Questions on Starting a New 12u TB Team

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May 31, 2018
227
43
Allen TX
So after my previous post, I am convinced to bite the bullet and play in 12u with a 2007 team this season. We will definitely take our lumps, but we will focus on improvement and gaining experience.

Since we are just starting and still need players, what are the next steps to build the team. I have a decent idea on what to do, but I want to make sure that I am going the right direction, and since this forum is filled with people who have done it before, I value your opinions.

We are in an area that has a lot of TB teams, but none are based in our city. We have access to facilities (indoor/outdoor), and we have a great rec system, but no competitive teams in our age group. We were thinking of trying to find players from the rec league since we certainly know a lot of them are good enough to play with us. Is it a bad idea to try to keep it local before we expand our search for players?

Any help and advice is appreciated.
 
May 31, 2018
227
43
Allen TX
Pitchers and catchers go a long way. Then find athletes and teach them softball.

Luckily my DD is a Pitcher, and I think we have one more, but we will definitely need a good catcher. We guested on a team this weekend, and my DD pitched really well, but the catchers (they had 3) were not very good. My DD had innings with 5 strikeouts, and the other teams could steal any base (including home) at will. It was frustrating. I moved Catcher up to my most important position after witnessing this.
 
May 1, 2018
659
63
There is several FB groups that you can post tryouts on DFW Fastpitch Movement prob is the best one.
 
May 31, 2018
227
43
Allen TX
There is several FB groups that you can post tryouts on DFW Fastpitch Movement prob is the best one.

I do belong to a few of those local groups. I'm curious if it would be a bad idea to send an email to the HC's of the rec teams in our league and ask if any their kids want to tryout for a TB team. Again there is definitely talent, but I don't know if that is a good idea. We are forming a team because we have girls on our rec team that are ready for the next step, other teams might be in the same boat. They will still play rec with their friends (for 1 more season).
 
May 1, 2018
659
63
I do belong to a few of those local groups. I'm curious if it would be a bad idea to send an email to the HC's of the rec teams in our league and ask if any their kids want to tryout for a TB team. Again there is definitely talent, but I don't know if that is a good idea. We are forming a team because we have girls on our rec team that are ready for the next step, other teams might be in the same boat. They will still play rec with their friends (for 1 more season).

Well if you think those girls are good enough to play. I would be looking for P, C, 1st as a priority at that age group. Then athletes who can hit.
 
Jun 8, 2016
16,118
113
Well if you think those girls are good enough to play. I would be looking for P, C, 1st as a priority at that age group. Then athletes who can hit.

P and C I agree with. Not sure about 1st though...
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
Luckily my DD is a Pitcher, and I think we have one more, but we will definitely need a good catcher. We guested on a team this weekend, and my DD pitched really well, but the catchers (they had 3) were not very good. My DD had innings with 5 strikeouts, and the other teams could steal any base (including home) at will. It was frustrating. I moved Catcher up to my most important position after witnessing this.

This is a TB team, correct? If so, you will need at least 2 decent pitchers, plus at least one more (minimum) than can give you an inning or two.

You will need two solid catchers, plus at least one more who can fill in when (not if) you have an injury or illness issue. Our team (14U) has 3 good catchers. We also have 2 other players with catching experience that can get behind the plate if things get desperate. 6 weeks ago, my DD got taken out in the first inning of the first game in a tournament with a knee injury. Our #2 catcher was still recovering from an illness that had her on the bench for an extended time. That weekend, our #3 catcher caught all 7 games we played. This stuff happens. Be prepared.

Players who can play multiple positions effectively are gold. With the exception of the specialty positions of P and C, recruit the best athletes you can find, and teach them to play multiple positions. Especially at the age you're talking about, plan to build all-around ballplayers, not specialists...and don't guarantee any parents that their kid will be the starting _____! All spots should be earned with performance, and for what is best for the overall team.
 
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