What to look for...?

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First, I want to say how awesome and usefull this site has been. I have talked to some very classy people over the last month or so as I feel my way around the whole select/travel ball thing. You'll have to forgive me if I am still wrapping my head around all of it and I do apologize if I have missed a similar thread or post regarding my question.

As some of you know from my previous posts or direct PM's, my 10U elligible daughter will be trying out next month. An overwhelming majority of you all had one piece of advice in common: Try out for as many teams as you can.
I have her set up to try out for 5 area orgainizations that I feel comfortable with, so, thank you all for that!
Some also advised that she should start with a personal coach and I have her taking lessons from a catching instructor once a week as well as hitting. So, again, thank you!!

But this is new to me and I'm still not 100% comfortable and am horribly afraid of jumping at the first (if any) offer that she gets. (and if I've PM'd you, you are fully aware of how nervous I am about this and part of me thinks my questions are moot any way..LOL).

So my questions are this: what are the good qualities to look for when picking an organization?
And, what kind of questions do I ask at the tryouts?


I appreciate any help that can be extended or advice that can be offered.

H&G

 

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Having been at this for a long time, my best suggestion is to watch what the girls are asked to do during the tryouts. Other than pitchers and catchers, there shouldd be very little, if any "position" work done. When you are trying, as a coach, to determine a player's skill level you need to observe as much of the total game as you can. If you look at a smaller player with fair hands and automatically pigeon hole her as a second baseman because she fits a certain profile, then cut her because you already have a second baseman, you are doing your own team and the player a disservice. She may have had the talent to be your best outfielder, but because she was pegged a a second baseman she was cut.

The point of my discussion is to be careful of try outs where position skills are given more weight than overall skills. If all girls are run through the same drills on the same area of the field (notice I did not say position), then they all have an equal chance. If they are only given an opportunity at one or two set positions, you might want to continue your search for the teams that fit your daughter best.

Good luck,

Frank Merriwell

 

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Having been at this for a long time, my best suggestion is to watch what the girls are asked to do during the tryouts. Other than pitchers and catchers, there shouldd be very little, if any "position" work done. When you are trying, as a coach, to determine a player's skill level you need to observe as much of the total game as you can. If you look at a smaller player with fair hands and automatically pigeon hole her as a second baseman because she fits a certain profile, then cut her because you already have a second baseman, you are doing your own team and the player a disservice. She may have had the talent to be your best outfielder, but because she was pegged a a second baseman she was cut.

The point of my discussion is to be careful of try outs where position skills are given more weight than overall skills. If all girls are run through the same drills on the same area of the field (notice I did not say position), then they all have an equal chance. If they are only given an opportunity at one or two set positions, you might want to continue your search for the teams that fit your daughter best.

Good luck,

Frank Merriwell

Frank, this is a great and helpful post to me. My daughter is on the small side for her age (just turned 10). She does play 2b but can play OF, SS and will be bringing her catching equipment to also work out at that position. I'm hoping it is that versatility combined with her bat and ability, if asked, to slap that helps her make a team...she doesn't do any one thing great...but she does a lot of things well.

 

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Take time to talk to the head coach following tryouts to find out their background in coaching/softball and their philosophies a little bit.
Talk to other parents during the tryouts of parents of kids returning to the program and find out what their feelings are on how the program runs.

 

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Look for organizational skills of the coach and/or his staff. If tryouts are not being run efficiently and there is not good communication from the coaches to the players it is not likely anything will change after you make the team.

At tryouts the coach or organizational leader should have something put together that cover team fees and payment timeline, fundraisers, possible schedule for 2010 and any plans for the fall, winter, and spring months.

Definately want to know some sort of practice schedule or guidelines to see if the coach/organization will be teaching fundamentals or if they expect you to get it from someone else through private instruction. May want to mention that your daughter is already taking hitting or pitching lessons and how this coach/team deals with that. Do they allow you to continue to play with your summer rec team if you choose.

Team and player expectations and what kind of commitment is expected from every player that makes the team. Also would like to see what the consequences would be if someone on the team is not holding up there end of the agreement. If you were to leave the team for good or bad reasons would money be returned or would you lose it.

I could go on and on but this should be of some help. Be prepared and realize there are no stupid questions and be wary of teams that can't answer them. Don't jump at the first offer and take your time finding ther right team. Even if you miss out on an opportunity you can always come back here and find a team. They are always looking!!! Good Luck and Welcome to the world of fastpitch travel ball.
Shayne Yeater
16U Mid Ohio Lady Bullets