Bench Decor

The bench must be totally engaged and into the game (mentally and physically).
Lack of engagement is a clear indicator to the coach that the player is more
concerned with themselves than the team. Being engaged sends a message to
the coaches and the rest of the team that a player is ready to play and is invested
in the game.

The bench must cheer for their teammates and not sit as spectators. The
cheering must be positive and empowering. It must be the type of cheering that
you would want to hear when you are on the floor.

The players on the bench should stand and extend their hand to the teammate
that is coming out the game. This is a form of solidarity and a demonstration of
TEAMWORK!

The player exiting the game must "high five" with each member on the bench.
After that they should return to the available seat next to an assistant coach so
that they can receive feedback on their performance.

Players should never go to the end of then bench to sit after coming out of the
game. This will only allow the player to disengage with the team and think of
themselves. The player will invariably start to ask questions of themselves and
others as to why she got taken out the game. Also, by going to the end of the
bench the assistant coaches are not able to give the proper feedback that can be
helpful to the player, and more importantly the team.

Players need to be vocal, especially when the team's defense is in front of their
bench. This is a great way get engaged in the game and have a positive impact.
Communicating from the bench is equally as valuable as the communication that
is taking place on the court; provided that the communication is the same and it
benefits the team.

When a timeout is called, the players on the bench should sprint out to meet the
players who are in the game. However, do not cross half court because this is a
rule violation. Whether the situation is good or bad, the team must remain a team
and handle everything as a single unit. Furthermore, it sends a message to your
opponents that they are playing a TEAM and not a collection of individuals.