Scheduling/Substitution Philosophy

[LwrcasefaN]

I saw a lot of tired kids in so many games last night. And it's not a lack of conditioning. It's fatigue. 20-year-olds with bags under their eyes. So do you think it's better to play your toughest games early in the season or later? Do you really think bench players get any benefit by playing the last minute in a game?

 

[JellyBean]

Great questions. A lot just depends on a program and their depth. Some programs sprinkle tough games throughout their schedule because they and the athletic department feels that the incoming talent and the returning talent can handle the load. Some programs front load their schedule with heavyweights to see how mentally tough their programs are. Some schedule those games towards the end, just before conference play. As for last question, just depends on where you, as a coach, think that player skill level is during whatever phase of the season. Those few minutes can help a player get over little jitters or expose them enough to where they are cool just chilling on the bench.