Sub or starter

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Just wondering some peoples opinion. Would you rather have your dd be a sub on an exceptional team that wins some tournaments and finishes in the top 3 every week. Or be a starter on a team that wins 50% of it's games, but she plays every inning and makes the semi's sometimes and finishes 4th or 5th every week. I know coaching is a big deal so lets say she will get good coaching on both teams which is usually the case. Not my situation but always wondered over the years. Just so everybody knows a sub in this case means plays some on Sat. and gets in on Sunday only at the end of games if the situation is right.

 

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I'd rather see her play. Hopefully that enables her to improve and get where she wants to go. It's hard to improve while you're riding the pine.JMHO

 

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It's not about what I want, it's about what my DD wants for herself. If she is comfortable riding the pine and being part of a consistent winning team, that is her choice. But, if she wants more out of her experience I'm willing to help her get to where she wants to be. I'm happy as long as she is happy.

 

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If she is always playing on a decent team this summer, I feel she would improve more than the sub on the winning team and would potentially be a starter over the sub from the winning team the next season because she has been playing the same teams and has had a chance to improve. However, it is what ever you and your dd feel is in your best interest.

 

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This is a situation that is faced by many players each and every summer. I feel that the answer lies in what you and your DD are looking for in the travel ball experience. If you are looking for simply playing time and your DD is a middle of the pack player then obviously the choice would be the more middle of the pack team. On the other hand if she is on a better team that and the atmosphere on that team is one where the players are pushed to earn what they get then they are more likely to gain more from the experience. There is a definate benefit to being involved in a winning program where that type of atmophere and expectations are established. It will lead to much more good work getting accomplished by the player. That is of course if that is what the player is looking for. Not everyone is and that is OK. However it is nearly impossible to have both. Thats why you first need to determine exactly what you and your DD is looking for in the travel ball experience.

 

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Currently in this situation with DD who is on a really good team, but not starting. We have left it up to her at this point. She is playing 14U with mostly girls older then her who are all very good ball players. Coaching is outstanding and is why we came aboard. Even if we are not part of this organization next year and even if her playing time is very limited we are looking at the bigger picture of what she is gaining this summer just prior to high school ball. She will practice with this team all summer and play and gain some valuable experience. My DD is a good player and pitcher just waiting for the right time to have her moment in the sun...meanwhile we as parents, frustrated at times are allowing her to do what she feels is best for her. She had several offers to play on less aggressive teams with a lower level of coaching where she would have started and most likely played 100% of the time, but even she felt no challenge would have meant no improvement. Bottom line is this is her decision, she likes her coaches and teammates even if it means taking a backseat for a while.

 

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A sub or starter? i would think that if she played on the better team it would push her that much harder to become a starter. Ive seen girls leave good teams for more playing time and a chance to be the best of a mediocre team.(The Grass is always greener). Then looking back and saying what if? If a girl truly loves the game and has the athletic ability then with hard work and dedication she might be able to crack the starting lineup....That is if the positions are up for grabs and no politics are involved. Every situation is a little bit different.

 

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Been in this situation also, where dd joined a different team that had a significantly higher bar, and a fairly established returning line-up, and had to fight her way to acceptance and playing time. At first she "believed" that she might not measure up, but then started going to an excellent hitting coach, while working hard at a new position - OF after being a 1B/catcher. She dedicated herself to success. It was fun watching her gain confidence, gain acceptance, make great new friends, and her love for the game has grown immensely in the process. For that kid, there is no question, throw her into the shark tank and watch her grow. If I did not think that she could eventually "fit" in though, I would have made an executive decision though, to assure a positive experience overall, whatever that is.

Some of my other kids, not so much. They belonged, and stayed at the Rec level, or lower tier travel situations, and were perfectly happy, having a grand experience. But those other kids have their prized attributes also, and push hard in other areas, if not athletics.

It is definitely an individualized thing geared to the unique person - no general right or wrong "rule of thumb", IMO.