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Dec 10, 2017
25
3
DD has been invited to try out for local 18u team. She is a first year 14u player now. She is close to 6 ft and looks the part but I am concerned it may be to early. Looking for feedback from others as to the pros and cons.


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May 18, 2009
1,314
38
My DD was asked to come guest pitch/play for an 18U team. First games were today. Went from USSSA play to PGF showcase. DD was 3/5 with OBP of 800. DD said it’s easier to hit a 60-65 mph pitch than having to wait for it. Truthfully I saw better play but not so much better that someone good in 14U will be bad at this level. DD was held to singles when she’s typically an extra base hitter. Will see what day 2 brings. Oh, DD was a nervous wreck and so was I! New team and age jump made us both very nervous.
 

JAD

Feb 20, 2012
8,231
38
Georgia
Even with the new rules in effect the majority of college recruiting will occur at the 16U level. I would NOT recommend jumping to an 18U team if your DD has any aspirations of playing ball in college.
 
Feb 21, 2017
198
28
You did not say your daughters graduation year and some of that will play into your decision. In our case DD2 had the opportunity to jump from 14U to 18U skipping her second 14U year. Having DD1 in 18U allowed us to see what she was being offered. My understanding is our region 16U is not as big as other regions.

Obviously it is your call but some of the things you may want to consider (that we discussed).

1) Socially the boy discussions can be more graphic (it is the best way I can put it).
2) Showcase is a different animal so if your DD has stuff to work out this is not the level. By 18U most of your skills are what they are so if you have something you want to work out this format isn’t great for it.
3) You should also expect the coaches to favor kids who are actively being recruited, as you would expect. College coaches will show up and often position these players so maybe in your daughter’s spot.
4) Less innings & ABs overall as I have found 18U players tend to get less at-bats and innings pitched over a season due to the format and play.

Naturally, YMMV but just our experience. We decided against the 18U because of DD graduation year, her age & new recruiting rules. We figured she could polish up.


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May 18, 2009
1,314
38
My DD played up as a guest. She will again in 2 weeks. She can play at this upper level but CanoCorn is right. Scouting is heavy at 14U/16U. There were 8-10 scouts at one of the games we played. I’m sure they were there for the opposing pitcher. DD wants to play PGF this following year but in her age bracket or 16U.
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
Even with the new rules in effect the majority of college recruiting will occur at the 16U level. I would NOT recommend jumping to an 18U team if your DD has any aspirations of playing ball in college.

I think this is very true if you rely on "getting exposure" with the hope of getting discovered or a TB coaches "connections". But if you are actually putting forth the effort and working the process it does not matter what age group you play or what team you are on. If you do your job and have skills you will get multiple offers. While many athletes seal the deal at a showcase, that success almost always starts at a camp. Most of the coaches watching the other players at your kids showcase games are there because the other player went to a camp. If your recruiting strategy is to play for an organization or age group because "that is where the scouts are" you are in for a long tough journey. The idea that your kid will do something spectacular, catch the eye of a coach and get "noticed" is pure folly unless they are bringing mid to high 60's heat from the circle.
 
Last edited:
Jun 11, 2012
741
63
16u is not big for recruiting in the North East. Most girls play 1 year of 14U and then move to 18U. Regardless of the age, if she wants to play in college she should be playing on a team that plays in showcase tournaments and where she will get plenty of playing time
 

Tom

Mar 13, 2014
222
0
Texas
My DD made the jump from 14U to 18U this year and so far it has been a good move for her. Skills wise she hasn't had to learn to do anything different, just to do it faster. Her mental processing of game has taken a big step forward in all aspects. Her discipline has too. At least on this team, parents are a non-factor. All communication and action items are directly with players so she has really taken her fastpitch activities and career into her own hands. They do national travel so having to get used to 16 players on a roster is new. As others have said, the showcase format also has been a change.
 
May 17, 2012
2,804
113
16u is the most competitive level in softball across the board (more so than 18u and college). It has the most players and the most talent of any level. Just my observation. YMMV.

At 18u there are so few players that teams do take 16u and 14u (basically if you are in or will be in High School).
 

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