Volleyball: The Importance of the Bench

It’s natural for players — and parents — to focus on playing time. But one of the most valuable lessons team sports teach is that every role matters, including the players on the bench.

Being on the bench is not a punishment or a sign of failure. It’s an opportunity for athletes to develop leadership, character, and selflessness — skills that last far beyond the game.

Players on the bench should stay fully engaged:

Cheering for their teammates, staying locked in mentally, and showing positive body language.

This energy feeds the team and creates a supportive, winning culture.

Parents play an important role in reinforcing this mindset. Encouraging your athlete to stay positive, to support their teammates, and to control what they can — attitude, effort, and energy — helps them grow as both a player and a person.

It’s also important to understand that even at the highest levels of sports, playing time is never guaranteed or equal. Professional and collegiate teams are built on roles — and not every player is a starter. Learning how to handle being on the bench with grace and commitment is a life lesson that prepares athletes for future challenges both in sports and in life.

Sign up for our summer volleyball programs and prepare for the game on and off the court.