Thread: New 11U TB team can't pick up players!!

I AC a new 11U TB team. This is mine and the HC's first time at this. We've both coached rec and Allstar teams. HC coached Select Rec team. So we're not brand new to coaching.
The other 11U coach in the organization isn't helping us at all with girls he cut(sending them packing ticked off), nor with ones he finds but doesn't pick up. Girls from try-outs we invite to a practice are calling to say they picked another team. We need at least 2 players to get through the fall/winter but can't seem to get anyone. What are we doing wrong, or what are some tips for finding players????

Starting a new team is very difficult. Many players and parents tend to be wary of startup teams. There really is no history to judge the teams level of play, or the coaches style and temperment. Many new teams don't make it past the first season. Parents know this and sometimes look for more established teams, so that they wont have to be looking for another team the next season.
In our area at the younger ages there are often more teams than players to fill them. Many upset parents go start their own team, leading to more teams looking for players, compounding the problem.

Make sure your tryouts are run effeciently and very organized. As a new team and new coaches you have to really let the people attending your tryouts know you have your stuff together. Is their a website in your area that lists tournaments and team tryouts and so forth? If so make sure you are on there. Why is the other coach in your organization not helping you with potential players? Personal conflict with the HC? Didn't want another team the same age in the organization? This is your best access to other players. Try and fix that situation first.

Again, starting new teams is hard. Keep at it, and make sure you are presenting youselves and your team in an exceptional way to potential players.

hmmmm 11U TB? 10U - 12U - 14U - 16U - 18U I know of but 11U?

random usssa listing for possible clarification.


USSSA Points : 475
Team : Trojanette 11's
Team City : Maitland - MO
Overall Record : 10-19
Team Registration : 91243010309
Classified as : Fast-Pitch Girls 11 & Under

Typically it's done for first year girls in the division they are playing provided all girls meet the (11U or 13, 15, etc...) age classification.

How did you manage to start a team if you didn't have enough players for a team? Just curious.

-W

Another thing to remember, in Ohio, many players are already committed to playing Fall Ball with an organization/team by this time of year. At the end of September/mid-October, many Fall Ball leagues are over and some families and their DDs have found that the team they played for during Fall Ball wasn't a good fit. Thus, this is a time where you get a lot of opportunites to pick up other players. The other big "moving" time seems to be end of February through mid-April. Just be patient and keep posting on here, eteamz and the Ohio fastpitch Connection at The Softball Zone about needing players and you might be surprised at the responses you get during those two main "moving" periods.

Also, in your area of OH, there are a couple very large organizations that draw much of the players. Have you guys considered maybe having your daughters try out for one of them?