Your bench: don't let them just sit there! (developing strong group of reserves)(WomenScene)

Never knock your benchwarmers; they can give your team depth and resourcefulness

Though a basketball coach's greatest resource in a game may be only a few feet away, the coach will often fail to capitalize upon it. We refer to the "bench" - the substitutes sitting there waiting for a call to arms (or legs, or both).

Coaches who disparage their "bench-warmers" are not being smart. An intelligently prepared group of reserves will give a team depth and resourcefulness, particularly in critical situations.

Several key factors must be considered in the building of a strong bench:

Selection:

1. Use a skill rating form for evaluation. This will enable you to sit down with the players, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and make sound decisions about whom to keep.

Though experience and instinct will help guide your decisions, it's always reassuring to have some solid information - such as test scores - to go on. The main point is to never base your decisions on hope and emotions.