Request for Advice

JLF said:

Since they can't get through the whole lineup twice a game, I guessed they are a poor hitting team in general (and perhaps struggle to get off the field on defense). In that case, I think it would be wise to try to manufacture runs at the the top of the order to build momentum, gain confidence and put pressure on the other team/pitcher.

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Actually, DDs team is a pretty good hitting team...with a few exceptions. During a bracket game with a short lineup, it's not hard at all to get through twice. It's the shorter-timed pool games with a fat lineup that's the problem. Most of the tournaments we play have 3-5 pool games.

The number-cruncher in me says that if you get higher average / higher OBP people more at-bats than the poorer performers, your team performance in those areas will be better, and that usually correlates to more runs. The art is distributing the power to make the best use of those baserunners.

However, I also understand the "good batter at the bottom" lineup philosophy, and it can be productive when you have hitters in the 1-2 hole that can hit the ball hard. Although I might not do it that way, it's a viable strategy, and not really the problem. It's batting behind a handful of players in pool games who don't perform, and although we might win the game, we don't get to that #12 spot twice.

TexAg1998 said:

If your DD expresses an interest in learning about the coach’s intent when he builds the lineup, it may open up a dialogue that gets her moved up. Or she may stay right where she is and be okay with it because she would understand why she is where she is. Or she might get mad enough to work extra. You never know until she talks to her coach. The most important thing is that she doesn’t come off as a complainer but makes it clear that she wants to learn why so she can better fill the role he intends for her.

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Agree. There's often a fine line between an honest question and an idle complaint.

She might get mad at the wrong answer, but there isn't much room for more extra work...we do it...at least as much as anyone and definitely more than those clogging up the batting order. While there are things that get out of whack every so often, her swing and ability to make contact usually isn't a problem; she's only struck out once in the last two months. When she has the right mindset and approach at the plate, she's a very tough out.

As mentioned before, it sounds like it's time to have a conversation with the coach. We can offer guesses on reasons why the coach might be making the decision on batting order, but that's about it.

How many years/seasons has she been on the team? If she is new to the team I would not talk to coach about it. Just keep working hard and like Eric said she needs to be twice as good as the batters she is hitting behind.

If the coach has told parents he wants to talk about any and all concerns you have then go ahead and talk to him/her. Some coaches dont like to be questioned, others will have no problem explaining the situation as they see it.

Have DD stay focused on improving and dont sweat the small stuff. Lots of teams need above average hitters.