Team Tryout Philosophies

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Younger girls don't always want breaks, but I think the older girls generally would, as would parents and most coaches I know ...

 

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I agree a break would be nice. Unfortunately we have competition and the laws of supply and demand which trump all. Nothing is stopping anyone from taking a break but chances are you won't have a team come September.

Mad Hornet - exactly! It is the way the world despite what the POTUS may think (sorry to get political).

 

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agreed.

Asked our young ladies Sunday, they definitely don't want a break. Surprised I was...

Lester like Yoda are you!

 

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Lester like Yoda are you!

only in geek speak... not in action ;-), height, or smarts.... there Musty and Gophy... have fun with that.

 

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They need a break in August, have seen way too many burnout playing year round, some since age 10. Yes for the ones that stick out all four years in college, that's awesome, but many go for the brass ring and walk away even after getting it. Watch what you wish for......

At the end of the day, it's only a game......

 

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They need a break in August, have seen way too many burnout playing year round, some since age 10. Yes for the ones that stick out all four years in college, that's awesome, but many go for the brass ring and walk away even after getting it. Watch what you wish for......

At the end of the day, it's only a game......

Reason why kids should play other sports, even in high school.

 

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Or do plays, student government, band, etc. Kids can burn out in any activity - while others thrive in the same situations.....

Reason why kids should play other sports, even in high school.

 

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Just an observation - as the kids get older the showcase type teams will be looking for commitments from January through December. Because of the lead time required to enter the fall tournaments you really need to have your roster, and funds, in place before the normal August tryout time.

You bring up a good point with the time needed to get a team together and to get he funds needed for not only fall events but, for the many "summer events" that require payment by December. We split fees into fall and summer fees so it is not a drain on the families and they can budget accordingly.

As an organization we have been fortunate to maintain the majority of our players over our seasons with only needing a few from season to season with the exception of this years 18U since we had so many graduate last summer (7).
Our saving grace (that many teams do not have) is being part of a larger solid organization where players are more available as they move up in age.
So, I think the tryout philosophies may differ for organizations with multiple teams opposed to the stand alone team. We like the all age group in August and as needed after or as needed.

As far as breaks or schedules... over the past 5 years my 16U-18U teams played a full summer schedule starting in June with one weekend off and ending the first sometimes, the second week of August.

Like most tryouts starting in early August and then starting practice once or twice a week after labor day playing 3-4 showcase tournaments and getting the ladies ready for college visits and camps and fall events including SAT/ACT test prep for those that need it.

We have had good success with college looks in the fall so, I would suggest playing Summer and Fall for sure at 16/18U...

Practice throughout the winter 2X a month Dec, Jan, Feb taking tome off for Thanksgiving Christmas and New Years... Then the ladies start HS workouts in late February and come back together as soon as the HS season ends...

Sounds like a lot. But, the ladies do get time off to visit perspective colleges while staying sharp and have the time to play another sport ...
My DD played Golf in the fall and Bowled in the winter... she was able to attend dances/school functions, band etc... We have others that played BB and Volley Ball.

As far as my vacations or parentdown time... I take my vacations during our summer events... we just head out a few days early or stay back a day or two and check out the cities or local tourist stuff. Some parents do the same while others vacation in August after the season or on the off week in season.
It is important for the family to have their time especially; if there are multiple siblings. Real nice when heading to Tenn, Chicago, FLA or the East coast for tournaments...

 

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Or do plays, student government, band, etc. Kids can burn out in any activity - while others thrive in the same situations.....

Burnout happens when you become consumed by 1 activity. It's a joke for a child at age 10 to know this is all I want to do and for parents to acknowledge it. This year is the first time DD has done nothing but softball (college) and she is looking forward to a break (even though she s loving it).