10U & 12U, If you had to do it all over-what would you do differently?

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For those parents that have sent kids all the way through the age groups, seen what the end result is, what would you do differently at the 10U and 12U age group if you had to send another DD through?

Here is my take.

1. My biggest take-away was more repetitions for everybody on everything. This includes more playing time for everybody (see #4 below).

2. These age groups need to be more about development and less about winning trophies.

3. Get a coach/team/organization that has the above mentioned philosophy.

4. I have seen some kids at the 10U and 12U groups that couldn't hit or catch bloom into great players at the older age groups. Coaches, don't give up on these players (see #1 above).

5. Play good competition. Don't get into tournaments that will not challenge the girls.

Thank the Lord I only had to make one trip on this awesome adventure. I don't think my body could take another 10 years of being a catcher, soft-tosser, shagger, bucket carrier, practice base runner, and fielder.

 

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I would put a shaved and/or rolled bat, whatever that is, in her hands.

No, really. I wouldn't waste 1 minute of either of our time with coaches, players, parents or an organization that didn't have the same goals we have.

If your goal is to have fun there are teams out there for that. If your goal is to make sure your kid can play basketball, volleyball, cross country, water polo, archery, horseback riding, ******, ping pong, checkers and chess, darts, jacks, cheerleading and every other sport the school sends a paper home for there are teams out there for that. If your goal is to put everything you've got into it and be the best you can be there are teams out there for that too. The people you surround yourself with is who you are. Maybe not at first but it always ends up that way. Make sure you choose who you spend your weekends with wisely.

 

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Could not agree more.... Doing this the second time around myself... Its all about the team and fit. Your goals must align with the teams, even if that means revaluating those goals. Travel ball is a commitment most people don't understand when they sign up. especially at the younger levels. Be prepared to invest in equipment, work your vacations around turneys and if your fortunate late Sunday games, spend at least 1/2 your time working one on one with you kid. Become a student of the game yourself. Lots of sacrifices for sure......

 

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2nd time around? Do not become a pitcher. I would focus more on hitting and being a position player. Now don't get me wrong, pitching is not a bad thing, and my DD has experienced a lot of success pitching at the D2 college level but being a pitcher at this level is brutal, just brutal. Choose wisely folks.