How to Prove You Deserve More Playing Time

There are going to be times within your career that you start and play every game. Then there are other times when you may struggle to find your way into the starting lineup or even have playing time. Regardless of your standing on your team, nothing is permanent, and there are always ways to find your way into the top eleven. It may not be easy, but it is definitely possible. Here are some ways you can prove you deserve to be on the pitch:

Put In Extra Work

It is one thing to just ask for more playing time, and it is another thing to prove yourself on the pitch. The key to catching your coach’s eye is to outwork other players and make sure you are only getting better. Putting in the extra work and ensuring you are at the top of your game is crucial when a coach decides who they want to start or even play.

Ask How You Can Improve

Now, the conversation with your coach about playing time may feel awkward and intimidating, but if you want to get better as a player, it is a definite conversation that needs to happen. However, approaching your coach and just asking for more playing time may not be the route to take.

Instead, ask your coach what you can do to improve and how you can increase your playing time. Your coach will appreciate your drive to get better and the fact that you want to play more. Additionally, it is important to take the advice of your coach and improve in the areas that they have called you out on. 

The conversation you have with your coach may be difficult—no one wants to hear about all of the ways they’re currently falling short—but it is worth the talk as it will only help you improve your game and increase your playing time. Nobody wants to be sitting out, and there is nothing wrong with being a sub or game-changer, but as Socceristas, the goal is to play as much as you can. 

One quote that will help guide you through the challenges you may face with playing time is, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” You could be one of the best soccer players in the world, but if you don’t work hard or try to be better than you were the day before, you will not be as great as you would like. Working on the things you can improve on and achieving your goal of going from a substitute to a starter will be an experience you’ll remember forever. Take the suggestions you get and run with them until your coach refuses to take you off the field!

Featured Image via Unsplash

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