I guess, every Playoff Game, every Tourney, every League gets bigger from here on out...
HUUUUUUUUUUUGE Game tonight though....LOL, I'm so nervous.....
Wild thing is gonna start it off...... We're all just hoping for the best, letting her go out there 1st and keep her going as long as she can...
My Girl ready to Come in next - the later the better!!!!!!
Feel like It's the World Series game 7!!!!!
I know you already know this but it's softball/baseball. You can't be on fire all the time. It's a slump. The more you press the worse it gets. Work on fundamentals and mechanics of the swing and eventually a hot streak comes back. Small sample sizes always tend to inflate or deflate confidence. Have her remember it's a long hall of a season/career. There will be ups and downs.As far as my daughter in pretty sure middle school as screwed up her hitting she is 2-9 in her last 10 at bats. A walk, 2 singles and 7k.
She has struck more times already this spring then she did all of last year and fall combined.
Makes me hurt to see her struggling this bad all of a sudden :(
Not sure on your question and maybe a slight highjack but...So question for you more experienced guys.
We have a team that is all second year 12U.
So next year we would be a first year 14U.
After next season. Most of the girls will be freshman. We have had interest in some girls joining the team next year as second year 14U.
Has anyone played 1 year of 14U then jumped to 16U? is it really big? I've heard mixed things.
We're trying to figure out if having a few older girls will be an asset or not 2 years from now.... The goal is to try to keep the team together.
I know this is is a long time from now. well - technically its 14 months from now
Baseball in my area is based on 1 yr increments. There are 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, etc......There are always teams at each level at every tournament we play at. I haven't seen only two year jumps.Not sure on your question and maybe a slight highjack but...
Why does softball and baseball primarily combine 2 years? It really throws our baseball off. My boys are on a 9U and 11U teams and primarily play against mostly 10U and 12U teams with the exception of some tourneys. Games are not competitive. THen next year they flip to the more experienced side of things and the games flip the other way. Why is it not more like basket ball where it is one age/grade at a time?
For trying to keep a team together I would maybe mix in one or two older players if you need the numbers. If you don't need the numbers then I would try and keep them all the same age. If you are just talking about an individual player then it really depends on their skill level on whether then can jump up to the next age group. From my experience (my daughter played travel for the last few years and just graduated high school) there seems to be quite a step up from 14U to 16U. In our area we had hard times finding games at times for 14U because there weren't many teams in our general area so tournaments were scattered. Probably depends on the area. I think she was playing silver level (middle level) and that may have had something to do with it as well.So question for you more experienced guys.
We have a team that is all second year 12U.
So next year we would be a first year 14U.
After next season. Most of the girls will be freshman. We have had interest in some girls joining the team next year as second year 14U.
Has anyone played 1 year of 14U then jumped to 16U? is it really big? I've heard mixed things.
We're trying to figure out if having a few older girls will be an asset or not 2 years from now.... The goal is to try to keep the team together.
I know this is is a long time from now. well - technically its 14 months from now
High school JV? If you're an NFHS state, there's no rule mandating trying to avoid HBP as long as the ball is completely in the batter's box.My daughter was hit in her JV game last week. She didn't flinch or move at all and the Ump wouldn't let her take her base. She didn't know that she had to attempt to move or she wouldn't get the base. She's been hit a bunch over the years but this has never happened before. Her coach and team got a big kick out of it. She hit a double after the fact so no harm done.
Yep, was not aware of thatHigh school JV? If you're an NFHS state, there's no rule mandating trying to avoid HBP as long as the ball is completely in the batter's box.
oh but the glory of the perfect game!?Finished up with the 10U All-Star Game.... Girl got to pitch to all bigger better kids and did well... 3 straight Ks even for 1 a 1-2-3 inning.
My final analysis after 4 months learning to windmill with Pitching coach then 1 Spring Season......
IT'S @#T*&@*#&%$*%@# CRAZY..... WHY WOULD ANYONE PITCH?????!!!!!!
It's BRUTAL!!!!!!!L.... We talked to college pitchers... IT NEVER GETS BETTER ------ The entire existence of a Softball pitcher is Brutal Disaster any given Day... and often
OH GOD!!!! I seriously might not survive it.
When I see Dads with young kids thinking of it I Say................ DON"T DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I mean, Unless your kid is some bigger, POWERFUL kid that naturally throws GAS..
Oh BTW Wild thing Smashed some kid in the helmet, then 2 more kids before being pulled in the All Star Game....
Still, She's the one that should work it and just may make it.... But, the Mom is losing her mind right now.
Oh Well... On to Williamsport then another ####load of pitching lesson $$$$$..... LOL
CANT WAIT!
