Poor Coaching at the 10u/12u Travel Level?

[Talksalot]

What team are you refering about PM me if you do not want to post it.

[Love the game]

Agree with Spazsdad, Not understanding this real coach comment. A lot of great coaches out there who don't coach on the side other then travelball. Even some of your top 18g teams.

And for 10u and 12u. Good luck finding a team who's coach doesn't have a daughter on the team. Last I checked 99% of travel coaches don't get paid, so to coach a team at this age without a daughter on the team is rare. Best thing to do at 10u & 12U is go watch a practice. See how its run. Watch a game and see how well the team works together. Pick a team you know your daughter will improve. Just because she is not playing in a position you think is important, doesn't mean she isn't learning and improving.

And very important thing for you to know. Most of the Coaches/Managers all talk to each other. Softball is a very small community and you really do not want to be the problem parent. If your not happy with her play time keep quiet. Work with her and she will eventually earn her spot.

[artomatic]

Like I said, my advice was pretty blunt, but accurate.
You asked for opinions, and that is what you are getting. I even held back on the bluntness a little, because I figured your reaction would be exactly what it was...there will probably be others who won't hold back.
I understand most parents just starting out don't want to hear it, and they have to burn their hands on the hot stove a few times before learning not to touch it. Some never learn.

Many posters on here, me included, have been through what you describe, from t-ball, to rec all stars, to the move to travel, all the way to the gold level. Your situation is not unique, and you are not the first poster to come on here with your ideas and complaints. If you would listen with an open mind to the opinions that you asked for, instead of getting defensive, I think it would help you along the way. But as I said, many times parents have to go through the process and learn on their own. Looking back on the last 10 years, a few good people gave me advice along the way, but many times it didn't sink in until I went through it myself.
"Love the game"'s last paragraph in the post above this one about coaches talking to each other in this small community is probably the best advice you are going to get here.

I hope you can find what you are looking for, but I didn't misunderstand anything you said, and I'm not "everything you are talking about inside your post".
I wish the best for you and your kid, and I hope you all can enjoy the journey and have peace of mind along the way. It's a tough road and goes by really, really fast.

[ontheblack]

1st Time -

Because you are new, you dont know who Artomatic is.

What you need to know is that Arto is not at all the type of coach or parent you think he is. He just gave you the best advice you could ever get as a 10u parent.

If you decide to listen to ANYONE on HB, listen to Arto. If your ego wont allow that, you should encourage your DD to play soccer.

[Blind Squirrel]

10U/12U isn't the start. Wreck ball is. 10U/12U is just another step along the way and it is an early step that is neither the end of the world nor within reach of the golden ring. Relax. Play out the season and do a better job of selecting her next team. Work on her hitting. It transcends which position one plays.

BTW, her abandonment in the lowly outfield may be useful in the future. I've seen lots of college outfielders who are defensive nightmares because they had only played in the infield previously. Your horizon may only include the infield but if your kid does end up playing college ball it may not be in the infield due to competition and needs of the team. The slickest fielding 14U SS I've seen ended up sharing LF with another infielder when she got to college. Hell, your kid's ability to also play in the outfield may be the thing that enables her to see the field in college. And I have actually heard of 1 or 2 outfielders being recruited and receiving some scholarship money.

Best of luck to your kid.

Blind Melon Squirrel

[Love the game]

Also CALIsftballparentME, helpful info
becareful which posters you decide to attack or make rude comments to. A few of these posters have been around this sport awhile and there advise is pretty valuable. Even if you do not agree yet, one day you will i am sure. I did.

[MommyBaller]

Can a Dad or Mom coach with a DD on the team be impartial?

[softballmom13]

1st Time -

Because you are new, you dont know who Artomatic is.

What you need to know is that Arto is not at all the type of coach or parent you think he is. He just gave you the best advice you could ever get as a 10u parent.

If you decide to listen to ANYONE on HB, listen to Arto. If your ego wont allow that, you should encourage your DD to play soccer.

Got a point... Learn from the ones who have been around a loooooong while. It makes the road less bumpy.

And YES and coach with a DD can be impartial.... especially if the coach's DD doesn't play "your" DD position. Just makes life much more pleasant. Have F U N everyone...

[freetacos]

Chillax...it's a long softball road...and plenty of drama along the way.Think about it this way..the next tournament your kids team plays in look around at all the little girls and thier parents..In 4 years 75% of those kids and parents will be long gone.

You are gonna give yourself a heart attack.

Yoga or a red cup and lawnchair way passed the outfield fence may help you and your daughter.

jmo

ft

[lunch _money]

Man up! And BOUNCE. Then man up and bounce and bounce and bounce.......until you become the daddy ball coach.