Reading about the limitations put on younger age groups, it makes me wonder if the limitations are helping or hindering player development.
In So Cal, ASA-affiliated leagues are including some level of player-pitch at 8U, and by the time all-stars starts up, it's all player pitch. 8U pitchers start learning how to control the ball, and 8U hitters start learning how to read pitches and make good choices on what to swing at. It's not uncommon for better 8U pitchers to be very effective with fastballs and change-ups. In contrast, I have read more than a few times about rec leagues that have machine-pitch in 12U...SMH.
While I agree that some limitations are probably reasonable for 8U, everything that I have seen tells me that 10U players are mentally and physically capable of playing with the full rules. Including the stress of dropped 3rd strikes, stolen bases, etc. demands that they perform, and (IMO) that's a good thing for skill development. Kids will do their very best to rise to those demands.
In So Cal, ASA-affiliated leagues are including some level of player-pitch at 8U, and by the time all-stars starts up, it's all player pitch. 8U pitchers start learning how to control the ball, and 8U hitters start learning how to read pitches and make good choices on what to swing at. It's not uncommon for better 8U pitchers to be very effective with fastballs and change-ups. In contrast, I have read more than a few times about rec leagues that have machine-pitch in 12U...SMH.
While I agree that some limitations are probably reasonable for 8U, everything that I have seen tells me that 10U players are mentally and physically capable of playing with the full rules. Including the stress of dropped 3rd strikes, stolen bases, etc. demands that they perform, and (IMO) that's a good thing for skill development. Kids will do their very best to rise to those demands.