10U or 12U?

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My daughter has played rec ball for the past 4 years. She is 10 yrs old now with a birthday in late January. I think she is ready for more of a challenge. She hit, pitched, and fielded well this year. Would she be best on a 10U team or a 12U team? Your expertise is appreciated.

 

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She has the best birthday of all:yahoo: She is able to stay down @ 10U this upcoming year. If you are in Central ohio area you should contact Bill Skerbetz with the Ohio Stingrays - He is still looking for a couple to fill out a great core group.

 

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depending on what team/org you choose... you will get all you can handle at 10u (generally speaking).

Where are you out of? We need 3 players for our 10u team.

 

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We are out of the north Dayton area. I guess my question is...is it better for her to stay at 10U and develop her skills more or move to 12U where she is more challenged and will learn from teh older, more experienced girls both on her team and the competition?

 

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Not knowing the abilities of your dd, I'd have to say that your best bet is to personally check out various organizations at both the 10U and 12U age groups and make an informed decision. Many are practicing or playing fall ball right now.

Len

 

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Alot of the tournies we went to had ample 12U teams but many cancelled the 10U for lack of teams.......just saying!!

 

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again, good coaching and top notch org's will be able to get you a valuable 10u experience. If you feel her skills are the important part you should pick a team that can provide that specific training and fundamental building blocks. Not all teams "coach"...I know that is a short answer and not inclusive but it is what it is. Be careful and make sure you find a coaching staff at either age that can meet your DD's needs. I'd figure that out and when you approach a team know what "you" want going in. Plenty of good play at both levels and plenty of learning at both levels.

 

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My dd last year could of played 10U or 12U. Her Birthday is 01/10/98. I kept her at 10U last year to let her be the leader. That was her 3rd yr of 10U travel ball. I could tell a big differance just her knowing the game and being a very smart on defense. I would keep her at 10U if she has not played travel ball before. I have seen alot of parents tell me that their dd is the best rec. ball player than come to travel ball and just might be avg. compare to the other girls. My dd found that out when she was 8 she was very good in rec. ball but when we went to travel ball she was avg. compare to the other girls.

 

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We have a 10u player on our 12u team. I thought of every reason not to take her but fact of the matter is she could flat out play and is actually a leader at practice. Just a wonderful lil girl. We are very happy to have her on our team.

 

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Just coming out of rec....10U definately!! Don't jump too early, there is plenty of competition in 10U.

 

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Thanks everyone! I appreciate the feedback.

 

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My dd last year could of played 10U or 12U. Her Birthday is 01/10/98. I kept her at 10U last year to let her be the leader. That was her 3rd yr of 10U travel ball. I could tell a big differance just her knowing the game and being a very smart on defense. I would keep her at 10U if she has not played travel ball before. I have seen alot of parents tell me that their dd is the best rec. ball player than come to travel ball and just might be avg. compare to the other girls. My dd found that out when she was 8 she was very good in rec. ball but when we went to travel ball she was avg. compare to the other girls.

I agree,

Let her play 10U. Their is a big difference in travel ball teams and rec ball teams. The skill level is much higher in travel than rec ball, rec ball leagues sometimes play with different rules(no stealing home, no base advance on overthrows, etc). If your kid was ready to play 12U, coaches would of already been knocking on your door. Go to some try-outs and see where your kid fits. I would bet she would be better off on a 10U team with her experience level. No since of putting her on a 12U team with 13 year olds, that are physically mature. Your daughter might get discouraged under such conditions and quit. Not reaching her full potential.

 

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Did she play with an 11" ball in rec? If she is a pitcher, I would not move her back to an 11" ball (10U) if she has already been pitching with a 12" ball (12U) in her rec league. Many other things to consider too, as everyone has mentioned.

 

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This season she pitched with an 11" ball from 35'. What are the pitching distances gonna be this next season with high school ball getting ready to make the move to 43'? Is 10U going to stay at 35" and 12U staying at 40" or will they be changing?

 

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Pitching Distances will stay the same for 10 & 12's. I know you have already got a lot of feed back from others about your original 10u vs. 12u question but I wanted to add my 2cents. Last year I had several very talented kids make the jump from rec to travel. They all did well but there was an adjustment period to the speed of the game. Then there is the maturity level, 12U teams will have 13 year old girls by the time the season starts, having a DD at both age groups I can tell you there is a big differnce.

 

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Is there any disadavantage to her playing 10U again? I like the idea of her pitching with the smaller ball and at 35' to help build her confidence but is there anything that will suffer?

 

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Sending you a PM

 

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all depends on coaching, and if she will be on a competative team at 10u. ya the 10u gets kicked around at tournaments if they have to crunch schedules. but she will be at 12u soon enough. I say stay down and both of you will have an enjoyable season.

 

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Keep it simple and start with 10U. Coaches communicate, even between organizations. If they feel she's a fit at 12U they'll probably let you know.

 

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I agree with most here. Keep her down in the 10's. I believe my DD is very descent (don't we all ;&) and have kept her down even at the request of a coach wanting her to move to 12's--for nothing else but to build some confidence, to have a year under her belt where she is the older girl instead of always being the youngest, make sense? Straight out of rec, start her with the 10u teams..you will be suprised how good they are!