alborules
Member
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2014
- Messages
- 211
- Reaction score
- 3
- Points
- 18
- Location
- Toledo Area
- Website
- www.thesoftballzone.com
A year ago I sat in a meeting at Wizard World telling the parents of my new 8u team that we were "only 1 step over Rec Ball". I expected just a bit more dedication, just a bit more travel, but a significantly longer season counting practice. I could offer them more games and a TON more quality instruction than Rec. Ball. The top 3 rules are: 1) Have fun 2) Have fun 3) have fun. After those 3 rules, I know "learn" was #4, but who cares when you are having fun!
I had spent 5 years as an assistant, busted my butt to learn as much as possible about the game. My take was: Fastpitch was set up backwards...the most experienced and talented coaches were with the most experienced talented teams! Any decent organization should put experienced coaches with the youngest girls. The coach should make everything a game, or as much fun as possible to get these girls to learn.
After every practice my girls get candy and give each other compliments. They learn Kobata fielding while throwing at Barney the Dinosaur. Sometimes they learn RVP hitting with a doll in their arms (rock the baby, throw the baby). They always get to play "Octopus Tag" or "Dodge Ball". We often have ice cream after practice too.
I demand only 50% attendance until Februray because I want the girls to play other sports and get a good start in school for the first 2 quarters. I ask 75% attendance from February to May because we are getting ready for the May to August season, but basketball or other school activities are still happening. During the May to August season, I only ask that softball comes before other optional activities. School, family, and religious functions come first ALL year long.
I spent a lot of time making contacts last year to set up indoor and outdoor scrimmages. I met and talked to some awesome 8u coaches and tournament directors, not to mention some college coaches (when I was trying to set up indoor events at their university). I always asked my parents if they wanted to go out of town, and worked hard to get those out of town dates to be only 1 day.
So I ask you, after the revived negative comments about 8u being "too serious" or "too soon"...is 8u really too soon for travel ball? Have I pushed too hard?
Allan Abel
Wizards Nemesis
I had spent 5 years as an assistant, busted my butt to learn as much as possible about the game. My take was: Fastpitch was set up backwards...the most experienced and talented coaches were with the most experienced talented teams! Any decent organization should put experienced coaches with the youngest girls. The coach should make everything a game, or as much fun as possible to get these girls to learn.
After every practice my girls get candy and give each other compliments. They learn Kobata fielding while throwing at Barney the Dinosaur. Sometimes they learn RVP hitting with a doll in their arms (rock the baby, throw the baby). They always get to play "Octopus Tag" or "Dodge Ball". We often have ice cream after practice too.
I demand only 50% attendance until Februray because I want the girls to play other sports and get a good start in school for the first 2 quarters. I ask 75% attendance from February to May because we are getting ready for the May to August season, but basketball or other school activities are still happening. During the May to August season, I only ask that softball comes before other optional activities. School, family, and religious functions come first ALL year long.
I spent a lot of time making contacts last year to set up indoor and outdoor scrimmages. I met and talked to some awesome 8u coaches and tournament directors, not to mention some college coaches (when I was trying to set up indoor events at their university). I always asked my parents if they wanted to go out of town, and worked hard to get those out of town dates to be only 1 day.
So I ask you, after the revived negative comments about 8u being "too serious" or "too soon"...is 8u really too soon for travel ball? Have I pushed too hard?
Allan Abel
Wizards Nemesis