in between

Need your opinions...

13 year old DD, 8th grade, would be the starting catcher (probably catch every inning with poor pitching), bat in the top 5, questionable coaching on a 14 & Under 'C' team

or

play 'back up' on a 16 & Under 'B' team (probably catching once a weekend with respectable pitching), bat in the bottom half, in better tournaments and more mature kids.

I know that's limited information, but what way would you encourage your kid if these were the options ?

Thanks !

Would she play a secondary position on team 2 or would she ride the bench when not catching?
Does she want to play in college someday or does she just play for fun?

What is "questionable coaching"?

I would probably encourage her to choose the team that will make her a better player IF it will also offer enough playing time also. I'm not sure if catching one game a weekend would keep her sharp. My 12 yr. old catcher left her starting catcher position and top of the batting line up on a "B" team and is now 2nd string catcher and 9th batter on an "A" team. The transition was not easy for her, but she is pushing herself more and practicing harder, so for those reasons the "A" team has been better, IMO. Not sure she would agree just yet, but I can tell the difference. Of course, she's still with her age group so that helps. I'm not sure about the jump from 14U to 16U.

When not catching she would find the bench/outfield (10 kids).

College softball hasn't been discussed yet.

13 year old DD, 8th grade, would be the starting catcher (probably catch every inning with poor pitching), bat in the top 5, questionable coaching on a 14 & Under 'C' team

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JMHO find/stay on a team your DD will start and play a lot. You're not going to get better sitting on the bench. Regardless of the coaching.
You need to step up and help your DD get better or find someone to help her get better, aside from practice. If college hasn't been discuss or isn't a goal( which is fine) then, I'm guessing you and your DD would prefer more playing time.

Are there no options at 14U A/B where she would be more involved even if second catcher have a solid secondary position and spot in line up?

Yeah, if I could find a good 14U A/B team in the area that would definitely be the way to go (have not found that yet)...most good 14u teams in this area spend all there time and money at showcase events.

I would encourage her to choose whichever she will consider to be more fun. If it is a dead heat, then whichever will make her a better player. Depends on the kid's goals.

Playing is always better than not playing. Unless she'd be miles in front of the other girls skill-wise, I think I would error on the side of putting her on the team where she would play the most.

My dd started at REC for one fall season, and quickly decided that was not for her. Then moved on to a C level team during 10U days. The poor quality of play for her was not enjoyable. She was not and still isn't that "stud" of a player that some are, but she wanted the stronger competition, and overall better level of play. She fit in well at "b" level of play. In our area at least, there is a big difference between C and B. And again a big jump to A level. (generally speaking)

IMO, sit down with your DD and ask her what she wants. Evaluate (honestly), or have someone evaluate her level of play, and where she would fit in. If she is a C level play, nothing wrong with that. If she is going to be a back up on the B team as a catcher, ask her how much she wants to work and improve to be on the field in a difference position. No one likes to sit and watch. All things she (with her help) has to decide.