Thread: Does DD Need a Break? 12U -- 99

There is so much good advice on this forum for you- The bottom line - I do not think that it would hurt your DD at all to take the fall off from playing- I do not think it will hurt her pitching as long as she continues to practice and develop her skills on her own, and she can guest play for another team at a time that suits her. If she develops her skills and improves her speed- she will be able to find a home in the spring that is a good fit- you will also have some time to do more research on potential teams, by going and scouting them in the fall. Make sure that you are happy with her pitching coach and their method of instruction. There is much good information on this site to refer to, the best way for her to improve her speed is to optimize her mechanics.

Our DD told us last Fall that she wanted to try out for her MS volleyball team instead of playing Fall Ball. Although we weren't happy with that decision, we supported her in it none the less. After trying out and being offered a spot, she decided that she preferred to play softball. It left us scrambling for a team but, in the end, it all worked out. Beacuse it re-affirmed her belief that softball was "her" sport, she was much happier this season, more self-assured and ultimately, a better player for it. There can be down-sides to taking Fall Ball off but the benefits can far outweigh those. Just a thought to leave you with. Even if your DD takes Fall off, many good teams are still looking for players well into the Spring. If she decides to return to softball after a break, you should still be able to place her on a quality team and she will probably return stronger both mentally and physically.

It is a good thing when your child wants to get a wide breadth of experience from life. Softball is great, but it ends. Life lasts until you die and a well lived life means variety of experiences. Embrace curiosity. Foster exploration. It may very well end up that she finds her passion isn't on any field, court, or mat, but perhaps in a library or a laboratory or a homeless shelter. Listen to your child and guide them safely through life, but in the end, allow their destination be that which they chose and not that which was foisted upon them.

I don't think any person can answer that question for anyone else. I have found a lot of people in the softball world are quick to say the "burned out" phrase. If a girl wants to do something else, great. If another girl wants to play 7 days a week, good for her, she isn't automatically going to be "burned out". My dd(s) were in gymnastics (same gym as our gold medal winner! Yeah!) gymnasts home school part of the day to spend more time working out. The expected time spend was 5 hours a day 5 days a week. Then a 2-3 hour workout on Saturday. I still know all the parents, some girls did decide to do something else, some still do it, some are burned out, some are not. No one rule for all.

Went to Osterman/Willis experience. Opening speech from Cat "I have not gone 2 days in a row thatd I didn't practice pitching since I was 11 years old."

"Is there any good college gymnastics no?" Wow screwball, All I can say is wow! I have seen 100s of great college gymnasts. Comparing what gymastics does to a body to softball........"Wait a minute! You were the "expert" that was saying softball players are too fat and out of shape in another thread last week!!!!!! Now you are itchin at me because I say that some people use burned out excuse too much in softball!!!!!!

DD plays Low B SB 12u, VB JV and Varisty in MS, and Made JV baskeball this yr palyed rec BB last yr. Starting in late March to early April we play tourneys maybe 2 a month until allstars then break until after. Pick back up in Aug thru Oct 1-2 month with almost no pract. Fall tournys are for learning play time and let them have fun playing ball and seeing friends. So she is busy, but she gets varied sports training. I just make sure there is still enjoyment and she knows she talk to me if she needs break. We still pitch thru the week as time permits.

13/14 is about the age girls decide if they want to be competitive/elite, rec ball/B ball players or quite altogether. The girls who love the game would never voluntarily take a season off. My DD is a 2013 and pulled her groin during PGF nationals and will have to take the fall off to rehab, her first season since 10u. It is killing her and it is just try outs now. But know that while a player takes a season off there are girls working hard and getting better. JMHO