program to master the fundamentals behind the plate.
• How To Get Better At Catching: 3 Simple Steps
• 11U Catcher becomes a THREAT behind the plate

Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger, both on and off the field. Keep striving, keep improving, and never let your spirit be diminished by circumstances out of your control.