Brandon loved playing catch at recess with his friend Kyle. But he had never tried to play on a real football team.

When he watched the kids on the team play, it looked like fun. But he didn't know if he would be good enough. Brandon was nervous, but decided to try out for the team.

"You want a spot on the team, huh?" said coach Steve, when Brandon got the courage to talk to him.  "Our roster is full now, but I can get you in as a backup. You won't be playing in the games, but you can practice with us. How's that sound?"

Brandon was just glad to be a part of it.  "Yes sir!", he said 

Leo was the starting quarterback on the team. He was bigger and stronger than Brandon and was one grade older. After school, Leo caught up to Brandon.

"Hey, newbie!" Leo said.  "I heard coach has you as the backup."

Brandon gulped.

"Some things to know", Leo sneered.  "I'm number one. I'm the fastest, strongest, and the best arm on the team. For now, just watch and learn. 

And don't get in my way at practice, newbie!  You got me?"

Brandon wondered what he was getting himself in to...

At practice, the starters ran drills, with Leo playing quarterback. Brandon stayed near coach Steve as he barked orders and called plays.

Set, hike!

footwork! eyes downfield! follow through!

Brandon watched and learned, like Leo told him to.

After practice each day, Brandon would have to haul all the team's gear back to the locker room. He also took time to study coach Steve's playbook.

Being a backup was a lot of work!

After the first game, Brandon and coach were in the locker room cleaning up.

This isn't how I thought it would be on the team. I want to get in the game!

It's not always fun putting in the work. But keep on learning, keep on practicing. Hard work now pays off later. You think Leo got to be starter right away? He was once backup, too.

All the next day at home, Brandon turned Coach Steve's words around in his mind.

Coach was right.  He was the new guy.  He would have to earn whatever playing time he got.

It was time to get to work.

Every day at recess, Brandon kept practicing his throwing with his friend Kyle.

Wow! Your throws go further than they used to!

Maybe coach was right... my work is paying off!