There are a lot of teams put there that are quality teams. Although very few have coaches that dont have daughters or granddaughters on the team. That being said i have seen some teams with the "daddy ball" mentality. I do have my daughter on my team but if she dont play gard and practice the same she dont play. Fortunately she is one of the best batters on the team. I have had parents ask me why is my dd sitting she is a huge asset to the team. But she is a pitcher and to save there energy early in innings my pitchers usually set. Once we get into the game and the starting pitcher seems to be doing alright i usually sub in my pitchers that are sitting into the defense somewhere. All that said when you tryout for teams do your homework. Talk to the parents and see what there experience has been with the coaching staff. There are alot of teams out there that do have dd on the team but you will find everbody gets a fair shake.
I've been involved with several "daddy ball" teams and it has never been a problem so I wouldn't limit your DD's opportunities. Most teams are "daddy ball". Just do more due diligence. I think the best way to check out a team is go watch them play in a tournament. Stand around with the dad's and chat. See what they are saying. Get a couple aside and ask some questions. Come right out and ask the daddy. If they say their DD is the best and will always play or the team was built around her be cautious. If they say everyone earns playing time and they are harder on their kid then they may be alright. Have them explain what the team is all about, their goals and plans and such and get it in writing if possible like an email. IF it doesn't turn out to be that way then bail and find another team. Don't have to stick it out as commitment is a two way street.
How do you keep them dedicated if they don't have a vested interest in your team? We have had college girls say they are interested in coaching only to find they don't have the time to invest. We can't pay a coach... it's cost enough to play already!
Thanks for the responses! Our DD is 14u. We did research her team and were forthcoming at tryouts about our expectations for the upcoming season, however our DDs coach simply put was just not honest with us. But we do appreciate each of your thoughts and advice.
I have been very fortunate to find a team that has a head coach and two assistant coaches on the team that do not have kids on the team. Two of the coaches have been coaching for 19 years and the other coach is a young lady in college who played travel ball and wants to become a teacher and coach after college. These coaches love the game and are very committed to developing the players. Every girl has to earn her spot to play on the team and the girls understand this and push each other to become better. The amount of knowledge of the game that these coaches have and are teaching to our team which is a 1st year 12U team this season is amazing. The girls are understanding the different strategies of the game and are able to execute them in a game. It is amazing to see this happen. These coaches teach in a very positive way and all the girls have a lot of respect for them as well as the parents. This has been a wonderful experience for my family and I feel very fortunate that my daughter is being coached by these coaches and is part of the OFC Heat 12U Orange family.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.