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True. And in that case they should find tourneys that fit their level of competition and maybe play above to get a taste. If there are no tourneys that you can at least compete in a few games then you should re-think your strategy.
True. And in that case they should find tourneys that fit their level of competition and maybe play above to get a taste. If there are no tourneys that you can at least compete in a few games then you should re-think your strategy.
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I think there are less than you probably think. I think everybody should find a layer that they belong in, whatever it is. I think that includes players that are not going to improve in rec because the competition is low all the way up to NCAA Div I teams want you. The key is to find your layer.
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Over the years I have come to the conclusion that there really are 3 levels of fastpitch - at least where I am now. Maybe it fits back home - don't know. But it really tells the story of softball where I am now.
Rec/local softball - this is usually community based, LL, Babe Ruth, etc where teams are formed in a general area and they play the same teams throughout the league schedule. After that there might be a tournament for bragging rights. The teams are usually drafted, split fairly evenly, and there are rules addressing playing time, positions, after game snacks, etc. The social aspect of sports and athletic discovery are of prime concern here.
Travel Softball - these are teams where kids have developed above the Rec level. The teams play tournaments in and around where the team is based. Sometimes that means tournaments within 1 1/2 driving distances or greater depending on the population of the areas. Usually these teams are coached by parents and funded through fees and/or fundraisers. Playing time is monitored by the coach. Everyone plays during pool play, but the roster shrinks during elimination brackets. Parents chirp more here, and team drama can follow. Usually players on the bottom third of the roster tend to move around from team to team while their skills improve or when they find a team that plays at their level.
Tournament Softball - These are teams that seek out the top competition, whereever that takes them. That may mean only playing ASA qualifiers (National not Regionals), Premiere, or playing 3 game friendlies against similar teams. At the older ages it means tons of travel, top line showcases, professional instruction, team camps, college camps, etc. Usually these teams at the older ages have non-parent coaches, or coaches that are high level. Playing time is monitored, and position rotations are clear. But there is no assumptions about playing time during tournaments - showcases maybe. Parents at this level usually get it. They sit and watch the games. They understand that it is a performance based team and that the best play. Fees require 2nd morgages, major fundraisers or corp sponsors.
Good, fun softball can be any of the three levels described. As has been stated above - the key is realistically finding the team and level that best fits your families needs. If you have to see your daughter play all the time - find that team. If you want her to play with kids that are a little better than her so she develops - find that team. It is a families decision. Stressing over playing time, coaching decisions, parent drama simply isn't worth it.
Rec/local softball - this is usually community based, LL, Babe Ruth, etc where teams are formed in a general area and they play the same teams throughout the league schedule. After that there might be a tournament for bragging rights. The teams are usually drafted, split fairly evenly, and there are rules addressing playing time, positions, after game snacks, etc. The social aspect of sports and athletic discovery are of prime concern here.
Travel Softball - these are teams where kids have developed above the Rec level. The teams play tournaments in and around where the team is based. Sometimes that means tournaments within 1 1/2 driving distances or greater depending on the population of the areas. Usually these teams are coached by parents and funded through fees and/or fundraisers. Playing time is monitored by the coach. Everyone plays during pool play, but the roster shrinks during elimination brackets. Parents chirp more here, and team drama can follow. Usually players on the bottom third of the roster tend to move around from team to team while their skills improve or when they find a team that plays at their level.
Tournament Softball - These are teams that seek out the top competition, whereever that takes them. That may mean only playing ASA qualifiers (National not Regionals), Premiere, or playing 3 game friendlies against similar teams. At the older ages it means tons of travel, top line showcases, professional instruction, team camps, college camps, etc. Usually these teams at the older ages have non-parent coaches, or coaches that are high level. Playing time is monitored, and position rotations are clear. But there is no assumptions about playing time during tournaments - showcases maybe. Parents at this level usually get it. They sit and watch the games. They understand that it is a performance based team and that the best play. Fees require 2nd morgages, major fundraisers or corp sponsors.
Good, fun softball can be any of the three levels described. As has been stated above - the key is realistically finding the team and level that best fits your families needs. If you have to see your daughter play all the time - find that team. If you want her to play with kids that are a little better than her so she develops - find that team. It is a families decision. Stressing over playing time, coaching decisions, parent drama simply isn't worth it.
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Why do I care about what people say, you ask? I don't know, why did you respond to my thread then. Evidentally, you care what people say. Travel ball is a stepping stone for most girls that have skills. Years ago, there was just a handful of teams, most of which were very talented. It's hard these days to goto Wal-Mart and not have to give a donation to 70 different organizations....lol! How many coaches out there started a team because their DD couldn't make a roster somewhere else? I know in my area, there are quite a few. Unfortunately, in my area alone, we used to have 2-3 12u rec teams. We currently had to go outside our area and combine with other communities to have one team.
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Rec ball is the launch pad for girls' interest in fastpitch, travel ball is the highway to their loftier/more competitive ideals.
DD left rec ball (where she was the big fish) on a quest for the coaching that would help her reach HER goal of D1 softball. She was already taking pitching and hitting lessons but needed a coach who really knew the game and could help her develop her skills. She got lucky with the first one: learned solid basics, stellar sportsmanship, and how to sit the bench more than play. That humble pie lesson only motivated her to work harder. She aged out and is now on her third team (due to ages, probably not her last but I’m hoping she gets to stay in the organization come August). DD wants to play with girls who are committed to working hard and have the common goal of college ball. The fun happens when they all work together, creating a high level of competition/excitement and coming closer to their goals. Winning is just the frosting on the cupcake.
