Over played, over used and abused

[Fredegar]

Unfortunately, it's probably not fair to suggest that parents should only allow their kids to play softball from Jan-Aug. The fact is: Sept-Nov are huge recruiting months. If a girl's dream (or her parents' dream) is to play in college, they may not want to reduce that opportunity by 50% because she skipped the Fall showcases.

Yes, the chance for overuse injuries is greater when playing year-round. Can't argue that. But the chance for ANY injury is greater the more you play. And switching sports doesn't necessarily solve the overuse issue. Many girls play HS Volleyball in the Fall, since it doesn't overlap with HS Softball. But serving/hitting in VB uses a lot of the same shoulder muscles as throwing a softball. Thus, overuse is still an issue.

Yes, Sam is right that overuse can lead to lifelong injuries and pain, but those same kids might suffer similarly from playing HS/TB from Jan-Aug for 10 years followed up by 4 years of rigorous College ball.

As some have said, there are compromises. Work hard, but don't overwork, especially in the Fall. Control/limit the hours of practice and lessons in the Fall. Focus on Fall conditioning, which you may benefit from if you take up a different Fall sport.

[superfan]

I like this topic. I think our world has gotten so imbalanced. Too much of a good thing is a bad thing. When your body is tired and worn down mechanics tend to be forgotten and muscles don't have a chance to rebuild. I think it's OK to not eat, drink, and breath softball 24/7. Don't forget balance is also part of the health equation.

My DD played year round softball for 6 years and decided to NOT play her senior year of HS softball. She had an awesome last few months of school. Not only did she get a physical and mental break from the sport, but she had a social life. She made up her own workout schedule and ended up losing 20 pounds in the process.

I remember when someone mentioned their DD was not going to play her HS season. So many posters on this board were very derogatory and completely disgusted...insinuating it was a red flag to college coaches...blah blah blah. I thought, wow, such strong opinions about someone else's harmless decision.

My DD hasn't picked up a ball since the first week of August. She's gonna pick one up again this week-end to begin preparation for her first college fall ball game in early Oct. I know she will be both rested and excited to resume because she did something else for a few weeks besides being a pitcher.

[CatWoman]

I think things have gotten totally out of whack here in California. Three years ago try-outs started after Labor Day and then the first practices started towards the end of September to get ready for the first showcase in October. Everyone knew that the players were going to be rusty but the expectation was the the college scouts were looking at potential, not necessarily the finished product in the fall. Once you were on their radar they followed your progress and would check in and watch at games and then started following much more closely during the summer. Now 3/4 of travel ball teams are up and running before Labor Day. With so many kids verballed I don't really understand the need for them to play all of these showcases. I think the parens do get nervous when they see other kids verballing and their kid has not, hence you have the pressure to show well and early so you have to get ready and look good at the showcases earlier and earlier. It's a vicious cycle.

We know three Division I bound pitchers from across the country who are taking the fall off. They are doing some training and/or playing other sports. They will occassionally play some games but only here or there. All of them live in areas that are affected by weather so no matter what they cannot play 24/7 like we can here in Cali, and due to the weather, they will get even more time off when winter comes. I think at this point all you can do is encourage your daughter to let you know when she is injured and rest her. Needing to rest is not a sign of being weak, it is a sign that your body needs a break. I know our friends in other areas of the country think we have probably lost our minds when they hear about our DD's schedules. Lately there are more and more players from other parts of the country who are making a big splash in college where they are getting excellent coaching. I wonder if some of it is also because they are not as injured and burned out when they get there? A little food for thought.

One thing I do know is that softball parents are only trying to do right by their daughters and do their best. I really don't know what the solution is at this point, other than resting your daughter when she needs it and having the confidence to do so and know that things will work out better for her in the long run if you let her rest.

[ontheblack]

I think at this point all you can do is encourage your daughter to let you know when she is injured and rest her. Needing to rest is not a sign of being weak, it is a sign that your body needs a break.

My kid fits this description. She decided she needed a break, both mentally and physically. Playing hurt affected her mechanics and all aspects of her game dropped off, further adding to her frustration. At this point she is not playing and has no specific plans on returning. She is enjoying life, doing things she had to put on hold for softball. She may or may not play HS, even though she made varsity last year.

She cried when she told me she wasnt going to play this fall. I asked why she was upset and her answer was, "Now I cant go to college". That brought me to the brink of tears. I let her know that all she has to do is her part in school and keep bringing home the As and I will take care of the rest.

The most surprising thing to come out of this is how many girls have told her that they wish that they could quit or at least take a break, but cant.

I find that very sad.

[Sam]

This is the most asinine response you have had yet on HB. BTW, the topic is about over use injuries, not accidents.

What? Not talking about an accident.

If a girl takes the time off that is described here and injures her shoulder in the same way, whose fault is it?

Why does there have to be fault in that situation? Some things just happen. Its like a transmission failing on a two year old car that is driven 12,000 miles per year. That is the manufacturer's fault. If a transmission fails in a two year old car that is driven 50,000 mile per year, it is the owner's fault.

So, in regards to your question, its really a warranty issue.

[Battle]

Why does there have to be fault in that situation? Some things just happen. Its like a transmission failing on a two year old car that is driven 12,000 miles per year. That is the manufacturer's fault. If a transmission fails in a two year old car that is driven 50,000 mile per year, it is the owner's fault.

So, in regards to your question, its really a warranty issue.

Of course it's somebody's fault. It's preventable therefore, according to you, it's somebody's fault.
That was a mind boggling analogy. Transmissions don't get stronger the more you work them.

I just hope the parents that follow your advice (or advice like) don't end up wishing they hadn't but some have to learn the hard way I suppose. You will never hear those parents here and believe me there are more than you think.

I am all for giving players a few months off for R&R. Just be careful and watch her close. You don't want to end up being that parent saying, “Why did I do that.....

[CheckWriter]

Well, at least we know who the flag bearer is for the "let 'em play as much as they want / can" school of thought.

[ICMTM]

Do any of you shut your kid down completely for a time period?

[outtahere]

Yup....3 weeks in August and six weeks Nov. - Dec

[ICMTM]

That's where I am with breaks. I'd like to go longer in the winter, but they have practices.