Yeah, it's one of those rules that varies by rules set. I think ASA still requires trying to avoid, the FED and NCAA don't. They just can't be trying to get hit. Evidently your coach isn't aware of it either.Yep, was not aware of that
Not sure on your question and maybe a slight highjack but...
Why does softball and baseball primarily combine 2 years? It really throws our baseball off. My boys are on a 9U and 11U teams and primarily play against mostly 10U and 12U teams with the exception of some tourneys. Games are not competitive. THen next year they flip to the more experienced side of things and the games flip the other way. Why is it not more like basket ball where it is one age/grade at a time?
We have plenty of 14U.For trying to keep a team together I would maybe mix in one or two older players if you need the numbers. If you don't need the numbers then I would try and keep them all the same age. If you are just talking about an individual player then it really depends on their skill level on whether then can jump up to the next age group. From my experience (my daughter played travel for the last few years and just graduated high school) there seems to be quite a step up from 14U to 16U. In our area we had hard times finding games at times for 14U because there weren't many teams in our general area so tournaments were scattered. Probably depends on the area. I think she was playing silver level (middle level) and that may have had something to do with it as well.
what level do you intend to play at? If your area is like ours 16 and 14 B aren't really that different. Only at the a level do you start to see big changes and 16 a level pitching can be much better than even 14a.We have plenty of 14U.
My question was this. Starting in September we will be a first year 14U. Our initial thought was to pick up a couple older girls. So we would have 2 or 3 (second year 14U) and the rest be our first year team. After we play 1 whole season we were going to take the same team and jump to 16U. So we don't lose the older kids. However, I've heard mixed things and they may be a big jump. But most of the kids will be freshman by that point.
I was just curious if anyone else played out that way.
We will start as a 14B with goals of reaching 14A - same for 16what level do you intend to play at? If your area is like ours 16 and 14 B aren't really that different. Only at the a level do you start to see big changes and 16 a level pitching can be much better than even 14a.
I think with it is different with girls, after they reach 13 or 14 they can compete with girls 2 or 3 years older than they are. I wouldn't recruit older girls just to have older girls on the team. Talented and athletic players are what you want, even if you have to coach them up.belljr said:We will start as a 14B with goals of reaching 14A - same for 16
This all day every day. You will never know how miserable a season can be (even while winning) when you have terrible attitudes and worse parents.We are also hating this time of year. We are having tryouts but we love all the parents on our team and not one has complained. We may lose one of our better players because they want to go to a "better" team. There are only a couple in the area. And while I think shes a really good player shes not as good as her parents think she is. They are great overall though and shes a good kid. The dad is pretty realistic - I think its the mom that doesnt "get it completely" She asked why we didn't pick certain kids in tryouts and we told her - they were lazy in tryouts. And she was like "oh, I didnt know that" (she basically acts like she knows whats going on when she doesn't) Especially with a couple of our lower kids. But the kid has great hear and attitude. I'll sacrifice being "THE best team around" for a pretty good team with great kids and parents any day of the week
Anyway we could probably pick up a couple better players but they won't have better parents or attitudes than what we have already. We are just trying to do whats best but its going to suck one way or the other. Because in the end - we need to protect our team
LOL that's awesome in a sad wayMy goodness, what a joke:
2018 STATE TOURNAMENTS
We are hoping to post state tournament sites and teams on Tuesday. If you want to host contact us quickly.
We start this weekend!
They just posted the locations, so at least we know where we play. No idea when, but we know where.LOL that's awesome in a sad way
But damn, I am really don't want to travel for softball...
And here is what people don't understand. Especially in my area. There is literally Zero benefit travelling across the country at under 14 years old. One trip away - sure its fun. Even most kids at 18U in our area aren't going to go to insert big time D1 school hereLOL... I really don't know how ppl do it.... I mean, I only get a few vacations where I'd like to actually vacation.
Buddy of mine just did a Tourney down south and says it cost him almost 5k.... Hotels, Food, Gas, entertainment etc....WTF!!!!! That's more than my vacations!!!
He also Pays a large sum for the Travel Team... IDK, Maybe 4k.....?? Sheesh...
And here is what people don't understand. Especially in my area. There is literally Zero benefit travelling across the country at under 14 years old. One trip away - sure its fun. Even most kids at 18U in our area aren't going to go to insert big time D1 school here
Why? Especially with the new rule. D1 college coaches can't contact athletes until Junior year now. There is no money in scholarships unless you are super elite. Sure you can get some money but you're not getting a free ride anywhere. Even around here the handful that "made it" some sat the bench the entire time. I was talking with one girl who played in college and she doesn't understand it either. She is like why are you going to spend 12K a year under the age of 14 when you could just put that money towards college. Yes you will get some money but very few will be getting full rides. YMMV based on area.
