Subs and playing time

It is rare you have just enough players to start a match. This means you have to decide on your substitution policy. But who do you take off and when?

ROTATION

Rotating players during matches means all the players get a chance of being involved at some stage. If you work it right, then everyone can have equal playing time. All this can increase the motivation to want to play. 

But rotation can have some negatives, which you need to weigh up and then deal with.

Why rotation doesn’t work

• Disrupts player concentration: If a player is chopping and changing he can lose the rhythm of proceedings. If he comes on, he might find he is spending the first few minutes acquainting himself with the position. This is tough for a younger player.
• Again for younger players, they rarely tire and so rotation has no upsides in terms of keeping them fresh.
• A player might be finding his way into the game, having made a tackle or just performed a good pass. To have to go off might reduce the benefits that this confidence has given him.
• You spend more time on the substitutions and less time on properly watching the match. Your mind is occupied with working out who will replace who and when.

Solutions

• Have a concurrent training session for players not involved. One of the other coaches takes the substitutes off for extra coaching. Keep them away from the action so they are not distracted.
• Have someone else in charge of rotation and plan these rotations in advance.
• Pick fewer players for each weekend, giving some players a weekend off.

MATCH-RELATED SUBSTITUTIONS

In cup or league matches, depending on the local rules, you may not be able to rotate players. You have to decide whether you are going to play all your subs and how much time you want to give them.

One body of thought is that you play the best team and bring on players who will enhance the game when you need a boost. Perhaps a player is getting tired or not performing well, or you might want to change your tactics. Any players who are unused will have to wait until the next outing. 

Players then know they need to prove themselves to stay in the team, increasing the motivation to play well. 

If you decide to give players a more equal share of playing time over a series of matches, you are in danger of losing some continuity, especially if you are changing key decision making roles.

The counter argument is that players only learn by playing and if they are not exposed to pressure, they won’t develop. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy that if better players stay on the pitch longer, they will get better while the other players will not – so you end up picking the better players next week as well.

Whatever policy you decide on, it has to be communicated clearly at the start of the season. A player can then decide whether he agrees with the philosophy. 

NO-ONE MUST BE LEFT BEHIND

Some coaches still think it's right to keep players on the bench. I'm afraid that is completely wrong, no matter what age you are coaching.

There's no excuse for a children's coach to do this. And be ready to lose some games because you gave everyone a chance.

Be strong and your legacy will endure.