10U too early for TB?

[Fastpitch4Life]

@ SAM

You seem like a very angry person. If the anger comes from your DD having the terrible shoulder issues she currently has, then let me say that I am sorry she is having to deal with all of that. I can only imagine as a parent what that must feel like having to see your DD suffer like that.

I was not ever claiming to be an expert by any means. I was just sharing my thoughts and opinions in regards to my admitted little experiences with my DD thus far. It is sites like this that can really teach the newbies like me. However harsh and mean-spirited your approach, I did manage to hear your underlying message. I strangely thank you for the advice.

It's the Avatar. If he had a picture of Einstein or Mother Teresa, people would warm to his advice.

[Sam]

@ SAM

You seem like a very angry person. If the anger comes from your DD having the terrible shoulder issues she currently has, then let me say that I am sorry she is having to deal with all of that. I can only imagine as a parent what that must feel like having to see your DD suffer like that.

I was not ever claiming to be an expert by any means. I was just sharing my thoughts and opinions in regards to my admitted little experiences with my DD thus far. It is sites like this that can really teach the newbies like me. However harsh and mean-spirited your approach, I did manage to hear your underlying message. I strangely thank you for the advice.

My issue was really not specifically with you, but with EVERY advice poster on this forum who doesn't have the experience to provide sage advice.....which won't stop over the top psycho parents from using that advice as justification for hurting their kid. Though it appeared to be targeted at you directly, it was not my intent.

[jonriv]

I dont have Sam's experience, but I have seen kids, particularly pitchers and catchers who started early in TB, tear apart their shoulders and elbows from overuse and be done by 2nd year 14s.

It is BS to say that if your kid doesnt play TB in 10s then she wont make a good team at 12s. I have seen lots of kids come into their own at 2nd year 12s. And I have seen just as many 9 year old 'studs' have the world catch up and even surpass them by 12 and 13.

TB is a marathon, not a sprint. If your kid has the ability, playing another year in rec wont kill their career, even though there are those parents who would put their middle schoolers in "showcases" if given the chance.

To your point otb

Mine did not start serious TB until 14u--- she's now playing in College

[Battle]

I dont have Sam's experience, but I have seen kids, particularly pitchers and catchers who started early in TB, tear apart their shoulders and elbows from overuse and be done by 2nd year 14s.

It is BS to say that if your kid doesnt play TB in 10s then she wont make a good team at 12s. I have seen lots of kids come into their own at 2nd year 12s. And I have seen just as many 9 year old 'studs' have the world catch up and even surpass them by 12 and 13.

TB is a marathon, not a sprint. If your kid has the ability, playing another year in rec wont kill their career, even though there are those parents who would put their middle schoolers in "showcases" if given the chance.

To your point otb

Mine did not start serious TB until 14u--- she's now playing in College

To counter your point...I know AT LEAST 4 kids that started in 10u and are now playing in college. Parents say that they wouldn't change a thing including starting at 10s.

[jonriv]

I dont have Sam's experience, but I have seen kids, particularly pitchers and catchers who started early in TB, tear apart their shoulders and elbows from overuse and be done by 2nd year 14s.

It is BS to say that if your kid doesnt play TB in 10s then she wont make a good team at 12s. I have seen lots of kids come into their own at 2nd year 12s. And I have seen just as many 9 year old 'studs' have the world catch up and even surpass them by 12 and 13.

TB is a marathon, not a sprint. If your kid has the ability, playing another year in rec wont kill their career, even though there are those parents who would put their middle schoolers in "showcases" if given the chance.

To your point otb

Mine did not start serious TB until 14u--- she's now playing in College

To counter your point...I know AT LEAST 4 kids that started in 10u and are now playing in college. Parents say that they wouldn't change a thing including starting at 10s.

That's why it is a decision that has to be made by individual families and based on their own situations. The only point i was just making was that someone should feel forced into going in TB too early based on the "college dream" and the concept if they do nit start at 10u the will be too far behind

[Battle]

That's why it is a decision that has to be made by individual families and based on their own situations.

Exactly...Point taken.

The only point i was just making was that someone should feel forced into going in TB too early based on the "college dream" and the concept if they do nit start at 10u the will be too far behind

...and my point is, if a kid starts TB in 10u doesn't doom their college days because of injury or burnout...That kind of thinking is ridiculous.

[DOG310]

I generally just watch, but thought I'd comment. I think Sam's avatar is probably perfect for him. That said I have taken his advice to heart and while DD had already started earlier than he advises, I have forced her to take more time off and to pitch less often than I would have prior to listening to Sam.

So, thanks Sam and keep preaching. I think there are some that, like me, have toned down their crazy parenting at least a little based on your advice.

[jonriv]

That's why it is a decision that has to be made by individual families and based on their own situations.

Exactly...Point taken.

The only point i was just making was that someone should feel forced into going in TB too early based on the "college dream" and the concept if they do nit start at 10u the will be too far behind

...and my point is, if a kid starts TB in 10u doesn't doom their college days because of injury or burnout...That kind of thinking is ridiculous.

I agree- I think some posters think only in extremes

[rbi]

I guess if your kid wants to play 10u TB its tough to say no. My only thing is dont get into a situation where you get involved with a program where your doing softball (any type) practice,games,friendlies,lessons more than (3 times a week), and thats pushing it, even for the 12's and 14's. You start moving up to Gold and its a bigger individual commitment, and you should be working on your game (hitting,fielding,working out,games) a lot more... As my DD has moved up the ladder, I tell her dont let anyone out work you, but at the same time we have "shut it down time", to heal the mind and body...

I will be the first to admit I LOVE watching the little ones play, its so dang pure its priceless...

KEEP IT FUN, KEEP IT SHORT, AND DONT GET CAUGHT UP in the younger age groups, I have seen way too many unwarranted tears flowing from 10's,12's.....

When your kid gets to be 16yrs old, no one even cares or remembers how many tournaments she won, or home runs she hit when she was 10 or 12, trust me....

[DonnieS]

Be that as it may, the only tears I saw from the young ones was when they didnt get to play. For those of us who live in the real world, and dont spend all their time reading about relatively isolated situations, fine, wrap up your kids in bubble wrap, and make sure they have latest movies and video games. I remember DD2 telling her big brother after he invited her to play video baseball with him, "Why would I do that , I play games for real."

And I remember the look on Lisa Fernandez's face when DD2 told her about getting to play 10u tournaments , with all the girls with the brightly colored ribbons in their hair, yelling and singing team chants , doing song contests against teams from the other part of the country, playing against teams on the field and then playing with the same girls off the field, and listening to her say "Damn, it sucks they didnt have that when I was that age."