How to keep substitutes fully engaged on the bench

Ask them to analyse their own performance

If they have been substituted off, get them thinking about what their experience on the field was like.

What do they think they did well? What would they have liked to have done better? What did they find challenging? How do they think the game is going in general?

Where you are playing in a competition that allows rolling substitutes, this information can be used to help them if they return to the pitch later on in the game. If they don’t or can’t, it can be used to support other players in a similar position.

This player can also ask for feedback on their performance from others on the subs’ bench.

Across all of this reflection – individual or peer-to-peer – it’s important that, as coaches, we keep it balanced. The purpose of the reflection isn’t to get at anyone, or point out negatives, rather to help and support. 

If you feel your players aren’t in the right space to tackle the reflection in this manner – perhaps emotions are running too high to do so – then encourage them to leave it for a while.

Put them in charge of equipment

A player might need a quick drink of water during the game, the ball may go out of play and be difficult to retrieve, it might need pumping up, or someone may get a rip in their shorts or shirt.

These are examples of the various things that can occur during a match that we may need some equipment for. Can you put the substitutes in charge of this equipment?

First, make sure they know where it all is. You can do this by keeping things consistent. 

In your matchday bag, make sure the spare kits, ball pump and first-aid bag are always in the same place, for example. 

Set out a drinks area where every player puts their bottle before kick-off so they are easy to access.

Then, ask the players to be in charge of it all, looking out for instances when equipment is needed and taking it wherever it needs to go.

Get them doing light activities

Of course, before a player enters the field they should have done a warm-up – but there are other things they can do while they are substitutes to keep them warm and ensure their bodies are ready.

This could be simple movements without a ball – sidesteps up and down a certain area, for example – or activities with a ball, such as passing back and forth with a team-mate.

The important thing here is to make sure that whatever they are doing is not too strenuous and doesn’t interfere with the game taking place on the field.

If they are passing a ball back and forth, for example, make sure they are positioned far enough back from the game, and passing parallel to it, to reduce the risk of the ball entering the field.

Summary

With all of these ideas, it’s important to remember that different things work for different teams and different players.

While some may love having a whiteboard and writing down their thoughts on the game in front of them, others may shy away from it. It is also important that all views are heard, not just those of the dominant personalities.

And while some might thrive at being in charge of equipment, others may hate the idea of having to pick something up and run on to the pitch with it, with eyes on them. 

Make sure to tweak your approach for each of your players as needed. You know them best.

The big takeaway is that putting as much effort into preparing matchday for the off-field players, as much as those taking part in the game from the start, will pay dividends in terms of player development, team cohesion and your matchday stress levels.