Earning Your Spot on the Team: Why Playing Time Isn’t Given.

The Puzzle of Building a Team

The ultimate goal of most sports programs is clear: win games. But most coaches will also tell you that their mission goes deeper - developing athletes into disciplined, responsible young men and women.

When it comes to filling a roster, coaches are asking one big question: “With what we have, who puts us in the best possible position?”

If a team is struggling with morale, a negative player isn’t going to help, no matter how skilled. If the roster is full of forwards, a team won’t bring in another one just because they’re talented. If the team’s identity is defense, coaches need gritty players who embrace that role.

It’s not just about skill, it’s about finding the right puzzle pieces.

A Lesson from Coach Carter

One of my favorite sports movies of all time is Coach Carter. From day one, he set the tone: discipline, respect, and accountability. He even required players to sign a contract agreeing to his standards.

Here’s the lesson: it didn’t matter if a player was the most talented on the court. If they didn’t fit the puzzle, if they weren’t willing to buy into the bigger picture, they didn’t belong.

That’s reality in sports. Sometimes when things don’t go your way, it’s not just about talent. You have to look in the mirror and ask:

• Do I need to work harder?

• Is my position already being filled?

• Can I contribute in a different way that the team needs?

Entitlement Is a Problem

One of the biggest roadblocks to athletes truly earning their spot on the team comes from entitlement, and often, it starts with parents.

When parents complain that “little Jimmy” isn’t starting, and badmouth the coach, that mindset rubs off. Even if the athlete didn’t feel that way before, they start believing they’re being wronged. Suddenly, there’s an attitude shift in practice and games.

But entitlement kills growth.

Imagine if a college coach let everyone who wanted a spot on the roster have one. There’d be no reason to work hard, no appreciation for the opportunity to wear the jersey, and no sense of competition.

Nobody wins when spots are given, not earned.

How to Actually Earn Playing Time

If you’re an athlete who wants to prove you belong, here’s what it takes:

• Communicate with your coaches. Ask questions. Show them you care.

• Go hard on every rep. Coaches notice effort.

• Put in the work on your own. Don’t wait for practice to improve.

• Be intentional when you train. Focus on the details that matter.

• Be coachable. Follow instructions, even on the little things. If a coach says “touch the line,” touch the line. If they say “help a teammate up,” sprint over. Small things add up in a coach’s mind.

The Final Word: It’s On You

At the end of the day, playing time isn’t given, it’s earned.

Whether a coach thinks you’re ready to play or not… they’re right. You can argue, you can complain, but the truth is, you either proved it to the decision maker or you didn’t.

So find out what problem your coach is trying to solve, figure out what piece of the puzzle they need, and work to fit that mold while still staying true to yourself.

Don’t lose your identity, but don’t expect anything to be handed to you, either.

It’s not up to mom or dad, the principal, the athletic director, or the board.

It’s up to you.