16U?

[Abracadabra]

Is it better to move up to 16U early just because you can? or is it better to wait a year or two? and then when you do move up to play in front of all those college coaches you will most likely be more prepared and will perform better? No college coach that wants to keep his/her job is looking at an 8th grader just because she is playing 16U. They are like everyone else trying to win this year not 5 years from now, and if they are, they should be fired. JMO

[TexasYellowBall]

They plan 5 years in advance so they can win year to year.............

[Abracadabra]

They plan 5 years in advance so they can win year to year.............

Well if thats the case then I am sure you have some examples of 8th graders with at least verbal commitments right? I don't know one...

[TexasYellowBall]

Did not say there were 8th graders that were committed. There are a few 2012 ( 9th grade) and several 2011 girls.

So what you are saying, the colleges and universities should only be looking for girls to play next year and they should only start looking after this season is over.

They have to plan ahead...looking at 8th grade is crazy, but my DD along with many others started getting looks in 9th grade.

My daughter attended 4 college camps in January and 3 out of the 4 head coaches said they were done with there 2010 class and they were only looking at 2011 players.

I think it is crazy to start the recruiting so early, but if you try to fight the system, then you are left out. Do not let your child get left out.

[Abracadabra]

Did not say there were 8th graders that were committed. There are a few 2012 ( 9th grade) and several 2011 girls.

So what you are saying, the colleges and universities should only be looking for girls to play next year and they should only start looking after this season is over.

They have to plan ahead...looking at 8th grade is crazy, but my DD along with many others started getting looks in 9th grade.

My daughter attended 4 college camps in January and 3 out of the 4 head coaches said they were done with there 2010 class and they were only looking at 2011 players.

I think it is crazy to start the recruiting so early, but if you try to fight the system, then you are left out. Do not let your child get left out.

I agree have to do what you have to do, but 5 years ahead is crazy you don't even know what the kid will be in five years, might not evening be playing still.

[Intel]

If you will listen to somebody in Central CA, here is my take. When you get into college recruiting age you need to blend ASA and NCAA ages by grades. We recommend that Sophomores and Freshman play 16U and Juniors and Seniors play 18U. College coaches cannot recuit eighth graders or even track them except at their own camps.

College teams usually have a Head Coach, a lead assistant and an assistant. The lead assistant is usually in charge of recruiting. Lead assistant usually recruits at the 18U level (Junior/Senior) while the assistant recruits at the 16U level (Freshman/Sophomors). The assistant is responsible to put a list of 10-15 players per position for the coaches to follow and track.

The lead assistant takes the track list and puts the players in rank order per position. With input the Head Coach decides which position they will recruit in each class. The lead assistant and Head coach will go watch the top 5 players in those position and rank them in order. This is usually done at the 16U Nationals and Boulder/Aurora Colorado. This gives the importance to these tournaments. Other Regional tournaments will also be used.

Getting seen at the proper tournamenet, by the right coach is the key IMO to getting recruited.

Now their are many ways of getting that first notice, emails, letters, camps, happen to see you, but getting on as many college track and follow list is the first key step. Not playing in the right age group or tournament does not help.

[Abracadabra]

Intel, Thanks for the insight, makes sense. Which brings me back to my original point why any 8th grader would insist that they have to play 16U dosn't make a whole lot of sense. IMO Unless its just for the simple fact of playing better comp. But, in D/FW I would say that is not the case alot more comp. in the 94 and 95 age group than there is in the 93 and 92's. JMO

[jag1]

Intel.......your post could really give some insight and perspective to the over-zealous parents that insist on pushing their 13-14 year olds into upper age divisions. For a few, maybe move them up one age group,.......moving up two age groups just doesn't make a whole lot of sense. ( unless you factor in Mom/dad's ego..?)

[Abracadabra]

Intel.......your post could really give some insight and perspective to the over-zealous parents that insist on pushing their 13-14 year olds into upper age divisions. For a few, maybe move them up one age group,.......moving up two age groups just doesn't make a whole lot of sense. ( unless you factor in Mom/dad's ego..?)

Could not agree more...

[Blind Squirrel]

I can't wait until I have some time to provide some recent first hand information on what happens when a kid plays 18G when she could play 2nd year 14s or (obviously) 16s. To begin with you may want to consider the impact of 40' vs 43' pitching. More later.

John