Pitching and Pitchers Discussion Opinions

[Bekah24]

I'm just trying to get some opinions. Do you think it is best for a 9u pitcher to stay down in 10u for 3 years, or move up to 12u and play in 12u for 3 years. She is a well develped 9yr old pitcher however still needs plenty of work. I believe if she would stay down she would dominate that 3rd year in 10, and gain much needed confidence. Plus that change from 10u to 12u is a big adjustment for pitchers. I realize it depends on the kid. Just thought I would try and get some opinions on this subject with others who have struggled with this decision.

 

[daboss]

No way anyone that doesn't personally know the girl in question can give you an honest answer. Age is a number when they are that young. Game knowledge is relative to her upbringing and environment. Emotionally, she has a LOT of growing up to do. Just do me a favor, if you decide to make this call be sure you monitor her with every fiber of your parenting skills and get her out of there at the first signs that things are not working out. Be sure you tell the coaching staff that it could happen. You give her a bad experience now and it may be the last time you ever see her play this game again.

 

[coachjwb]

A lot depends on what level they are playing at ... are we talking rec or travel ball and, if travel ball, what level of travel? Could there be an opportunity in the 10U year to move up to a more competitive team? There is definitely a big difference between 10U and 12U but there may be even a bigger difference between the level of 10U teams and the competition they play.

 

[Bekah24]

She plays on a highly competitive 10u team. You would never know she was the youngest on the team. One of the biggest issues is I'm the coach of her team, and this is our 2nd year together as a team so she has created a big bond with all the girls

 

[311road]

I would say to leave her down to play 10u and move her up with a true team of 11u at that time. Is she playing on a high level 10u team? The adjustment of moving to a larger ball and longer distance can make a lot of dominant 10u pitchers just "decent" pitchers. Also, if you know an honest coach who will give you an unbiased opinion, have them take a look, watch her pitch, give you their opinion on whether they think she can compete and have some success at the next level. But as the previous poster said, this is really only a decision that you as a parent can make with the best interest of your dd in mind.

 

[311road]

Ok, so a lot happened before I posted that reply.

 

[KillingMeSmalls]

As someone who has been through this very dilemma when my daughter was the same age, I would say to keep her at 10U and allow her to continue to develop her skills, have fun, and build confidence. Then as her pitching skills and confidence develop, re-evaluate the situation and move her up to the age level that her skills allow.

 

[spartansd]

You should play at the highest level for your age.

If you are dominating then and only then consider moving up.

Huge difference from dominating B ball and dominating A ball. Especially as a pitcher. At B ball a fastball down the middle can strike a girl out. At A ball it is a hit and likely for extra bases.

I see players move up onto an older age B ball and think they are doing themselves a favor. If you can not make a true A level team at the next age group then you should not be moving up IMO.

 

[Long Baller]

As said above, only someone familiar with her abilities can make that decision. Its been my observation that at the 10U level, the "good" pitchers tend to overpower the good hitters. At the 12U level, things equalize a bit and the good hitters typically hit really well against the good pitchers. Unless she is dominating against the top tier 10U teams, I would leave her down to develop further. Im not advocating for her to be the big fish in the little pond, but she'll probably get beat around pretty hard if she pitches against quality 12U teams. If you plan on playing lesser talented 12U teams, then she might be ok, but I don't think that would really be helping her.

 

[Stedman00]

the transition from 10u to 12u as a pitcher is HUGE. say hello to the full sized ball and oh by the way move back 5'. leave her down and gain confidence.

 

[Westler33]

I agree with most above. Keep her at 10u let her have her glory year and if possible let her play some 12u tournaments to get used to the big ball and 40' so that when she has to move up she will have some experience and it won't be such a shock to her.

 

[Laser05]

I have a couple like this and they should stay down. Enjoy the third year and grow because 12U is a big change for girls.

 

[Bekah24]

I agree with all of you I know in my heart what is best for her! The biggest problem is the relationship you develope with these kids. You learn to love them as your own. When you see them grow from a young 9u team to a kick butt 10u team that you helped create its tough to let that go. I'm telling you I lose sleep over this decision , and the season hasn't even started yet....LOL