Athletes sometimes tend to fool themselves into thinking they are better than they are and can't accept not playing or competing. They become antagonistic toward the coach, blame him or her, and generally are disgruntled and unhappy. This soon leads to problems that can harm the entire team.
Once athletes accept the responsibility for playing or not playing, they tend to improve and be more satisfied with their position. Players who can control their feelings about the coach, the game, and the other athletes enhance team chemistry.
Feelings of anger directed at the coach or another athlete may sometimes help your short-term motivation, but usually, these feelings interfere with peak performance and are counterproductive overall.
Other problems in competition often stem from peer pressure or pressure from parents. Not playing, not succeeding, and "riding the bench" all tend to undermine confidence and create fear about performing at a high level. If you can concentrate on watching other players and turn the experience of bench-sitting into learning, it will be to your benefit and will keep you mentally alert and help you avoid putting yourself down.
Recommendation: If you see yourself as a "loser", you will create this atmosphere around you. If you are "unattached" to playing or not playing, you will feel better about yourself and won't be riding a roller coaster of emotions.
Make a game out of watching the best athletes or players in great detail - their form, how they breathe, their temperament, all the nuances you can see, hear, or feel about their performance. Let those who are pressuring you about not playing know that you are learning from the best and that it is an important part of your training. Imitate what you like about the starter’s style and learning something new. In this case, it benefits you to be "outwardly" focused. You can learn a lot from others while you are waiting your turn to play or compete.
Supporting your team or fellow athletes with enthusiasm helps you stay "up." Many times, being supportive is as important as participating. Let go of your ego, focus on the moment, and support others as well as yourself regardless of what your peers or parents expect of you.
