Rough Weekend for my DD

Welcome to Discuss Fastpitch

Your FREE Account is waiting to the Best Softball Community on the Web.

Aug 23, 2010
582
18
Florida
DD had a rough weekend in the circle. I know this sounds horrible, but I am sort of glad it happened. She had a tremendous fall season thus far. She had the opportunity to play 18U Gold for a few tournaments. Her confidence was brimming. To be honest, she got a little cocky. So the last couple weeks leading up to this tournament, she has been mailing in her workouts. Cutting her pitching workouts short, not giving full effort, taking a few extra days off... We normally turn the intensity way up the week leading up to a big event. It didn't happen this time. I kept telling her she was not getting enough work in. So to say the least, she was not as prepared as she normally would be. On the flip side, the teams other top pitcher was working hard and getting ready for the tournament. First game got split between the two pitchers and she struggled a bit. No runs allowed, but I could tell she wasn't sharp. Day two, other pitcher wins the first game and pitched a gem. DD gets the ball for next game. Again she struggled. Pitches were flat and over the plate. She got smacked for 4 runs in 3 innings. Took her out of the circle and she took the loss. Next game went to the third pitcher and she threw well. Day 3 came around and DD thought she was getting the ball for the first game. She never got the ball. Two final games went to the other two pitchers. The coach has always said he would ride the hot pitchers, and this was the first time it wasn't my DD. She was struggling holding it together. She played all day at 1b, and had a good day defensively. I could tell she wanted me to tell her I thought she should have started a game or gotten some innings. I resisted the temptation to coddle her and explained that the coach was honest from day 1 and always said the best players play. After the day was over, she came to me with tears welling up and said she was going to work her butt off to get back in the circle and never lose the spot again. I am certain she will get many more opportunities to prove herself. In a way, I am a little greatful this happened. I think she needed a reality check and to be brought down to earth a bit. Should inspire some quality work outs in the coming weeks. Only time will tell.
 
Jan 18, 2010
4,284
0
In your face
Sorry this happened, BUT you handled it perfect and have the right attitude to make it a valuable lesson. Every good pitcher gets cocky and the "god or goddess" mentality at some point. If they say they don't, they're lying. Hope it drives her to dig deep!!
 
Nov 29, 2009
2,975
83
When my DD wanted to slack off and not work I didn't argue with her. I'd just say "That's fine. I'm not the one who's going to suck out there." That was usually enough to get her moving. She liked getting the ball for the important games. She hated to lose if she pitched like crap.

The school of hard knocks is the best university out there. Glad to hear she realized just how much work it takes to compete at the level she does.
 
Jun 18, 2010
2,624
38
Hi joemcq51, if I recall, isn't she 14 or 15? You have to be proud of her playing 18G.
 
Aug 23, 2010
582
18
Florida
Hi joemcq51, if I recall, isn't she 14 or 15? You have to be proud of her playing 18G.

Yes she is 14. Part of why I am ok with a bad weekend. On the flip side, it also adds to the frustration. All of her teammates are now off to play HS ball, while she will have to live with her performancce for several months. Her team is dark until May. As an 8th grader, she needs to guest for the next few months and push herself in practices. I am hopeful she uses this as motivation to work even harder than before.
 

sluggers

Super Moderator
Staff member
May 26, 2008
7,133
113
Dallas, Texas
It happens. It is a learning experience for her...better now than when she is 17 YOA
 
Last edited:
Dec 5, 2012
4,143
63
Mid West
Reality can be a big pill to swallow. But at 14, playing 18u gold, is a big jump...This experience will motivate her to elevate her game. Good luck moving forward.
 
Last edited:
Nov 14, 2008
43
0
I have taught my dd from the beginning STAY HUMBLE there is always someone out there that is better. Im most positive you will see a complete turn around in her outlook of the game and her physical as well as mental preperation for the game. Best of Luck
 

Forum statistics

Threads
42,830
Messages
679,482
Members
21,445
Latest member
Bmac81802
Top