Who are You?

[da60]

Interesting thoughts about winter play, leading up to high school season, then on to travel ball. We have never played many indoor winter tournaments, but this is based on our personal bias and no hard facts. We played one this winter. My daughter and another coach's daughter played basketball last year as freshman, had about a week off after that season ended and moved into conditioning for high school softball. Both started varsity in softball and also had to participate in some reserve games so the JV could have a team. Sore arms and shoulders were a nightmare as the season did not allow time to heal. This year both girls decided not to play basketball. (Speedway again lost in the basketball sectionals after being ranked as high as 6th in the state. Maybe softball sectionals this year). Sorry, back to the subject at hand, again we only played one tournament this winter and have tried to keep the girls sharp by playing indoor arena ball. This schedule was agreed on by coaches and parents prior to start of season. We will see how the sophmore year of high school softball goes transitioning into travel ball.

[bucketboy]

DD's travel team does nothing in the winter other than the kids working on their own.

Last winter we played a round robin in Georgia in mid February outside and then the kids went to high school ball and then to travel and had a great summer. They peaked at the right time and had a great finish at nationals.

Two weeks after nationals we played at Ball State then two weeks later started the fall schedule of exposure events so basically they played for a solid 9 months with just a couple of short breaks.

Now that several of our kids are already signed or verballed it is a little different. I agree with gunshy or should I say I can't believe that deer totaled my truck on my way to the ball park that the key is getting a team to peak when it is time for nationals.

I will be anxious to see how the teams that played a full schedule this winter do compared to the teams that just kept sharp and are building for the summer season.

[jag1]

Gunshy, my last post wasn't directed towards you...just my input on the whole "how much is too much" question that often comes up.......your dd plays on a successful team, with the pitching and collective talent (and coaching) you guys have, I doubt that a couple more indoor winter tournaments would ultimately effect your finish at the big dance...lol! (and I mean that as a compliment..) here's a different take, one of the big competitive advantages I always hear the west coast teams have on us, is their ability to get out and play year-round..and they seem to have plenty left in the tank come July.

[Scooby26]

Long time reader---1st time poster

Twin DD's are eighth graders and playing 14U with the Michiana Mystique. Good luck to everybody on the upcoming season!

[FASTPITCH FAN]

DD is a second year 14 playing up with the 16u VIPERS. She is a Freshmen at Danville.
Good Luck this High School season and in JUNE and JULY!!!!
John

[looking in]

jag1,
You make a good point! Cali teams do play outside all year! Don't have a clue what "indoor" means! But, they don't play none stop! Lot of time off in the fall and winter! Start the season a lot earlier than we could pray for! But, they still need/get a break!

[ja65]

I'm the proud father of a 12u who plays for the Indy Blast 96, previously she played four years of travel for Edgewood Lady Bulldogs.