Develop for High School or Self

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My daughter has been playing for our local roster ball all-star team that has played in many rec league team type tournaments. The team is decent and the kids have a lot of fun together and the parents all get along and we have a blast. My question is this: Do I continue to keep my daughter playing for this local team and work to develop a good group of players for our local high school team? Or do I have her attend tryouts of bigger (better) established travel teams and have her develop beyond what the local team can offer? I'm far from arrogant but she is clearly the best player on her local team. She is the pitcher on the team and if she leaves the team would most likely be done. She has been offered spots on many very good travel teams already. She is torn. She wants to play for a top team but doesn't want to let her lifelong friends down and burn bridges for when she has to go to school with the girls and play with these girls in high school softball and other sports.

 

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She can play both. Just make sure all coaches involved know the deal, and especially let them know which team wins in a conflict. For example: roster game and a travel practice both scheduled the same day, where will she go??

 

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It all depends on what you and your daughter want from fastpitch. If your goals are to continue to develop her as a player, and you don't believe the competition on the current level can do so, then go travel. If it is about hanging around with her friends and having fun doing that, continue with that. Travel teams can have fun too, and for the most part, parents can get along. If you feel your daughter is stagnating and not improving her game, maybe it's time to take a leap. For most players coming out of rec ball, simply playing with other players that have developed talent makes everyone better. There are many talented girls in rec, but they may not be developing as much as they could with better competition. The competition levels are not even close between travel and rec. There are a couple 12U teams in Ohio that could give many high school varsity teams a run for their money. I haven't seen many other age groups this year, but fastpitch is getting better and better.

 

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She can play both. Just make sure all coaches involved know the deal, and especially let them know which team wins in a conflict. For example: roster game and a travel practice both scheduled the same day, where will she go??

From my interpretation of the post, it sounded like they played in rec ball tournaments, i.e. weekends. If I'm mistaken, then you're absolutely right about playing both.

 

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Ultimately the girls have to play for themselves and the love of the game. If the girl really loves the game, it would be a shame to hold her back and stymie her development. As to burning bridges, it generally doesn't happen and the ones that do get burned are generally the ones that weren't in good repair anyway.

My advice, if she is clearly in the top 5-10%, take her to a few tryouts - tryouts commit you to nothing, but do allow you see were you stand. (There are several posts on what to look for and questions to ask, as well as whom to ask on board if you want to search for them.)

 

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Hawk, good advice here from all. One more piece I might add, make sure your dd is ready to make that next level of commitment to travel, too. Rec can be fun, good times, with not as much time and work required to improve your skills. (Not saying this is your situation), but let your dd know that it takes more dedication to be a top player and make sure she's all for it.

Playing travel would not only mean missing her friends on the field, but also most every weekend in the summer, too.

 

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the kids have a lot of fun together and the parents all get along and we have a blast

The great thing about travel teams is that you are with an entire team that is as passionate and determined as you are. This leads to strong friendships and mutual respect - players, coaches, and parents. You can really become a family. I have not heard of anyone regretting their decision to move from rec to travel. I think more wish they had moved sooner. If your dd loves to play, and wants to be THE best she can, then she will love travel ball. Best of luck!

 

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DD did both from 10u-around 13u...rec league/travel coach knew that her tournament team took presidence and actually rarely was a problem because the rec travel was mostly M-F and other than Nationals Tournament was mostly F-Sun...occasionally we had practice issues but her tournament coach said if she would be pitching a game vs practice she should do the game as that would help them out more in the end....As she played in more and more competative travel ball it became too difficult to do both but she was able to maintain her community friendships and during High School it added another level of fun just being able to play with her school friends again...She played tournament ball an hour and half away from home....But yes your DD needs to understand it does **** up your entire summer, she had her first real vacation minus softball January of senior year .....

 

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When are most teams tryouts? Particularly in the summit/stark/portage county area.

 

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Usually 1st or 2nd week of August, after nationals. There's a whole section dedicated to it here on OFC. Look for "Teams looking for players".

 

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Mid August is when most of the travel teams have try-outs. Check the Teams Looking for Players section and the try-outs will be posted. Good luck!!