DD left rec ball (where she was the big fish) on a quest for the coaching that would help her reach HER goal of D1 softball. She was already taking pitching and hitting lessons but needed a coach who really knew the game and could help her develop her skills. She got lucky with the first one: learned solid basics, stellar sportsmanship, and how to sit the bench more than play. That humble pie lesson only motivated her to work harder. She aged out and is now on her third team (due to ages, probably not her last but I’m hoping she gets to stay in the organization come August). DD wants to play with girls who are committed to working hard and have the common goal of college ball. The fun happens when they all work together, creating a high level of competition/excitement and coming closer to their goals. Winning is just the frosting on the cupcake.
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I know this is from the networks cutting back on soap operas so you need another place to be a busy body. Instead how about seeking help?
Soap operas, this coming from somebody with over 3,000 post. I don't think I'm the one that needs help. Get Real, Really! Do they pay you to be on here....lol?
Soap operas, this coming from somebody with over 3,000 post. I don't think I'm the one that needs help. Get Real, Really! Do they pay you to be on here....lol?
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Personally I don't watch soaps and if you saw the post count I had before moving and changing names I am scared about what you would call me.......
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Why do you care so much what other people do? If you can't deal with what is none of your business seek professional help.
If some rec players want to have a travel team whats it to you? If some parents want to spend a bunch of THEIR money on THEIR kid...whats it to you? Jealous because you can't?
I know this is from the networks cutting back on soap operas so you need another place to be a busy body. Instead how about seeking help?
Fastpitch is a GAME for KIDS, girls, not for you. If they want to go out and have some fun playing ball, traveling to tournaments and making new friends,,,GREAT! A mental case who can't mind his own business shouldn't slow them down. If you have a problem with your team not finding enough competition then talk to your coach because they are doing a bad job of scheduling.
Simply said, seek help, you have problem.
JMHO LOL
Somebody got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning!
Tell us Musty, how do you really feel ;&
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I don't know if we qualify as a "better organization" or not, but I don't mind having a few "undermanned teams" in our tournament. First, I like to see those teams play up and compete against teams that might be better to see where they stack up (as long as the parents and coaches are realistic and not arguing every ball/strike call and everything else). Second, if we happen to be a much better team, it is a great learning lesson for us in concentration and focus. It allows us to do a few things we might not normally do. But, the players have to really focus on doing everything right and not get complacent. Thirdly, it allows us to see different pitching. Right now, we have trouble hitting pitching that is significantly slower than what we normally see. It is about the timing and adjustment, and whether our players can make that adjustment, and make it again when we face someone throwing much faster.
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As Klump said: EXACTLY. Great analysis.
The tournament teams here in SW Ohio have class and don't turn their noses down on travel players. They don't tell them to be "realistic" and go home because you're not as good as us. In fact they are willing to help those players by offering instruction and even letting some practice with them.
HBTCB you ask why I responded, if you would reread above maybe slower, I said: Don't like the thought of some girl or her family reading a stupid post like that and felling like they don't belong because they are not a star on a "top ten" team.
As far as my number of posts I think it's jealousy again. I am self employed, working at a desk in my home which lets me post 3,000 times since 2006
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Plus it gives you time to figure out how to put dancing bananas in your postAs Klump said: EXACTLY. Great analysis.
The tournament teams here in SW Ohio have class and don't turn their noses down on travel players. They don't tell them to be "realistic" and go home because you're not as good as us. In fact they are willing to help those players by offering instruction and even letting some practice with them.
HBTCB you ask why I responded, if you would reread above maybe slower, I said: Don't like the thought of some girl or her family reading a stupid post like that and felling like they don't belong because they are not a star on a "top ten" team.
As far as my number of posts I think it's jealousy again. I am self employed, working at a desk in my home which lets me post 3,000 times since 2006hehe
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Plus it gives you time to figure out how to put dancing bananas in your post
Would that be considered a Freudian slip on a banana peel?
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I have to admit, I dig the dancing banana!!!
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Doesn't mean it was a waste of time for them to play travel if they got something out of it and enjoyed the journey.
Excellent posts. All girls on the team should have a fair amount of playing time or the team should not take the money. Taking the money and using a girl as a pure insurance player is sick. Go find 10, 11 or 12 that are equal or play with 9.
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What is a team? 9 players and 2 or 3 insurance bench sitters? Play with your Fab 9 and take the lumps if one gets hurt. Get a sub. But do not take money from folks and put their DD on the bench. Tell them to find another team.
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Musty! Awesome post lol
Why do you care so much what other people do? If you can't deal with what is none of your business seek professional help.
If some rec players want to have a travel team whats it to you? If some parents want to spend a bunch of THEIR money on THEIR kid...whats it to you? Jealous because you can't?
I know this is from the networks cutting back on soap operas so you need another place to be a busy body. Instead how about seeking help?
Fastpitch is a GAME for KIDS, girls, not for you. If they want to go out and have some fun playing ball, traveling to tournaments and making new friends,,,GREAT! A mental case who can't mind his own business shouldn't slow them down. If you have a problem with your team not finding enough competition then talk to your coach because they are doing a bad job of scheduling.
Simply said, seek help, you have problem.
JMHO LOL
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Then how do you tell a girl, who is a bench sitter now go after what she wants? Girls need to learn to go after things and can't expect mommy and daddy to protect them everytime whether it's playing time, relationships, etc.
I tell my dd's that you must grab the bull by the horns. You must fight it everyday until it submits or it horns you. If it horns you, your character is build whether or not you get up. Life isn't fair, it's just life. It's the same in softball. It's the girls choice whether or not to stay on the bench (or in this case grab the bull by the horns), not the parent.
If that is too tough, then head over to mamby pamby land.
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That's a given. I also do not mean everyone gets equal time. If you as a coach have a "namby pamby" in with your elite warrioresses I would submit you do some weeding. Go to the parents, cash in hand, and say, ADIOS.
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