B team
Not the starters
A B team is the secondary or backup squad in a sport or organization, contrasted with the A team of top performers.
The term extends to any group considered second-tier: They sent the B team to handle the minor accounts.
It implies capable but not elite—good enough to field, not good enough to lead.
Resources held back
- alternatesBackup people or rotates
- second-stringersReserve team members
- benchwarmersInactive roster players
- replacementsItems taking others' places
understudies · fill-ins · relief · substitutes · backups · standbys · pinch-hitters · role-players
Inexperienced beginners in profession
- traineesPeople being instructed
- apprenticesNovices learning a craft
- novicesInexperienced newcomers
- cadetsMilitary students in training
recruits · prospects · minor-league · developmental · up-and-comers · junior · greenhorns · neophytes
Things improving group spirit
- cheerleadersAthletic event spirit rousers
- encouragersThose who give support
- camaraderieGoodwill among companions
- solidarityUnity among allies
loyalty · fellowship · selflessness · contributors · unsung · behind-the-scenes · thankless · overlooked
reserves
Resources held back
- alternatesBackup people or rotates
- second-stringersReserve team members
- benchwarmersInactive roster players
replacements · understudies · fill-ins · relief · substitutes · backups · standbys · pinch-hitters · role-players · contingency
rookies
Inexperienced beginners in profession
- traineesPeople being instructed
- apprenticesNovices learning a craft
- novicesInexperienced newcomers
cadets · recruits · prospects · minor-league · developmental · up-and-comers · junior · greenhorns · neophytes · fledglings
morale-boosters
Things improving group spirit
- cheerleadersAthletic event spirit rousers
- encouragersThose who give support
- camaraderieGoodwill among companions
solidarity · loyalty · fellowship · selflessness · contributors · unsung · behind-the-scenes · thankless · overlooked · underappreciated
- Backup Teamsbackups, substitutes, subs, second string, reserve unit
- competition levelselite tier, top tier, mid tier, lower tier, upper tier
- sports teamsLakers, Celtics, Yankees, Bears, Steelers
- teamssquad, varsity, ensembles, crews, squads
- Minor Leaguesminor leagues, minor league baseball, minor league, Double-A, Single-A
B teamA team
Top-tier roster members
first team · varsity · starting lineup · first string · first eleven
B teamall-stars
Selected elite players
dream team · crack team · A-listers · elite squad · A team