Playing time. It’s one of the biggest issues in youth sports today. 

And your kid might be doing everything right.

Showing up for practice.
Working hard.
Supporting teammates. 

But what happens when all their hard work isn’t translating into playing time? Or when the roster is so deep, they’re not getting enough game-speed reps?

Frustration for both parent and child. And rightfully so. 

The Aspen Institute’s Project Play recommends that sports programs (i.e., rec programs) invest in every kid equally, including playing time, through age 12 at least. But this becomes difficult when the demand outweighs the supply (i.e., deep rosters) or the coach/culture prioritizes winning.

The argument for equal playing time is simple: Research shows that when it comes to their sports experience, what kids want most is to be IN ON THE ACTION.

And getting stuck at the end of the bench doesn’t foster participation or development.

In fact, according to data from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association in the Aspen Institute’s State of Play 2017 report, only 37 percent of kids ages 6 to 12 regularly played team sports in 2016, down from 45 percent in 2008.

The numbers don’t lie; lack of playing time leads to kids quitting.

The Game is the Goal

The entire purpose of practicing is so players can execute what they’re learning in a game setting.

And while we all understand that practice is valuable, “putting it all together” can only happen when kids experience real game situations. 

Here’s why:

1. Skill Execution Under Pressure
   
   During games, players face real-time challenges: unknown opponents, the pressure of performing in front of an audience, and the absence of their coach’s immediate guidance. 
   
   These factors make executing what they’ve learned much more complex and meaningful. Players can’t fully master a skill until they’ve successfully applied it in these high-pressure scenarios multiple times.
   
   The Aspen Institute’s Project Play emphasizes that playing time is critical to development, arguing that game scenarios offer unique development opportunities that practice alone cannot replicate.
   
   
2. Cognitive Development and Game IQ
   
   Beyond physical skills, game-time minutes help players develop their “game IQ”—the ability to read the court, make quick decisions, and understand the game’s flow. 
   
   This is where they learn to answer crucial questions: “Who is my key opponent?” “How can I support my teammates?” “What is the opponent doing, and how do I adapt?” 
   
   Frequent exposure to in-game scenarios improves cognitive development, allowing athletes to subconsciously recognize patterns, anticipate actions, and react faster (Lorentzen, 2017). 
   
   These cognitive skills, also known as “game IQ” or “court vision,” are essential and can only be sharpened in a live game environment.
   
   
3. Building Confidence and Resilience
   
   It’s no secret that experience breeds confidence. 
   
   Players who regularly get game minutes develop resilience, learn to cope with pressure, and become more comfortable making mistakes and learning from them.
   
   Kids who spend most of their time on the bench or are limited to “leftover minutes” rarely get to develop these mental aspects of the game. This means they may be too nervous or unprepared to rise to the challenge when the big moments come. 

Bridging the Development Gap

When players do not get meaningful minutes, the gap between them and their more active teammates widens. This isn’t just about skill level; it’s about the overall growth from involvement in the game. 

Kids who are sidelined miss out on opportunities to experience success, learn from failure, and improve in real time. Without game experience, they can stagnate, and what could have been a minor skill gap turns into a significant developmental divide. 

As Coach Jon Nascimento highlights, consistent game experience is crucial: A player cannot fully master a concept until they have attempted and successfully executed it several times in competitive matches.

Large rosters and prioritized winning often lead to a tighter rotation where only the top players see the court. However, this approach overlooks the long-term impact on players who are left out. 

They’re not just losing playing time—they’re losing the chance to learn, improve, and eventually contribute at a higher level. Even in highly competitive teams, there are ways to ensure that all players get the game experience they need.

Practice vs. Game Time: A Balanced Approach

The common argument is that more practice time is the key to developing skills. Experts like USA Hockey and top soccer academies recommend a practice-to-game ratio of 3:1 or even 5:1 (USA Hockey, Coyle). 

These guidelines emphasize the importance of quality practice over the number of games. But this recommendation can be misinterpreted. It’s not saying games are unimportant; it’s saying that overloading kids with games without proper skill development isn’t beneficial.

So, for those sitting on the bench or missing minutes, it’s not a matter of replacing game time with more practice. They need opportunities to apply their skills in real games. 

Practice develops skills; games test them and teach players how to use them under real conditions.

More Playing for Your Child: Practical Steps for Parents

1. Advocate for Meaningful Minutes: If your child isn’t getting game time, talk to the coach respectfully and understand why.
   
   Is the goal of the league or the team to win?
   Is the goal to showcase skills and talent (for scouting or rankings)?
   Is the goal to develop players? 
   
   Conversely, assess your child’s needs and development stage. 
   Is your child working hard enough?
   Do they need more practice?
   Are they ready for the pressure and stress of competitive sports?
   Do they want to be there?
   
   Understanding the program’s goals and your child’s readiness and aspirations will help you assess whether the program is the right fit for your child’s current developmental stage.
   
   
2. Explore Alternative Teams or Leagues: If your child isn’t getting playing time, consider additional teams or leagues for more game involvement. 
   
   Even professional players often get minutes in reserve or secondary competitions.
   
   
3. Foster a Growth Mindset: Encourage your child to view playing time as an opportunity to learn, not just as a reward. Help them understand that mistakes made during games are valuable learning experiences.
   

The Bottom Line: Playing Time is Essential for Development

Youth sports are about development, not just winning. Players need the opportunity to test their skills in real-game situations, gain confidence, and learn how to perform under pressure. 

By helping your child find opportunities for meaningful game-time minutes, you’re investing in your child’s long-term growth as an athlete and as a person.