Banketopstelling

Banketopstelling is a term used primarily in Dutch football and related team sports to describe the lineup of substitutes available for a match. It refers to the group of players who are on the bench and eligible to enter the game, as opposed to the starting lineup (begineerderopstelling). The banketopstelling is usually announced before a match and may be cited by clubs, coaches, and media in discussions about tactical options and depth.

The purpose of the banketopstelling is to provide tactical flexibility and cover for injuries, fatigue, or tactical changes during a game. Managers plan which players sit on the bench and in what order they could be used, allowing adjustments in response to how the match unfolds. Substitutions are governed by competition rules, which specify how many players may be used as substitutes and under what conditions. In many leagues the number of allowed substitutes has varied over time, ranging from three to five or more players per match, with occasional extra substitutions allowed in extra time or for certain competitions.

In practice, the banketopstelling is a key element of squad management. It reflects not only current form and fitness but also strategic aims for the opponent, the state of the match, and long-term rotation plans. In match reports, journalists frequently refer to the bench and potential substitutions to explain tactical decisions or turning points in a game.