It is never much fun to sit out and watch other’s play, but if you get the opportunity to do so, use it as a learning experience. If you find yourself out of the game, find a spot where you can watch the action. There are certain things you should watch for.

First, look for mistakes that your team members may be making. Remember the things you see clearly, so that the problems can be discussed and corrected later. Problems you may see include team members who are not providing appropriate cover for other team members, members with defective equipment, members who are not sticking to the team plan, etc. This is not an opportunity to look for things that are wrong, so that you can complain or tattle. This is simply an effort to improve the team overall.

Also, pay close attention to the players who usually do well in the games. See if you can make a mental note of the things they do that make them better than the rest. Try to discover their strategy and tactics. Again, make a mental note, which will allow you to pass the information on to other team members later, or to try out the tactics and strategies yourself.

Finally, watch the opposing team. Try to figure out what their tactics and strategies are. Look for their weak points. What are their strengths? This information is valuable in future games. The more information you have about the other team, the more vulnerable they are.