Expectations for 10U travel team?

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Apr 9, 2017
13
3
My DD joined a10U travel team this year. Prior to her joining, I explained that the stakes were higher than when she plays in the rec. league (where I'm the coach).
I'm curious what others' thoughts are on a situation. The head coach does not coddle the girls, nor do I expect her to. However, I'm thinking she has taken it to another level. During a scrimmage this weekend, I overheard her telling my daughter she "doesn't deserve" to be a catcher after the way she performed in practice earlier in the week. (I was at the practice and quite frankly I don't agree with the coach's assessment.) In any case, the coach went on to pull my daughter out of the game during the middle of an inning after a couple of passed balls.
Again, when we signed the DD up for the team, I understood the higher level of competitiveness that would come along with being on this team. However, I found these actions by the coach to be a little over the top for a 10U team. Is this the norm in the travel circuit? Am I overreacting?
 
Jun 12, 2015
3,848
83
It really depends on the coaching style. But pulling a girl from a position when she's not performing and giving another girl a shot there is pretty standard stuff. I personally prefer to avoid coaches who get super serious even in scrimmages. Yes, you expect them to play well but especially at 10U let's keep some perspective. A scrimmage is where they're supposed to learn, it's not about winning. You need to find a coach that's a good fit. But if a travel coach is doing things right, every position is earned. She'll have to fight for it if she wants to catch and there are other catchers on the team.
 
Nov 26, 2010
4,784
113
Michigan
My DD joined a10U travel team this year. Prior to her joining, I explained that the stakes were higher than when she plays in the rec. league (where I'm the coach).
I'm curious what others' thoughts are on a situation. The head coach does not coddle the girls, nor do I expect her to. However, I'm thinking she has taken it to another level. During a scrimmage this weekend, I overheard her telling my daughter she "doesn't deserve" to be a catcher after the way she performed in practice earlier in the week. (I was at the practice and quite frankly I don't agree with the coach's assessment.) In any case, the coach went on to pull my daughter out of the game during the middle of an inning after a couple of passed balls.
Again, when we signed the DD up for the team, I understood the higher level of competitiveness that would come along with being on this team. However, I found these actions by the coach to be a little over the top for a 10U team. Is this the norm in the travel circuit? Am I overreacting?
What she said at the scrimmage sounds a bit harsh, could have been worded better. But on the other hand, how many passed balls would it take until you were to ask? I can't believe she didn't take my dd out of there, it was obvious to everyone she just didn't have it today.
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
Coaching style at 10U is all over the place, for the most part the coaches are learning too. Now is a good time to scout for a different for next year, even if she does not end up changing.

Some 10U TB coaches expect the players to be prefect and know everything, it is TB! If you do not know what your doing go play Recovery.

Better comment by coach might of been ....

Looks like you are struggling out there today. I am going to pull you and we will work on it somemore next practice.
 

marriard

Not lost - just no idea where I am
Oct 2, 2011
4,312
113
Florida
My DD joined a10U travel team this year. Prior to her joining, I explained that the stakes were higher than when she plays in the rec. league (where I'm the coach).
I'm curious what others' thoughts are on a situation. The head coach does not coddle the girls, nor do I expect her to. However, I'm thinking she has taken it to another level. During a scrimmage this weekend, I overheard her telling my daughter she "doesn't deserve" to be a catcher after the way she performed in practice earlier in the week. (I was at the practice and quite frankly I don't agree with the coach's assessment.) In any case, the coach went on to pull my daughter out of the game during the middle of an inning after a couple of passed balls.
Again, when we signed the DD up for the team, I understood the higher level of competitiveness that would come along with being on this team. However, I found these actions by the coach to be a little over the top for a 10U team. Is this the norm in the travel circuit? Am I overreacting?

Frankly I am sick of saying "XXXX really knows softball. Too bad they are total A^#@*@*@s"

Coaches need to actually learn how to actually coach. Grown men and woman constantly yelling and exploding at children is never a good scene and the people who justify it with 'they really know softball' or 'they are tough and it toughens them up' can go back to coaching football with the other morons who think what they saw on some movie about Vince Lombardi is how it should be. It doesn't have to be that way. I have asked parents before "Why do you put up with that?" and the #1 response I get is "They are a really good coach"... to which my response is "No they are not"

There are simple ways a coach can handle the situation much, much better. You can forgive it if they realize what they are doing is not right (we all have our bad moments), but if it is how they coach there are plenty of teams to move on to at the end of the season or earlier if necessary. I used to drive past 4 really nice softball facilities on my way to DD's practice to have her on a team with coaches who actually knew how to develop players while still making it an enjoyable sport. Right now I coach solely because I cannot find a local coach I can trust at this level who should be trusted with not only my DD, but the teammates she has - some of which I have coached or known since they were 6 or 7 years old.

Lastly don't mistake wins for good coaching. Sometimes talent can overcome shortcomings (or in 10U/12U and some 14U early maturity can trump skilled players - believe me it evens out).
 
Last edited:
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
My DD started playing TB at 10U, and was the #3 catcher in the early going (not all due to ability level). There were a few times where she wasn't doing her job very well, and got pulled by HC in the middle of an inning. Every single time, DD was upset, but also acknowledged that she needed to be doing better. Her response was to work harder at improving her skills, and minimize the things that she was struggling with. Not every kid responds the same way, however.
 
Aug 21, 2011
1,345
38
38°41'44"N 121°9'47.5"W
Why did the coach say that? There are two things a play can control; attitude and effort. It the ability isn't there, it's our job as coached to train them or make sure they are getting the proper training. I will take a great attitude and effort from a kid all day long. That usually means they're coachable. However, to beat down a 10U player like that....nuh uh. Doesn't fly with me.

With that being said, training catchers is something that is done in the off season. She should have been going to clinics all winter long to improve her skills.
 
Jun 21, 2015
201
0
I don't agree with this for 10u, especially a scrimmage. However my 14u catcher got pulled mid inning this weekend due to missing on two throw downs. Did I agree with it? Hell no. Thought it was a little early to yank her. Those runners didn't amount to any damage. Can I do anything about it? Nope. My daughter? Can't say I ever saw her that mad. Her response? Got to work on that throw down. Went on to cheer on her team mates. Actually I'm quite proud of her. She showed some maturity.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

WARRIORMIKE

Pro-Staff Everything
Oct 5, 2009
2,815
48
At the Jewel in San Diego
I see nothing wrong with it. DD needs to come up to that level. Take her home and practice with her. OR send her back to Rec ball and have her play up. Personally I'm not a big fan of travel ball at the early ages. I think travel ball should start at the 12U level. Reasons are because people in general need to develop fundamentals. I've never seen your dd play. So I do not know her skill level. Since you are already involved with travel then you just need to work on her. Dont rush it. Have fun and practice her on your own time. She will only get better.
 

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