Why did you choose your current team?

[default]

Never thought in a million years my DD was good enough to play travel ball, 10-U coaches called me for a try-out, she made the team, after that we fell in love with the team and the coaches. Couldn't ask for a better group, can't image playing for anyone else.

 

[default]

I am amazed that 25% (as of now anyway) would choose a team based on reputation of an organization. It means nothing for a given team with within the organization. Every coach is different and every team is different. Good way to have an unhappy summer if you ask me!

 

[default]

We chose because of strength of schedule. My dd's old team only stayed in state, did not play any ASA tournaments at all. I guess reputation had a lot to do with it as well. She decided to go after playing a fall tournament with them. All the girls were extremely nice to her and no screaming from the coaches.

 

[default]

I would agree Purplejack if that was the singular input but when choosing more than one criteria it could be why people showed up to a tryout. Then the coach/team and other factors contribute to the final decision. Kinda like shopping for a house ... you know what neighborhood to look in and which ones to avoid and hopefully you find the house you want in the right neighborhood.

 

[default]

Seems like the big answer is Better coaching!!!!!!!!!!! That sounds familiar.....OOPS! I hope that didnt hurt!

 

[default]

I am amazed that 25% (as of now anyway) would choose a team based on reputation of an organization. ?It means nothing for a given team with within the organization. ?Every coach is different and every team is different. ?Good way to have an unhappy summer if you ask me! ?

Wasn't one of the options that you could pick more than one? I chose coaching, but I called our coach for the tryout because I knew they were a good team. I got lucky, and I am extremely happy with the coaches. ;D

 

[default]

I picked "Better Coaching" but didn't know it when my DD joined her current team. We went with a large organization. Last year she played with a yelling and screaming type coach. We knew we wanted away from that. The new team works with the girls, talks to them and encourages them, NO yelling or demeaning them. Noticed a big difference with my daughter. She is more relaxed and is improving weekly. It really amazes us. Last year she was afraid to make a mistake which held her back.

 

[default]

I also agree with Purple Jack's reply. We strongly chose our team because of coaching and within that coaching we have intense PRACTICES three times a week during the summer. The team also practices once a week during the fall. Practicing has developed many skills and game situations and team respect for each other because of the commitment that it takes from the players. But most of all the commitment, dedication, sweat and time our coach works towards for improvement!!! He expects alot from his players with alot of sacrifice! And no his children are no longer playing!!!!

 

[default]

What if the coach/coaches are fastpitch connection junkies, will they know what I voted for? ;D

 

[default]

The happiest situation is when the goals of the team match the goals of the player and her family. If your DD has college ball dreams, search out the showcase teams that attend those type of tournaments. If she (and the parents) want free weekends and less expense, stay with playing in a local league.

By 16u, most of the top showcase teams practice as a team very little, if any at all. You just bring your skills to the weekend tournaments. Most of the players work independently on their skills. This is not for everybody. It takes a LOT of time and effort during the week, then you are traveling and playing on the weekends.

Up through 14u, I think most people look to the team coach to provide all the teaching, both individual fundamentals and game skills. As your DD gets older and increases her skill level, she may or may not outgrow her current team. It's a tough decision switching teams, which can be very emotional. Your loyalty to the team can be challenged. Ultimately, you have to make a choice what is best for YOUR DD, and it may not necessarily be best for her current team.

Finding that match is key. Some kids can't get enough, others just want an occasional game without all the travel and practice. Whatever team decision is made, in the end it really all comes down to "is she having fun playing softball?"

 

[default]

I agree 100%. To grow as a player and to have fun with the game. Otherwise, why play?

 

[default]

I tried out for JoeA1010's team but was cut ....I still can't get him out of my mind. I lay awake night after night thinking about him .... he's so handsome. drattttt

Cough, cough, cough.... ;D

 

[default]

It's no surprise that so many votes have gone the way of "name recognition" duh...we spend money based on brand names, we wear brand name clothing, we use cellphones from companies that have been in business forever, we cheer for sports teams that have name recognition, we see movies from actors that hav name recognition...so it goes without saying that many parents/DD's are looking for the "little extra" that those clubs bring to the table...

like...strength of schedule/exposure to colleges...but also, because of name recognition, they can recruit so much better...if any girl knows that the person playing next to her is going all out like they are, why not go to (insert Bear-deleted name here) tryouts? I would. No, I'm not saying that coaches for big-name teams aren't legit, but most of them are fortunate to have stars in every position..so, you BETTER go 54-11 or 60-3 and go to nationals, etc, etc

first joining Classics, I did lots of research (too bad I didn't know about the OFC then, because it would have made it so much easier) and yes coaching comes up, but good orgs would not be having Lennie from "Of Mice and Men" as a coach! Duh!

OFC members are like any other mass product, they vote based on preferences that come from name recognition...would you rather eat a Twinkie or the no-name, awkwardly named 10 cent heart-attack-o-bar from a no name stop n sip? Exactly!

 

[default]

We chose our team last year because Thunder rocks as a coach. He is great with the kids and parents. He lives and breathes softball and is always thinking about how to make it better for the girls.

We came back again this year because of Thunder, the players and parents. I am looking forward to high school ball, but also cannot wait to get back to our travel ball family.