Our best hitter left us for this reason. They don't travel that far but they are in a bigger program now. We do have a hole in our lineup now. She was also our SS. We are going to be a 13U team but may struggle a little. All told we probably spend ~2K for our team fees/uniforms/hotels/gas etc
Don't get me wrong. I enjoy playing the more competitive teams and such. And I am willing to pay for some of that for the development of my daughter. There is no way I could still be in rec or our town travel league. I'm giving my daughter the best opportunity to grow in the game and maximize her potential. Whether she ends up playing highschool and college. HS only. neither thats fine. But she says she wants to try to play in college so I am giving her the best opportunity to do that without breaking the bank...if that makes sense. In a couple more years if shes still progressing, then I may consider moving to a more travelling expensive team.Yup - Our Coach last year said it "If you just save all that money from Coaching and Travel..... you pretty much can set up your own scholarship....lol
We did it because our daughter loved it.Yup - Our Coach last year said it "If you just save all that money from Coaching and Travel..... you pretty much can set up your own scholarship....lol
This is my buddy's daughter exactly. Started playing 18U with one of the better area organizations when she was 15. They traveled all over the West for 4 years. I would guess they spent at least $10k a year on two school teacher's salaries. I thought he was crazy, but he would always tell me she was going to get a scholarship out of it. And he was right, she did get a D1 scholarship. I think it was all the way up to like $1000 a semester or something by the time she was a senior.And here is what people don't understand. Especially in my area. There is literally Zero benefit travelling across the country at under 14 years old. One trip away - sure its fun. Even most kids at 18U in our area aren't going to go to insert big time D1 school here
Why? Especially with the new rule. D1 college coaches can't contact athletes until Junior year now. There is no money in scholarships unless you are super elite. Sure you can get some money but you're not getting a free ride anywhere. Even around here the handful that "made it" some sat the bench the entire time. I was talking with one girl who played in college and she doesn't understand it either. She is like why are you going to spend 12K a year under the age of 14 when you could just put that money towards college. Yes you will get some money but very few will be getting full rides. YMMV based on area.
Yes - I am all in on OUR club team. And its great fun but we aren't breaking the bank either. Are we expensive to alternatives (town ball etc ) absolutely but compared to other club teams we are dirt cheap. The guy that runs our organization always tells us - you want to get a ton of kids at tryouts - tell everyone you are going to charge 4k for the year.We did it because our daughter loved it.
They're only young once
I have seen kids get half tuition paid for and full tuition paid for. Room and board were not.This is my buddy's daughter exactly. Started playing 18U with one of the better area organizations when she was 15. They traveled all over the West for 4 years. I would guess they spent at least $10k a year on two school teacher's salaries. I thought he was crazy, but he would always tell me she was going to get a scholarship out of it. And he was right, she did get a D1 scholarship. I think it was all the way up to like $1000 a semester or something by the time she was a senior.
My daughter played 16U in the same organization for a year. They were an okay team but it's not like they were just steamrolling everyone in our area, so we thought it was pretty dumb that they were bypassing tournaments 1-2 hours away to go 6 or 8 or 10 hours away. Luckily she thought it was pretty dumb too and didn't want to play the next year. We were nothing but happy about that.
D3 will also give you "academic" money if you are playing. They can't offer athletic scholarshipsMy daughter would like to play in college. Her goal is to get $ via academics and play for a D3 school. I think that is realistic coming from the North East. Chances of $ from D1 are pretty slim coming from here, D2 $ still fairly slim IMO.
Right, we have been visiting schools with my oldest daughter and some of the Merit scholarships alone at d3 schools are 10K+ a year if your GPA is 3.5 or above. That's more than a lot of athletic scholarships. Playing a sport can definitely help you, the more well rounded the better.D3 will also give you "academic" money if you are playing. They can't offer athletic scholarships
My son is a lefty.How on earth can I help my daughter break in her catchers mitt? 3 years of on and off use (and random beatings by her little brother and I) have not done a thing. She has a pitcher on her 12u team that brings the heat, so I would love to see her use it. Nokona TNCMFP for what it's worth... I am thinking that it is just the glove and that maybe we should give up on it. It's hard to find moderately priced catcher mitts for a lefty though.
I am actually texting with one of her past coaches right now, he suggested eBay as well.My son is a lefty.
E-bay or a gently used glove may be your best bet. It stinks new lefty gloves can be 3x more than the same righty gloves. Many coaches think a lefty playing anything other than P, OF or 1B is taboo so gently used lefty catchers mits can be found. Saw a nice one for about $30 at our local “Play It Again” sporting goods store.
Nokoma’s usually break in better than most.