Should I?

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I'm trying to debate over whether I should tryout for a softball team and where I should do it (I guess it's pretty late???)

Everyone I know says I should but I dunno. I'm a big girl, almost 16, not very fast but my batting average was .314 at the end of last season(it went up after I changed to a lighter bat, lol). And I need some training, for instance nobody has yet to teach me how to slide and I guess I'm okay at my position (right fielder) but that could use some work too.

I dunno, I also have to get a job too and that could interfere tons. And I just all around feel intimidated by girls who are younger than me and a whole lot better. I still love playing though >< Gah I need to make up my mind.

Any suggestions? Maybe there are workshops and stuff I could go to? I don't want to stop playing... :-/

 

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emmeline----there are all sorts of levels of play, and even if you don't feel ready for a travel team or giving up your entire summer, there are still leagues you can play in. ?

Some girls just enjoy a fun game during the week with friends, where you don't have to feel bad cuz you're not a superstar. ? ? ?This would probably be a city rec league team. ?I don't know where you live, but you can probably call your school or the city parks and recreation dept and they can maybe point you in the right direction.

Don't ever be so embarassed by your level of play---you might be surprized how many girls are in your shoes, and it sounds like you have a lot to offer (a big bat) ?And I can tell you that you'll remember these summers of softball fondly when you get to be an old fossil (like me)

GO FOR IT!!!!!

 

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May be a little late to get on an "elite" team, but as you can see from the Coaches needing Players area of this board there are still plenty of good teams still looking. If you're looking to work with them over the winter though (recommended) your best bet is to try and contact them soon so that they can evaluate your skills outside - indoors is an unnatural environment and tends to highlight weaknesses instead of strengths (harder and sharper bounces, diving for a ball is usually out, confined spaces don't allow complete evaluation of fielding range, lighting is often less than optimal, etc.)

My advice, play for as long as you can, and as often as it is fun. There are several levels of summer ball, and some will offer more instruction than others - if you want to improve your game while still having fun look for the level that isn't completely comfortable, but not so out there that you can't compete. From your self-description I'd also say concentrate on the hitting first - coaches will find ways to get good hitters in the game, and I've seen many a weak defensive player picked up just for her bat. Main thing is to market your strengths, and then seek ways to improve both your strengths and your weaknesses.

As to the job, could be a limiting factor, but something can usually be worked out. Talk to your employer and determine if there is any flexibility there - if the position is geared toward higher work hours on the weekend, league play during the week may be an option (several levels here also depending on the area - local travel team leagues, high school leagues, and rec. leagues); if the position has very few hours on the weekend, then look to the travel teams - a local or community travel team may be more comfortable, but don't rule out some of the mid-range travel teams either.

Lastly, talk with your high school coach, get their perspective, and ask if they know of any opportunities for you to play.

 

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emmeline,

As Jackie Joyner-Kersee once said, ?It is better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret.?

The Bear May, as always has some great suggestions and if you are serious, I would highly recommend you follow his advice. Life is too short to look back and have a lot of regrets, and always wonder "if".

As katjoebenmom said, there are many levels of play and the advice given is also outstanding. So I would suggest to follow your heart and work toward whatever goal you set for yourself, it can all workout.

Hope this helps.

Ed

 

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I say "get in there and do it"! You won't know until you try. After you get in and get your feet wet, you'll know what level you're comfortable with. The bottom line is...if you love softball, you need to be playing it!

 

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Where are you located? If you are in SW Ohio, specifically Dayton, there are some suggestions I can offer...

 

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Thanks for the advice, everyone!

I'm still thinking it over and at the end of the season my coach referred all of us here if we wanted to play off season...

Oh, and I'm in the NE area, faaarr from SW..

 

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Are you in the Cleveland area?

 

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Hi if your not sure you want to try travel ball its ok. A good place for you to start to find where you might fit in is a fall league. These are usually a little less serious and geared toward instruction. It also lets coaches see a players strengths and weakeness's and how his team may play together.If your in the Cleveland area call North Royaltons recreation department as there offering ball now. You can also check out Pinnacle sports.

 

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chicoflip---excellent suggestion re: fall ball. ?I agree, focus is on instruction.

 

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DO IT YOU NEVER KN0W UNTIL YOU TRY YOU MIGHT REALLY LIKE IT!! ;D

 

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GO FOR IT!!! Dont know till ya try.

 

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I totally agree with the above posts. All of them =]]. You may find out you're tons better than you think. Plus, it really ups your game when you play at a higher level like travel ball. (duh.)

 

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--IT IS PROLLY REALLY FUN!!! JUST GO AND TRY OUT!!!!=] =]=]=]=]=]=]!!!--