15yo Maddie

[corlay]

as DD's get to that 15yr-16yr age,
it is so important for them to start to "own it".
meaning, a transition needs to occur where DD "manages" her own development and play,
and DoD/DoM take a step back.

There is so much pressure out there to work at this sport year-round,
but in reality, most DD's will suffer some sort of burnout at some point, if you follow that path.

my DD was just about in the same mindset at that same age,
mostly due to some physical/psychological issues that emerged with pitching.
After one summer of struggle, and giving her best to work through it,
her love of the game was waning quickly....
so I suggested: "give up the pitching and concentrate on being a position player."
And that's what she did.
Her love of the game immediately restored.

I also backed-off quite a bit at that time with regard to "managing" her work-outs, skills development, etc.

Aside from that, we have always taken a good, long break after Fall travel season.
DD plays varsity volleyball in the Fall, and we generally don't pick up softball activities
between end of fall travel (late-October) until early-December.
That break is always a welcomed "refresh".

Side Note: regarding "owning it", DD and I were trying to schedule when we could workout hitting at the cages this past week. Between studying for upcoming tests, and her and my work schedules, we weren't finding the available time. And then she suggested: " I'll just go after school and workout on my own". I never even considered that to be a possibility! She drives, and just bought her own car. She has specific "homework" and drills to work on from her hitting instructor. And is a smart young woman who can absolutely work out on her own without DoD there to badger her. lol

 

[Eric F]

Maddie has HS team practice this afternoon (a previously-scheduled practice was cancelled). This will be her first work with a team in over 6 weeks, and she seems excited. Her team voted to continue practices during the upcoming break, and they have a tournament planned for MLK weekend in mid-January.

 

[erniekru]

Maddie has HS team practice this afternoon (a previously-scheduled practice was cancelled). This will be her first work with a team in over 6 weeks, and she seems excited. Her team voted to continue practices during the upcoming break, and they have a tournament planned for MLK weekend in mid-January.

@Eric F somehow I missed the updates to this thread unitl just now. Thank you for sharing, if nothing else it reminds us all to keep things in perspective. I've also thought long and hard about the rigors of softball and the wear and tear on our DD's. Good luck, keep working on that swing and emphasize the fun and no pressure of the game that she obviously likes.

Last thing, with or without softball in your DD's life, I feel confident that Maddie is going to turn out to be a great adult, and that is truly what we're all here for as Dads and Moms. Thanks for all of the help over the years - Ernie

 

[Rolling Hard]

Here in So Cal it is hard to get a break. If you play in PGF thats early August then you are suppose to break until Labor Day tourney. Not much of a break. Of course teams are getting ready for Labor Day tourney, right? OH, and don't forget tryouts in August. Of course you have to get ready for tryouts. Can't just go out for a team when haven't thrown or hit for a couple of weeks.

 

[Eric F]

Here in So Cal it is hard to get a break. If you play in PGF thats early August then you are suppose to break until Labor Day tourney. Not much of a break. Of course teams are getting ready for Labor Day tourney, right? OH, and don't forget tryouts in August. Of course you have to get ready for tryouts. Can't just go out for a team when haven't thrown or hit for a couple of weeks.

Exactly. Maddie's 14U team folded after PGF (we knew this was happening), and was at tryouts for a new team the next weekend.

 

[Crystal Brown]

It has been a pleasure following Maddie’s journey. I remember when D had to take a break from travel ball. She lost her passion and needed a break. She played rec ball and enjoyed playing without worrying about the competitive part of travel ball. Best of luck to you guys.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Eric F]

Tennis ball front toss with @Mike-Coach-Q...


We are seeing a changing trend in Maddie's barrel path, and resulting in her power zone shifting from predominantly LF to much more CF-RCF. Although it's hard to see from this camera angle, we are seeing some changes in how she's using her rear leg, too. She loves the way her swing feels, and the results it's producing in practice. First pre-season HS games are mid-January.

 

[Work=wins]

G

Tennis ball front toss with @Mike-Coach-Q...


We are seeing a changing trend in Maddie's barrel path, and resulting in her power zone shifting from predominantly LF to much more CF-RCF. Although it's hard to see from this camera angle, we are seeing some changes in how she's using her rear leg, too. She loves the way her swing feels, and the results it's producing in practice. First pre-season HS games are mid-January.

Just an observation. Maybe different during live ABs. The front leg never straightens. Maybe by design, not sure. But that is an indicator that the front leg doesn't receive much energy and the shift isn’t fully present. Leads to compensations to get the barrel to the ball. Excessive turning, yanking and drag can happen because of an inefficient weight transfer.

 

[Eric F]

Just an observation. Maybe different during live ABs. The front leg never straightens. Maybe by design, not sure. But that is an indicator that the front leg doesn't receive much energy and the shift isn’t fully present. Leads to compensations to get the barrel to the ball. Excessive turning, yanking and drag can happen because of an inefficient weight transfer.

I don't agree with your conclusion. A leg doesn't have to be locked out completely straight to be rigidly accepting a weight shift. That said, I would agree that If the leg is flexing and absorbing energy, instead of transferring that energy to the swing by providing firm structure, it can be a problem.

 

[Rolling Hard]

Her front hip is going backwards so little bend in knee is ok. Damn is she powerful. Love her tempo.