Rookie Ball vs T-Ball vs Machine pitch tournaments.

[GA42sDad]

My 6yr DD just finishing her first yr in t-ball. She has been around the game of softball because of her older dd has been playing for over 3 yrs now.

The problem is that we currently do not have a 8u fastpitch program in our area, so my choices for the fall are 1 more yr in t-ball or rookie ball. She is ready to play fastpitch. In the big city close to us they have 8u machine pitch tournaments. Should i consider that or just put her in rookie ball.

She wants to compete every time she steps on the clay. She knows the game for her age very well. Need some opinions on what might be the best thing to do. Thanks

 

[chinamigarden]

What is rookie ball?

 

[PGSAKen]

We have found success in our league by graduating from Tball (6U) to Machine Pitch(8U) to Girls Pitch(no walks-4 balls then coach pitch) (10U). By 12U if not sooner we have skilled players and multiple (successful) tourney teams. By 10U the girls are hitting extremely well.

 

[Axe]

We use a very similar system to what PGSAKen outlined except coach pitch instead of machine at 8U. We've also started using coach pitch at 6U with tee rescue which has been a huge success. It's amazing the level kids will rise to if you just raise the bar.

Don't know what you mean by rookie ball.

 

[left turn]

What machine would you use for 8u?

 

[GA42sDad]

On her tball team they did coach pitch to the players they were able to hit it. Rookie ball is the same as machine pitch, but with a baseball instead of a 11in softball.

I think she is ready for the machine pitch tournaments, just don't knowif im ready for the expense with dd already in travel ball.

 

[Jesse]

We use the UPM 45 for machine pitch (8U).

 

[PGSAKen]

What machine would you use for 8u?

JUGS Machine

 

[SoftSocDad]

She's 6.

6.

Hope this helps.

 

[SoCalSoftballdad]

Pitching machines should be left in the batting cages. At 8U, get the girls practicing how to windmill pitch and incorporate live pitching with coach pitch during the regular season. You would be amazed at how these girls perform if you just spent a little time with them on learning how to play the game correctly. No reason to dumb down the game at all.