Do you prefer to rotate subs or sit girls for an entire game

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Apr 26, 2015
704
43
DD plays on a 14U team with 13 players - which IMO is too many...but it is what it is. HC admittedly picked up 2 girls he knew he shouldn't have. They are not at the same level as the rest of the girls.

HC has always rotated players thru each game so no one sits for a full game. Sometimes a girl may only bat, sometimes a girl may only play the field, but everyone plays nearly every game (until bracket play which is only his top 9).

Last night he announced he is changing this up. He will now be sitting 4 girls each game for the entire game. Rotating thru who sits so no one sits 2 games in a row.

Thoughts?
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
Playing everyone every game is a lot of work, that is one of the reasons they get paid the big bucks.

I would prefer everyone plays every game but by going by game might mean some players will see the field more so I am open to it.

See how it works.
 
Sep 29, 2014
2,421
113
I have done 13 and it is hard you simply end up sitting girls that should be playing just so players that are not as good get a chance...if its REC that is 100% fine and expected, but by the time you hit 14U travel I think it would be better for merit to win out; those two girls can practice to get better then they can play half games in pool but that would be it...they need to get better or find a team that fits their level
 
May 17, 2012
2,804
113
It depends on a lot of things like how long the games are and what the score is. Having said that why would a coach want to limit himself to 9 players during a game? Why not use everyone (pinch runner, defensive sub, pinch hitter, etc.) in some capacity when possible?
 
Apr 26, 2015
704
43
Playing everyone every game is a lot of work, that is one of the reasons they get paid the big bucks.

I would prefer everyone plays every game but by going by game might mean some players will see the field more so I am open to it.

See how it works.

It will most definitely mean some girls see the field more than they have previously.

I have done 13 and it is hard you simply end up sitting girls that should be playing just so players that are not as good get a chance...if its REC that is 100% fine and expected, but by the time you hit 14U travel I think it would be better for merit to win out; those two girls can practice to get better then they can play half games in pool but that would be it...they need to get better or find a team that fits their level

It is 14U travel. Up until now the 2 girls in question have played a few innings in pool play and maybe come is as runners during bracket.

It depends on a lot of things like how long the games are and what the score is. Having said that why would a coach want to limit himself to 9 players during a game? Why not use everyone (pinch runner, defensive sub, pinch hitter, etc.) in some capacity when possible?

Until now that is how it has been. HC says he thinks his new way will foster more chemistry on the team. I'm worried the girls who are benched all game will be bored and check out.

Admittedly I don't love this new set up. DD has always been in his top 9 and only sits an inning or 2 here or there. It may work out great - only time will tell.
 

TMD

Feb 18, 2016
433
43
Lot depends on the specifics. Is it rec or travel? Do you have free substitutions with unlimited reentries or is it strict association rules (ASA, USSSA, etc.)? Pool play vs elimination bracket?

Rec ball with free substitutions, I'd expect the goal should be to get everyone playing time. If it's a playoff or championship game, the bench can certainly get shorter. Travel ball pool play, should still try to get everyone in. Bracket play, substitutions become strategic so playing time for the bottom end of the lineup is not guaranteed.
 
Jun 12, 2015
3,848
83
From a parents' perspective I have noticed that they get more upset when their kid sits an entire game as opposed to part of several games, even if the playing time comes out to be pretty much the same. If that matters.
 

JAD

Feb 20, 2012
8,231
38
Georgia
Sitting an entire game can be monotonous, especially at the younger age groups. Unless you are playing in qualifiers I would recommend rotating players on a regular basis and batting everyone. There are way too many TB coaches that taking winning and losing WAY to seriously...
 
May 17, 2012
2,804
113
A good rule of thumb is that if you can bat everyone than you should do it. Showcases and pool play are good examples where you can normally bat everyone.

You indicated that a few of those players aren't up to the level of the other players on the team. I am assuming the coach added those players as he needed to fill out the team. You need to play those players or release them. You can't have it both ways.
 

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