Feedback 10U team playing in 12U tournaments

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What are your thoughts of a 10U team playing in 12U "B" tournaments? I had no idea how hard it was going to be to find someplace for my 10U team to play locally in the Cincy area. Would it be a mistake to play in the 12U age division? We are an above average select 10U team. It seems like our choice is play 12U or not play at all on certain weekends. Looking for feedback.

 

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Problem will be with the 12" ball and 40 ft pitching distance ... you certainly can do it and if you choose some of the local less competitive tourney's in the Cinci area you will not face stiff 12u competition... my suggestion is to give it a go and see... we had a similar situation last season, wanting to play better comp - our choice was to go north to play in Columbus (GAPSS, Midwest WS, etc) and mix it up with the Nitro, Lasers, Dragons, Classics and other 'tougher' 10u teams .. it was the right choice for us and spring boarded us into 11/12u this season.

 

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I think it would be fine. Agree with what Doug said though so start practicing with 12" ball and 40' ASAP. We are going to have to do it too because of the lack of 10u girls shoing up for tryouts. We are going to combine our 10 and 12u and play up and take our beatings!!!

 

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Travis,

I believe your intentions are to play in the World Series in Florida this year??? I would not recommend jumping in 12U tourneys primarily due to the difference in pitching distance and the size of the ball. If you are going to prepare, prepare for the culmination of your season. That is why 'coach' is attached to the end of your name. Define those expectations for your kids and parents.

We just playing in West Portsmouth this past weekend. Pitching was average, but we had the opportunity to see teams from WV, KY, OH and TN.

Over half of my team is able to play 10U this year, but we decided to keep this group of girls together for JH/HS ball down the road. I know going to a 12" ball and throwing at 40' has been an adjustment for my daughter (10). Many factors to consider...hand size, stamina, losing effectiveness of the changeup due to loss of some speed on the fastball, can they handle getting hit more (psychology), can your defense sure up the left side of the field to support your pitching, etc.

Just a few I saw from this weekends experience. You have a very good local team. Many of us in this area fight to get enough just to play. Doug has a better base to work with, thus can be a little more successful in the jump to 12U. The only way we can promote fastpitch in this area to be fully committed to our area and surrounding areas.

I would consider Milford, Middletown (Hawks are hosting a tourney there this year), Pastime Park, Portmouth, Columbus. Oh, of course the tourney in your back yard, Mt. Orab, Ogen Park. Cincy Static are in and will be good competition for your team along with the other teams.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

 

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Is the ball size really that hard to adjust to? I would think you could switch back and forth with no problem. Pitching dif is another story but if your pitchers are strong enough they should handle it. Never know until you try. Keep in mind that if you enter a tourney at 12u you will be playing 12u teams that are looking for competition and you would be doing them a disservice if you are not ready.

 

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mustohiofastpitch,

Have you ever watched a 10 year old that keeps forcing the ball into their palm between every pitch? My 10 year old does. She is an average size. I know from experience this has been a big jump for her. This is a decision the coach needs to make and I honestly believe as coaches and for the health of the sport, we should put kids in the most successful situation possible. As you said, for both sides. Good point!

 

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I wouldn't think the ball size and distance would make that much difference. We had a girl do both last, (played rec at 12U) the played travel at 10U. She did fine with it.

Good luck with your decision.

 

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It is a big jump in ball size for some of those with little hands. My dd has huge banana hands so it didn't affect her much, but some really struggle gripping the bigger ball.

 

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Travis: Still trying to find you an event for June 5-6 since Sluggerfest went down and Doomers is full.

Wish I knew who the other two teams were in that event. I could probally get Goshen HS field for ya to play on that weekend. Pay for umpires and each team throw 50 bucks in a pot and winner take home hoodies or something. One (1) umpire at $30.00... teams split cost ( $15.00) a game for umpire. I got some new balls from last year.

But still searching for an event for you to attend.

MY opinion: I would not jump as a 10u.. A 12u jumping to 14u is one thing.. but 10u to 12u... I wouldn't fool with your pitcher handling a larger ball and further distance.. especually this early in the season. I know you are thinking about playing up at Sluggerfest that weekend....

I agree with Doug though... if it was towards the end of the season. Then I would.
But, not this early.

 

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http://www.game-ex.com/vb3/showthread.php?t=24404

Travis,
follow the link above. They looking for 2 more 10u teams that weekend.

 

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Was at a tourney in TN as couple years back (not Joe's great tourney in Pigeon Forge). TD didn't tell teams about the very limited participation. Only 1 - 10u team and 2 - 12u teams showed up. The 10u and one 12u (us) from Cincy and the other 12 from Georgia. They set it up with the 10u, both 12u's and one 14u team to play in tourney. That 10u team, I believe it was the Miami Valley Vipers or Express, had about an hour to get ready to play with the larger ball and longer pitching distance to play a couple 12's AND a 14u. They did very well. Held their own and made them decent games. They HAD to do it and did it so it can be done.

 

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http://www.game-ex.com/vb3/showthread.php?t=24404

Travis,
follow the link above. They looking for 2 more 10u teams that weekend.

There you go. Travis wanted to stay local for that weekend if he could. Now, he can.

 

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Travis--we still have 2 openings at Beavercreek--you can call me at 937-426-4610 or email me at darden@hotmail.com. We have a 4 game guarantee. I do not have a website so email is best.

thanks

Bob

 

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Bob, maybe you can find out who the other two teams were at Sluggerfest and ask them as well and gets these 10u girls playing instead of being shut out for the weekend.

I can't find the list in the Sluggerfest thread. Or maybe I didn't see it..

 

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Bob, never mind. I found it. Two Indiana 10u teams was the other teams.... so no Ohio State event for them.

 

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Travis--we still have 2 openings at Beavercreek--you can call me at 937-426-4610 or email me at darden@hotmail.com. We have a 4 game guarantee. I do not have a website so email is best.

thanks

Bob

Bob,

I just sent you an email. We would like in. Thanks for everyone's help on this.

 

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Getting those 10u kids playing somewhere is all that matters.

 

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Tim,

Thanks.

Bob

 

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Was at a tourney in TN as couple years back (not Joe's great tourney in Pigeon Forge). TD didn't tell teams about the very limited participation. Only 1 - 10u team and 2 - 12u teams showed up. The 10u and one 12u (us) from Cincy and the other 12 from Georgia. They set it up with the 10u, both 12u's and one 14u team to play in tourney. That 10u team, I believe it was the Miami Valley Vipers or Express, had about an hour to get ready to play with the larger ball and longer pitching distance to play a couple 12's AND a 14u. They did very well. Held their own and made them decent games. They HAD to do it and did it so it can be done.

Mustohiofastpitch, it was our 10u team. Parents were ****ed, not because they had to play up but because the TD did not inform the teams until they got there. They did it and not only were the 9-10 yr olds scared out their minds but so were their parents. The size of the girls was the main concern parents had . They only played that 1 game and then the parents said were done lets go ride gocarts!! Not to highjack and back to point, it can be done but only if you have to do it.

 

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It can be a big jump between 10's and 12's in some cases we are talking about a 9 year old vs a 13 year old, that's a big difference. You said your team is above average, only you know what your reference point is, ie Your above avg. At Stingray's or at uncle Jim's memorial fastpitch classic and tractor pull. But I'd say if you can safely compete at 12's just play "A" be a 3 year 12 team. I've seen plenty of teams move up to push themselves, I DO believe ball size can be a factor, not only for Your pitcher but your fielders and hitters as well.


Good luck and let us what decision you make and how it turns out.