Every basketball player wants more minutes, but not everyone is willing to do what it takes to earn them. You can’t just hope for more playing time—you have to demand it with your effort, energy, and impact on the game.
Coaches don’t hand out minutes like participation trophies. They reward players who hustle, communicate, bring energy, and support their teammates. If you’re not doing these things, you have no excuse for sitting on the bench.
Want more playing time? Here’s how to go get it.
1. Hustle Like Your Next Meal Depends on It
Effort is 100% in your control. Every game, every practice, every possession—you decide how hard you go. The players who give max effort are the ones who earn trust and minutes.
✅ Make plays with hustle:
- Dive for loose balls like your life depends on it.
- Sprint back on defense—don’t get beat in transition.
- Crash the boards hard, even if you’re not the tallest.
- Make game-changing plays—steals, blocks, deflections, and hustle rebounds.
A coach will never take out a player who gives everything on every play.
2. Be Loud – Communicate on Offense and Defense
A quiet player is a useless player. Great teams talk, and great players lead with their voice.
✅ Be a vocal leader:
- Call out screens and rotations on defense.
- Direct teammates on offense—help them get in position.
- Bring energy from the bench—hype up your team!
Even if you’re not the best player, being loud and engaged makes you valuable. Want your coach to trust you? Start talking.
3. Bring Energy Like It’s Game 7 of the NBA Finals
How you practice is how you play. If you treat practice like a joke, why would a coach put you in when it matters? If you want minutes, act like every rep is a championship moment.
✅ Stand out in practice:
- Sprint in every drill—don’t be the guy jogging.
- Be the first in line—step up, don’t hide.
- Compete in scrimmages like it’s a real game.
- Encourage teammates and bring positive energy.
Your coach is always watching. Are you the guy who raises the team’s energy or drains it?
4. Be a Great Teammate
Your attitude matters. If you sulk, complain, or act like you’re better than everyone, you’re hurting the team. But if you lift up your teammates, you make your whole squad better.
✅ Be a great teammate by:
- Hyping up teammates after big plays.
- Staying engaged, even when you’re on the bench.
- Celebrating others’ success instead of being jealous.
The best teams win together. Be the kind of player who makes your teammates better.
No More Excuses – Go Earn Your Minutes
If you’re not getting playing time, look in the mirror.
- Are you hustling?
- Are you talking?
- Are you bringing energy?
- Are you supporting your teammates?
Coaches don’t play favorites—they play winners. You have two choices:
✅ Keep complaining about your minutes.
✅ Step up and take them.
No more excuses. No more waiting.
Go earn it.
