Number of odd year teams growing

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Is it just me or does it seem that the number of odd year teams is growing. I've seen a lot of posts about 11U, 13U, etc. I know we are going to continue have and add "true" odd year teams.

 

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Having run an odd year team this year I can speak a little on this topic. In my experience it has been a fantastic learning experience for the players involved; many of whom would not see much playing time on an older/more experienced team. Each of the girls on my team have benefited from the extra playing time, not to say that it hasn't been without experiencing a learning curve, but that is why we have an 11U team.

It takes patience as well from all parties, coaches, players, and parents, with an understanding that it won't always be easy and the payoff will be later rather than sooner. Those that put in the work with the proper attitude will see the benefits. If I had to do it all over again I would. I'd do some things differently, but most of that is off the field stuff (yes coaches experience their own learning curves ).

 

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Wave, isnt USSSA the only affiliation that offers World Series for Odd Years ? I agree it does have some benefits but I have seen several 11-u teams this year struggle mightly! Parents and coaches have to have realistic goals and understand they will strugle against older 12-u teams .

 

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Wave, isnt USSSA the only affiliation that offers World Series for Odd Years ? I agree it does have some benefits but I have seen several 11-u teams this year struggle mightly! Parents and coaches have to have realistic goals and understand they will strugle against older 12-u teams.

That is true, USSSA is the only affiliation that offers national tournaments for the odd years. Of course nothing prevents you from playing 12U in other sanctioning bodies, but like you stated, you have to have realistic expectations. I personally feel that it forward thinking of the part of USSSA to have the different age groups, especially at the younger ages. Girls at the younger age groups mature at different rates and it would be a shame to exclude a girl because she matured a year later than her peers.

It is best if you can move your 10U's to your 11U team, your 12U's to your 13U team, etc. as a group and keep them playing together. It isn't for everyone, but you can imagine the benefit of keeping your core players on the same team from year to year. You may have some girls who might start or see significant playing time on your 12U team, but will it be in the position that they want to play? For example, Susy might have been a great pitcher on your 10U team, but she'll be the 3rd or 4th pitcher on your 12U team, wouldn't she benefit from playing 11U and getting the work in that will make her better next year?