Every athlete wants to be on the field, court, or ice as much as possible. But when playing time is limited, frustration can build—both for the athlete and their parents. The key to earning more minutes isn't just about talent; it’s about effort, attitude, and strategy.

If your athlete is looking to increase their role, here’s how you can support them in the right way and help them take control of their own development.

1. Encourage a Strong Work Ethic in Practice

Playing time is earned in practice, not just in games. Coaches notice who’s giving 100% effort, even in drills. Athletes who hustle, stay engaged, and push themselves in practice show they’re ready for game-time minutes.

🏆 Ways to stand out in practice:
✔️ Always be the hardest worker—whether in warmups or scrimmages.
✔️ Be coachable—listen, learn, and apply feedback.
✔️ Outwork teammates in conditioning, strength training, and skill drills.

🔹 Pro tip: Remind your athlete that effort is controllable—even if skill level isn’t where they want it to be yet.

2. Master the “Little Things” That Coaches Love

Coaches don’t just look for scorers and superstars—they need team players who contribute in multiple ways. Even if your athlete isn’t the best player, they can still be valuable to the team by excelling in the fundamentals.

🏆 Coaches love athletes who:
✔️ Play great defense and hustle for loose balls.
✔️ Make smart plays, set up teammates, and don’t force bad shots.
✔️ Communicate well and bring energy to the team.

🔹 Pro tip: Have your athlete ask their coach, “What can I do to help the team and earn more minutes?” This shows maturity and a willingness to improve.

3. Develop a Team-First Mindset

One of the fastest ways to lose playing time? Bad attitude and selfishness. Coaches notice when players sulk on the bench, complain about minutes, or show frustration when subbed out.

🏆 How to be a great teammate:
✔️ Stay engaged on the bench—cheer for teammates, learn from the game.
✔️ Accept roles and be willing to contribute in different ways.
✔️ Keep a positive attitude, even when things don’t go their way.

🔹 Pro tip: Remind your athlete that playing time isn’t always fair, but how they respond can impact future opportunities.

4. Get Extra Reps Outside of Team Practice

Athletes who want more minutes need to prove they’re willing to put in extra work. That means training outside of scheduled practices to improve weaknesses and develop strengths.

🏆 Ways to get better outside of practice:
✔️ Extra shooting, dribbling, or passing reps (sport-specific skills).
✔️ Strength training and speed/agility drills.
✔️ Watching film to study the game and improve decision-making.

🔹 Pro tip: Encourage quality over quantity—it’s better to have focused, intentional workouts than to just go through the motions.

5. Build Trust with the Coach

Coaches decide playing time based on who they trust in key moments. If your athlete shows they are reliable, responsible, and ready to compete, they’ll earn more chances.

🏆 How to build trust with a coach:
✔️ Show up on time, prepared, and with a great attitude.
✔️ Stay consistent—no slacking in effort or discipline.
✔️ Handle criticism well—take feedback and use it to improve.

🔹 Pro tip: Patience is key. Some athletes don’t get their shot right away, but those who keep working often see their minutes increase over time.

Final Thoughts

Playing time isn’t just about talent—it’s about effort, attitude, and consistency. Encourage your athlete to focus on what they can control: work ethic, team-first mentality, and continuous improvement.

✅ Be the hardest worker in practice.
✅ Focus on the “little things” that make a difference.
✅ Stay positive and trust the process.