Varsity and JV: Together or Separate?

[kjn40]

I'm looking for answers or opinions.
Why would a high school softball program have their varsity and JV teams practice together or why wouldn't they practice together (at all). What does your do?

 

[JoeA1010]

Always had mine separate. More reps for everyone and just two different levels of play.

 

[Louuuuu]

It depends...

Do V & JV barely have enough players to fill a roster? Or are they 15-16 strong each?

Personally, I like them practicing together. Those scrappy JV players looking for a chance to move up get a better chance to show their stuff.

But JoeA has a good point, too. More personalized attention + reps + bonding...

 

[chixdad]

Ours hit together then the two teams split up.

 

[spartansd]

I know that a bunch of programs have 20-25 players total in their programs.

They practice together and then games are treated as outings.....not necessarily JV or V. He sends 10-15 players to the game that he wants to play.

Typically he has a core of 6-7 that always play JV and a core of 6-7 that always play V and the others kind of fight for playing up or down that week.

 

[coachjwb]

I like some of both. We were always pretty much forced with this before the season started due to being stuck inside with the weather, so we would practice in the gym together. But then once we got outside, each team practiced on their own and got more reps and individualized attention.

 

[Fairman]

We have 32 players. We are a 'no cut' District.
We are restricted in the gym to a 2 hour practice.
We've divided the payers loosely into two groups by skill level and work throwing/catching in half of the gym, hitting in the other and then switch the groups.
I also work with the pitchers/catchers at mid-court at the same time. There is a lot going on!
We go outside as often as possible and use the parking lots. (Still haven't taken any grounders on a dirt infield this season but maybe next week!)
I would prefer to work with three groups but can't do it with the hand I've been dealt.

 

[Louuuuu]

KJN40, I noticed that this your first post. Welcome.

Can I give you a little advice? Don't get too caught up in JV vs. Varsity and all the other drama ( coaches, bias, etc..) in High School ball. It's not worth it.
1.) It will all be over before you know it.
2.) What are you gonna do? Move out of the school district?

It is what it is. Enjoy watching your daughter play. Period.

 

[wow]

Better advice has never been given.. Take it for what's its worth enjoy the time. JV/Varsity does not make the player...

 

[crystlemc]

We only have a varsity team this year, but last year, both practiced together because the varsity coach wanted consistent instruction.

 

[okiedad1961]

We only have a varsity team this year, but last year, both practiced together because the varsity coach wanted consistent instruction.

New school this year?or was it that bad last year to lose players for both.

 

[okiedad1961]

Better advice has never been given.. Take it for what's its worth enjoy the time. JV/Varsity does not make the player...

I'm like Dorothy in the wizard of Oz "There's no place like travel ball,thers's no place like travel ball"

 

[WWolff]

Always had mine separate. More reps for everyone and just two different levels of play.

I'm with Joe definitely split them up more reps and different skill levels. No sense having a bunch of girls standing around don't do anyone any good.

 

[crystlemc]

New school this year?or was it that bad last year to lose players for both.

Same school. Some girls didn't come out because the new coach is also a teacher with the reputation for being strict. Funny, the dedicated players love her strictness and structure.

Also, last year, we didn't have 2 true teams. Some of the varsity players also played JV so that the really weak players got some games in at JV. Games were different days.

 

[larrybowman]

My DD HS has separate practices..... Definitely a good statement "More reps, and 2 different levels of play".... well said. There are some girls who will move up (or down) this yr though......

 

[CARDS]

Winter workouts would be combined but once we were able to go outside the teams were split up. Freshman team and JV were closer in talent than varsity but we did scrimmage JV once prior to the start of the season.

Most of your bigger programs are over seen by the varsity coach so the routines at the lower levels should complement the varsity routine. Having 15 or so players it is much easier to get the ladies to understand instruction. As a coach if you have 2 hours to work with 15 you can accomplish a lot. With 30+ you get more into reps and running the ladies through them without having the time to pull a player aside for one on one instruction to correct issues.

 

[raidian70]

I kept mine together my entire career until I got outside, then we split unless there was something specific I wanted to work on with everybody. I think it is up to each coach rather than a one way for all. The ability of the girls is a huge issue and if there is a ton of separation in abilities then you need to split sooner. Some coaches can plan for a practice of 30 to keep everyone moving. Not everyone can do that, so I don't think you can pigeonhole it into an "it should only be done one way."

 

[kjn40]

Thanks to all for your input.