Pitching and Pitchers Discussion Young Pitcher - Tryouts

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Would like some quick feedback from the forum.

What are the thoughts of pitching at a tryout for a DD who has pitched for 3 months? 11u - other parts of her game are good. She is progressing nicely, but will be much further along by Spring of next year. Depending on what day it is, she can look good (fast and change) or she could struggle.

Thoughts?

 

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sfbux,

I would have her pitch, why not? I would explain to the coach though that she has only been pitching for 3 months and will continue to work on it during the off season. A good coach would not promise you anything or tell you that your daughter can't pitch, instead I would tell you to have her keep working on it and by next spring you never know. Maybe by next spring she will be good enough to pitch.

Sounds like she is not going to make a team just as a pitcher so I wouldn't worry about it, talk to the coaches, let her pitch during tryouts as long as she is comfortable, and see where she is at in the spring. If nothing else she will continue to improve as a pitcher, maybe throw live batting practice, maybe get a few games in during pool play next year and then as a 12U she'll be ready to take on a bigger pitching role... JMHO

 

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Try getting her into a fall league. Depending on where you take her, some leagues allow individual players to join. These are more rec leagues, but some of the rec leagues have select teams on them. Last year, my dd didn't sign up, but played on a fall league because someone needed her. Its a way to get reps and live action so you now what she needs to continue to work on.

 

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Having been in your shoes before, I would highly recommend trying out. My dd (10u) tried out and played on a great travel team this summer after having only pitched/played for a few months also. She has grown so much by doing so and was also able to pitch during some tournaments throughout the summer.

 

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Tryout.... it is great for feedback and comparison... etc.

 

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We were in the exact position last summer. DD tried out for the first time as a pitcher. We went to 7 or 8 tryouts because she was moving up to 14U and we wanted her to get a feel for pitching to older girls, while still being a baby pitcher. The coaches were understanding and we found a great organization who had a spot for a young pitcher this past summer. She got a lot of pitching time in and grew a lot as a pitcher.

All I can tell you is to talk to the coaches a lot at the tryouts and ask questions about how much time in the circle they think she'll get, and what she needs to work on over the fall and winter. It seems to me the performance curve of a young pitcher is pretty consistent, and experienced coaches are familiar with it.

Also, if you don't find a spot now, teams are always advertising for pitchers next spring. If your dd works hard between now and then, I'll bet the chances are you'll find a spot next spring.

Good luck.

 

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I agree with Philbob, there is a team for everyone. As a new pitcher, she most likely will not make the elite teams pitching rotation, but there are plenty of teams out there that can give a new pitcher mound time.

 

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thanks for all your input - appreciate it.

 

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Take her to some tryouts to get a feel for travel ball. Girls that are raw in their development will benefit from a decent team with good coaching. This will help her to imporve by stepping up her game. Keep working on the pitching with consistant lessons while training for another position. Playing time for her will be key.