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After reading several different threads, I am curious as to what to look for in a TEAM when trying out?
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Just my two cents!! Established Organization with experienced coaching a must!! Don't just take anyones word for so and so being a good coach. Do your homework, pay close attention during tryouts of how the teams are being coached. Ask alot of questions. What will be expected of your dd if playing for this Oraganization? What do you expect from the organization your dd plays for? Find a fit for your dd based on her abilities, age is also important. If she is young and still needs work, find a young team with young ladies close to or a little above her ability. A team she can grow with. Nothing worse then spending a season watching dd sit the bench, she wont advance if she's not playing bottom line! Good Luck!
What area are you from and how old is your dd if you don't mind me asking?
What area are you from and how old is your dd if you don't mind me asking?
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Honesty ...
There are teams that will tell you they are playing "showcase" tournaments at the beginning of tryouts when they know full well most of the true showcase tournaments havent even taken entries yet and noone knows whos in. Ask about the tournaments they played the past year. Another good one is the "will get your DD seen " by college coaches when they play weak schedules that doesnt draw any coaches.
Look for a ESTABLISHED track record (not promises) of playing the tournaments you want to be in, established coaches, and watch how organized the tryout is run.
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College path: Look at the top finishers at this years showcase tournaments. Put those teams on the top of your list.
Rec. path: Pick teams that need your DD's skills - especially pitcher/catcher. Be sure the amount of "travel" fits your plans and budget. Try to match your DD's skill level with that of the team. After a tryout, she will have a good idea whether she likes the coaches or not.
Rec. path: Pick teams that need your DD's skills - especially pitcher/catcher. Be sure the amount of "travel" fits your plans and budget. Try to match your DD's skill level with that of the team. After a tryout, she will have a good idea whether she likes the coaches or not.
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Is coaches dd a pitcher. Can mean not much pitching time for your dd. Not good for her development. Are they tacking more then 3 pitchers and telling them all they will pitch.
not really enough innings in a weekend to keep all of them happy.
Are the a start up organization. If so why, why not become part of existing org.
not really enough innings in a weekend to keep all of them happy.
Are the a start up organization. If so why, why not become part of existing org.
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You should decide what you and your daughter want out of travel ball and look for a team that matches your needs.
Do you want the best possible team? Or the most experienced coaches? Or are you willing to accept a new start-up organization that is more local to you? Are you trying to play community ball also? Pick appropriately based upon your goals, otherwise it does not always work.
Do you want the best possible team? Or the most experienced coaches? Or are you willing to accept a new start-up organization that is more local to you? Are you trying to play community ball also? Pick appropriately based upon your goals, otherwise it does not always work.
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Not always true. DD tried out for a team at 13 as a first year 14u. We knew NOBODY on the team. Coaches DD was the #1 pitcher. Coaches DD and my DD alternated for two years, with my DD ultimately earning the #1 spot.
Had she NOT tried out for and made that team, she may have never made it to college ball. The fact that she had to work hard and compete for her spot made her a far better athlete. The coach was a genuine "heart of gold" kind of guy, who always put his TEAM first. For him to play my DD over his own for the sake of the team spoke volumes for his character.
Maybe ours was a Cinderella story, but I'm confident there are other coaches out there with his level of integrity and dedication to the kids.
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I agree Sammy. Although "daddy ball" is alive and well on many teams in many areas, it isn't always that way. My DD's team has three pitchers, and two of them are the coaches daughters, with mine being the third. We have not had any complaints with pitching time this season at all.
Now, as for the original topic, I don't think it is a one size fits all deal. Different people are, and should be, looking for different things based upon their individual goals and situations. When looking for a team you should do your homework, and get started early, so that you can make an informed decision that meets as many of your personal goals as possible.
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Sammy
I agree not always the case but unfortunately in alot it is. Glad it worked out for you.
I agree not always the case but unfortunately in alot it is. Glad it worked out for you.
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I coach a team with my DD pitching and I sometimes take offense to people saying that if the coaches DD pitches, you might as well kiss your DD's playing time goodbye. That is not true in all cases and definately not in mine. I DO NOT play mommy ball. Can't there be a parental coach who is interested in the advancement of the whole team and not just their kid?? My pitchers are always on a rotation and each gets their amount of time, if I took them on the team as a pitcher, they pitch. I hate when people label pitchers parents as bad coaches, I put in alot of time to these ladies and they learn alot. I only carry as many pitchers as I can use and I use them. After my try-outs this past year all the parents thought I was just helping coach, they said they didn't even know I had a DD on the team until I told them which one she was. Not all parents play daddyball or mommyball!!
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If players from team are there, see how they interact with eachother and tryout players, much stated already on prior schedule. How many pitchers if yours is a pitcher as well. Showcase teams and ones who go to Natls should have at least 3 pitchers. two will not make it many Sundays in showcase tournies.
If you show up and only 3 girls are there, run!
If you show up and only 3 girls are there, run!
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Ones where you could play two pitchers in a game, girls in a few different positions, many college coaches in attendance, if you win great, but showcasing the girls talents is more important.