Is it a good idea to let your DD play in an older age group?

[beentheredonethat]

My definition of dominant is a player who possesses a talent or skill set that gives them a distinct advantage over their peers.

When a dominant player is added to a team, it is usually instantly better than it was before. Take a look at TS's pitchers. They are at the top of the heap in Norcal and most batters will have a much harder time hitting off of them than 95% of the other pitchers in the area. They can make many very good hitters look ordinary.

I didn't say the whole team was dominant, but I do think they have some pitchers who can dominate almost all but the most dominant hitters... Had to have a little Dominate vs. Dominant wordplay fun.

Do you disagree?

I agree with one of the kids(pitcher) #48 being a dominant pitcher at 14U not unhitable or unbeatable but pretty dominate. Not totally convinced with the others yet.

I think a lot the players and coaches of TS, They are talented and have there individual reasons for playing up, I dont care. But I really don't think 16's is that big a deal in nor cal. I think all the top 14u teams could compete well against most of the local 16u teams.

[rbi]

I agree. It can't be a blanket statement though. It's on a case by case basis. I know many cases where a kid is playing "up" on a mediocre team with below average coaching, and so what's the point? But I also know of a few who play up, are on a competitive team (based on stats & results), are starters, and in the top of the line-up. Edited to add that these few have been to at least 1 OnDeck Jamboree/Camp. If they're on the radar of a guy who gets paid by College Coaches to "find young talent," well we definitely cannot include them in this scenario. But a point very well put ILB.

The Allisters are not compensated in any way by college coachs, now they get a million thanks and compliments by them, but no money, that would be a huge NCAA violation. They pay out of their own pocket to put these events on, and in return the participants pay a small entry fee.

My feeling is, in younger age groups find the best coaching money can buy AND where DD is going to play, older age groups find the team with the best exposure playing the best teams AND where she is going to play. Set your goals high and be realistic at same time, and talk to coachs before you commit to get a feel about your DD's role on team. Most top older teams will be straight up and wont put you their team unless they know you can contribute, now some will carry 18-20 and a lot of sitting goes on, so be real careful of your choices.

[lv2earat8]

The Allisters are not compensated in any way by college coachs,

NOT TRUE!



http://www.ondecksoftball.net/pricing/

[mr.flamboyant]

I agree. It can't be a blanket statement though. It's on a case by case basis. I know many cases where a kid is playing "up" on a mediocre team with below average coaching, and so what's the point? But I also know of a few who play up, are on a competitive team (based on stats & results), are starters, and in the top of the line-up. Edited to add that these few have been to at least 1 OnDeck Jamboree/Camp. If they're on the radar of a guy who gets paid by College Coaches to "find young talent," well we definitely cannot include them in this scenario. But a point very well put ILB.

The Allisters are not compensated in any way by college coachs, now they get a million thanks and compliments by them, but no money, that would be a huge NCAA violation. They pay out of their own pocket to put these events on, and in return the participants pay a small entry fee.

My feeling is, in younger age groups find the best coaching money can buy AND where DD is going to play, older age groups find the team with the best exposure playing the best teams AND where she is going to play. Set your goals high and be realistic at same time, and talk to coachs before you commit to get a feel about your DD's role on team. Most top older teams will be straight up and wont put you their team unless they know you can contribute, now some will carry 18-20 and a lot of sitting goes on, so be real careful of your choices.

I have an interesting one to throw out there for the sake of discussion (totaly hypothetical but I've seen it happen a few times)....

Lets say that your DD is on a team and when the season is over you want to go play for another team for any number of reasons (better coaching, better org, more playing time, or more playing time at the position that you want her to play). However DD does not want to leave her team, she loves playing with her teammates / coaches, etc. Maybe even cries when you tell her that your not comming back to former team.

Now where does her say in the matter / desire to play where (and with who) she wants to rank in the equation vs. you wanting your list of needs and requirements?

[6to4to3]

What if she wants to jump off a bridge like her friends do? Sorry to sound d1ck-ish, but this statement/question fits. At some point, usually after reaching into our checkbooks again and again, we the parents have to realize that sometimes the kids don't actually know what is BEST for them to get to where they say they want to go.

Sometimes we need to sit them down, ask what is the long term goal they have with their teenage softball years, and go from there.

If she says fun and friends are more important to her, then you wouldn't be leaving that team she is already on anyways, right?

[FullCount]

I agree. It can't be a blanket statement though. It's on a case by case basis. I know many cases where a kid is playing "up" on a mediocre team with below average coaching, and so what's the point? But I also know of a few who play up, are on a competitive team (based on stats & results), are starters, and in the top of the line-up. Edited to add that these few have been to at least 1 OnDeck Jamboree/Camp. If they're on the radar of a guy who gets paid by College Coaches to "find young talent," well we definitely cannot include them in this scenario. But a point very well put ILB.

The Allisters are not compensated in any way by college coachs, now they get a million thanks and compliments by them, but no money, that would be a huge NCAA violation. They pay out of their own pocket to put these events on, and in return the participants pay a small entry fee.

My feeling is, in younger age groups find the best coaching money can buy AND where DD is going to play, older age groups find the team with the best exposure playing the best teams AND where she is going to play. Set your goals high and be realistic at same time, and talk to coachs before you commit to get a feel about your DD's role on team. Most top older teams will be straight up and wont put you their team unless they know you can contribute, now some will carry 18-20 and a lot of sitting goes on, so be real careful of your choices.

Ok... I will edit my original reply from "paid" to "recognized". Don't want to drag the Allisters into something when I agree that what they do is a very good thing for athletes looking to play at the next level.