We played the fall at 12u and it really helped #1 with her speed when she came back in the spring to 10u. I will give you some advice especially if she has always played up ( #1 played 10u since she was 7yr old as a pitcher ). Play the fall up if she wants, but let her come back down in the spring to dominate among her peers. It will teach her at a young age some intangibles that she might not have a chance to learn as always being the younger pitcher on the roster. I think allot of people think we put allot of pressure on #1 during tournaments and push her hard and long. They are right, but she has learned this is what that position is about. I will crow a bit now ! # 1 in my opinion is the toughest mentally of any pitcher I have watched in 10u since I have watched 10u travel ball ( and this is my second time around ). She has the focus and competitive streak in her that I have not witnessed in any other 10u pitcher. She does not rattle easy ! In my opinion it is her greatest quality of all as a pitcher. You know your daughter best I'm sure you will know what's best for her.
Hey 10u parents......time for a reality check..! Just because lil' Suzie is blowing it by 9 year olds, and you honestly believe she's a future thoroghbred... it doesn't always work out that way. The big kids now get out-grown, the "mentally tough" ones end up as basket cases over one rotten boyfriend, and the truly competitive ones burn-out or burn up their arms and knees. there are plenty of big time players that couldn't make their rec ball 10u all-star team, the hype sure starts early down there!! ..all sarcasm aside, keep it in perspective and give them plenty of time to be kids...
