I can't tell you how many times I had a rec parent give me a look of surprise when I told them how much work my DD did at home. With rare exception, one team practice and one game per week isn't going to turn a kid into an all-star. There is no magic switch to flip. It takes reps. LOTS of reps. With focus and determination.
For my DD, home practice has usually been at my suggestion, but it's been rare that the suggestion has been met with resistance from her. At the beginning of her playing career (2nd year 8U), she practiced hard to catch up to the top players in the league (many of them friends from school who had started at 6U). It paid off, and she made the all-star team in her first season, which set us on our current path. Now playing TB, she knows that if she isn't constantly improving, she will be left behind.
Our last season of rec (10U), as is typical, we had a few newbie players on the team. At the very first practice, one newbie in particular was very nervous about whether or not she had the skills to play the game. She felt like she was going to be a burden because she didn't know what she was doing. I asked her to watch my DD and another all-star player as they were warming up, and I explained to her..."These girls didn't start with these skills yesterday. They have played over 100 games - many at a pretty high level of competition - have had hundreds of team practices, have thrown and caught a ball thousands of times. They have worked hard on developing their skills because they love the game, and have the determination to become the best players they can be. This is your first team practice, and you haven't played a game yet. Give yourself a chance to learn and get some experience. You can be just as good as they are, but it's going to take a little time, and some hard work. We're here to help you."
That newbie proved to be a quick learner and a hard worker with an awesome attitude. A week later, I asked her mom about whether her DD did any extra practice at home. Mom's response was "every day!" Week to week, her improvement was notable. She quickly became a strong bat in the middle of our lineup, our starting 3B, and was nominated for all-stars.
That kind of work isn't for every player. We had a couple that were just happy to be on the field with their team, and participate in the sport. High-fives for a good effort and post-game snacks are the best part of the day. That's fine, too. That's what rec ball is about for a lot of players.
For my DD, home practice has usually been at my suggestion, but it's been rare that the suggestion has been met with resistance from her. At the beginning of her playing career (2nd year 8U), she practiced hard to catch up to the top players in the league (many of them friends from school who had started at 6U). It paid off, and she made the all-star team in her first season, which set us on our current path. Now playing TB, she knows that if she isn't constantly improving, she will be left behind.
Our last season of rec (10U), as is typical, we had a few newbie players on the team. At the very first practice, one newbie in particular was very nervous about whether or not she had the skills to play the game. She felt like she was going to be a burden because she didn't know what she was doing. I asked her to watch my DD and another all-star player as they were warming up, and I explained to her..."These girls didn't start with these skills yesterday. They have played over 100 games - many at a pretty high level of competition - have had hundreds of team practices, have thrown and caught a ball thousands of times. They have worked hard on developing their skills because they love the game, and have the determination to become the best players they can be. This is your first team practice, and you haven't played a game yet. Give yourself a chance to learn and get some experience. You can be just as good as they are, but it's going to take a little time, and some hard work. We're here to help you."
That newbie proved to be a quick learner and a hard worker with an awesome attitude. A week later, I asked her mom about whether her DD did any extra practice at home. Mom's response was "every day!" Week to week, her improvement was notable. She quickly became a strong bat in the middle of our lineup, our starting 3B, and was nominated for all-stars.
That kind of work isn't for every player. We had a couple that were just happy to be on the field with their team, and participate in the sport. High-fives for a good effort and post-game snacks are the best part of the day. That's fine, too. That's what rec ball is about for a lot of players.
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