I think this question is different for pitchers and position players. As a pitcher, U12 is the year they go from 35 to 40 and small ball to big ball. The first year can be difficult. I think a pitcher should pitch the second year at U12 and dominate (if they are that good). I think that's a confidence builder. Then jumping from U 12 to U14 and even U16 will be easier. No need to play 2 years at U14. I know my younger daughter was a good pitcher at U12 the first year but had a great year this year at 2nd year U12. She grew 4 inches this year. Her speed jumped 4-5 mph during the year. And when we played in this fall at U14, she was ready. I'm glad we waited and played 2 years at 12 U.
Play up or stay in age group?
- Thread starter MJs Dad
- Start date
Welcome to Discuss Fastpitch
Your FREE Account is waiting to the Best Softball Community on the Web.
That might be the goal as long as it is a good 16U team. Many arent, dont really travel, dont play showcases, and arent anything that any coach would want to spend time seeing. That is the catch-22. A very good 16U team will have many very good 16U players lined up to tryout to play for them, A very good 14u team will also, so by default, when playing up you probably arent going to be starting and playing on a very good team.
Of course if its better instruction than the team you are on, its probably in the best interest to consider it.
