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I guess the answer to the question is "no answer". Since this post has been (how do you say) "hijacked" to discuss other subjects. I will go back to just reading this message board.



The answer is fairly obvious. Many coaches "shorten" their bench in tougher games and during the playoffs. Sometimes it is to their detriment, but coaches in many sports will tell you that as you get further in the playoffs, your bench gets shorter and your starters play more minutes. There is a reason that your starters are your starters. They are your better players. Most teams don't go 17 or 18 deep with talented players. Heck, most teams don't go 14 or 15 deep.

It is just a matter of opinion and coaching style. I have seen coaches that will use three or four subs but only sub those players at certain positions. I have also seen coaches that will use only one or two subs, but be able to use those subs in a rotations that allows every player on the field (save the goalie) to have 5-8 minutes of rest during each half. I have seen coaches that use only a couple of subs, but will move players around to get periods of rest such as switching defenders and forwards depending on where the balance of the game is being played.

It is these decisions that allow coaches to "earn" their money. What many people on the outside looking in (other coaches, fans, parents) don't always comprehend is the situation of the team. A certain player could be injured or sick or just weary because of AP exams and this changes all of the best laid plans. I think this is especially true for parents. They get fired up at the coach because Suzy scored 3 goals against a certain team so she must be a great player, yet she didn't get to play in the playoff game. What is the coach thinking? Well, he could be thinking that Suzy scored 3 goals against a very poor team, but her skills and athletic ability don't allow her to perform to that same level against better teams.