Expert: Michael Muro - 12/31/2006

Question
I am the 6th man on my b-ball team. I play more than the girl who starts instead of me and I practice as hard as I can. I am better than her at most things but no matter how much I try my coach won't start me. Why?

Answer
Hi Tara,

Without talking to your coach or watching you practice and play it will be hard for me to answer. I can only guess why you aren't starting.

First it could be the player that starts has more seniority then you. Maybe she is a senior and you are a junior, soph., or freshman and coach feels she earned the starting spot because of her time with the team. If not that maybe she makes less mistakes and coach wants to get the game off to a good start. Maybe she plays tough defense and coaches philosophy is defense first. It can be a hundred different reasons but what is important is you are getting more of the playing time so I wouldn't worry about it to much. If it is really bothering you talk to your coach and ask him or her why you aren't starting and what you can do to get into the starting line up.

I had a player that started for me her entire freshman season and half her sophomore season then she injured herself and was out for a couple of games. When she was ready to play again I eased her into the line up so she was not starting. It worked out better her coming off the bench as she averaged over 20 points compared to when she was starting as she was averaging just a little over 12 points.

The point is look at what is best for the team and not what you feel is best for you. Starting is more of an ego thing and it can hurt the team  if you let it consume you. I am not saying you wanting to start is a bad thing but just try and look at the whole situation as fair as you can and then act accordingly. Do what is best for the team without compromising your competitive instincts.

Good luck and keep working hard as hard work does pay off in the end. Remember it is the paths we choose that defines our character!