And it's stupid tryout season time again...

[tim_s]

all right, let me flip the script

we return all 10 eligible players from last years roster (14u moving up to 16u).....we were very good last year (35-1 or so, state USA title)

i have had 5 of my 10 girls since early 10u.....one girl this is season 4, 3 it is season 3 and the last one returns after being with us on 'injured reserve' last year (basketball injury incurred during last season)

our girls all play multiple varsity sports at the HS level; we aren't a year round softball team at this stage of our careers....we'll play 5 tournaments this summer, a few work outs towards the end of Feb, to get them in shape for HS....then off until june

a really, really good group of girls and parents - it's why we stay together and why we do so well

we'd really like to add one more.....10 is good, but for a variety of factors we'd like 11......how SHOULD we advertise an open roster spot without using 'code words' and being honest and upfront with potential players?

 

[Orange Socks]

all right, let me flip the script

we return all 10 eligible players from last years roster (14u moving up to 16u).....we were very good last year (35-1 or so, state USA title)

i have had 5 of my 10 girls since early 10u.....one girl this is season 4, 3 it is season 3 and the last one returns after being with us on 'injured reserve' last year (basketball injury incurred during last season)

our girls all play multiple varsity sports at the HS level; we aren't a year round softball team at this stage of our careers....we'll play 5 tournaments this summer, a few work outs towards the end of Feb, to get them in shape for HS....then off until june

a really, really good group of girls and parents - it's why we stay together and why we do so well

we'd really like to add one more.....10 is good, but for a variety of factors we'd like 11......how SHOULD we advertise an open roster spot without using 'code words' and being honest and upfront with potential players?

I'd be looking for at least 3 more players at 16U! You are one or two injuries away from your team falling apart. Also, time to move up in classification. With a 35-1 record, sounds like your team did not get challenged enough. Playing the Hittin' Kittens every weekend won't get you where you want to be.

If you are THAT good, I would imagine you would have parents calling you to get on the team.

 

[tim_s]

I'd be looking for at least 3 more players at 16U! You are one or two injuries away from your team falling apart. Also, time to move up in classification. With a 35-1 record, sounds like your team did not get challenged enough. Playing the Hittin' Kittens every weekend won't get you where you want to be.

If you are THAT good, I would imagine you would have parents calling you to get on the team.

not necessarily - central maine, worlds different than texas lol......not a lot of players to choose from - we travel as much as we can based on what our parents and players want......4 wins last year came in tie breaks, it is what it is.....we have a team of girls that play multiple varsity sports and the demands put on them by HS coaches over the summer (basketball and soccer/field hockey each 2 nights a week june & july) - back in the day we'd play 8 tournaments a summer, we'd be out of state for 4 of them - we play the schedule we're able to play, and to be honest there were only a handful of wins last year that were against truly inferior comp, and that happens sometimes either in pool play or first game sunday AM.......4 of our 7 tournaments were out of state last year, one of the 3 in state was states, and the other two opened the season

we'll play 18u in our local tournaments (2 of them) to make sure we see comp......we'll play states at 16, fields at both of our out of state tournaments is solid at 16u for both

11 for what we are looking at is just fine.......we'd take 12, too......but finding players where we are that aren't committed at this point isn't easy.......and we've already turned a few away that wouldn't have had much of a shot to play - we don't want a check just for roster security

but sure, thanks for the unsolicited commentary........


back to the question posted - how do i advertise looking for 1-2 players without using the coded buzz words lol

 

[marriard]

we'd really like to add one more.....10 is good, but for a variety of factors we'd like 11......how SHOULD we advertise an open roster spot without using 'code words' and being honest and upfront with potential players?

The only thing I would do is post on the local tryout board/facebook page etc that you are looking to add a couple of players to your team and your contact details for anyone interested. That should be enough if you have a good reputation locally and it lets people know you are looking. You don't have to say how you are or who you need. You can add in all the requirements for being on our team you included here because it sounds like you are not looking for a 100% travel all-the-time player - but you don't need to post your record or anything like that. People know.

Frankly, I wouldn't go the tryout route. You know the local teams and players. Go recruit a couple of them individually that you feel might be a good addition. That is how we add players to our team - we don't need tryouts.

Check with your players as well. They probably know a few good ex-softball players they play with or against in their other sports who might be open for that sort of schedule.

 

[tim_s]

The only thing I would do is post on the local tryout board/facebook page etc that you are looking to add a couple of players to your team and your contact details for anyone interested. That should be enough if you have a good reputation locally and it lets people know you are looking. You don't have to say how you are or who you need. You can add in all the requirements for being on our team you included here - but you don't need to post your record or anything like that. People know.

Frankly, I wouldn't go the tryout route. You know the local teams and players. Go recruit a couple of them individually that you feel might be a good addition. That is how we add players to our team - we don't need tryouts.

yeah everyone knows us around here......the tough part is they all know we return 10 players and they know what we've got.......so either we get a couple of long shot hopefuls (we had three at tryouts that i actually pushed towards other teams they tried out for jut so they would get play time.....or we get crickets........we really need a specialist or someone that will push for a starting job)...and our reputation is solid

i think we scare potential players away just because we've been together so long

not looking for a tryout actually, just looking to advertise that we're looking, and we would set up a private tryout after talking with potential families to see if it is a fit

 

[JOHNN]

yeah everyone knows us around here......the tough part is they all know we return 10 players and they know what we've got.......so either we get a couple of long shot hopefuls (we had three at tryouts that i actually pushed towards other teams they tried out for jut so they would get play time.....or we get crickets........we really need a specialist or someone that will push for a starting job)...and our reputation is solid

i think we scare potential players away just because we've been together so long

not looking for a tryout actually, just looking to advertise that we're looking, and we would set up a private tryout after talking with potential families to see if it is a fit

i think at that age the girls on your team could be your best recruiters. They know who the most talented girls are bc they typically play against them in high school ball. They are more than likely friends with them on FB so Id have them make suggestions to you and if you approve, then have the girls reach out first to test the waters. If they seem open then reach out to them directly.
i would also make posts on the local/regional/state FB pages that you are looking for one more player. It seems you are already honest with those that come out so just keep that up and youll eventually find the right player.

 

[tim_s]

i think at that age the girls on your team could be your best recruiters. They know who the most talented girls are bc they typically play against them in high school ball. They are more than likely friends with them on FB so Id have them make suggestions to you and if you approve, then have the girls reach out first to test the waters. If they seem open then reach out to them directly.
i would also make posts on the local/regional/state FB pages that you are looking for one more player. It seems you are already honest with those that come out so just keep that up and youll eventually find the right player.

more or less what we've done this year so far and last......we ended up picking up two last year (still in 14u), one proved a solid fit as our #3, and the other was a utility that learned a lot.......this year is hasn't panned out so far, we have a feeler that may pan out as a team may fold - i've posted already in the fall , and just wanted to make sure i wasn't missing something

honesty is the only way......we've got a good thing kid & parent-wise going, can't spoil it

 

[radness]

all right, let me flip the script

we return all 10 eligible players from last years roster (14u moving up to 16u).....we were very good last year (35-1 or so, state USA title)

i have had 5 of my 10 girls since early 10u.....one girl this is season 4, 3 it is season 3 and the last one returns after being with us on 'injured reserve' last year (basketball injury incurred during last season)

our girls all play multiple varsity sports at the HS level; we aren't a year round softball team at this stage of our careers....we'll play 5 tournaments this summer, a few work outs towards the end of Feb, to get them in shape for HS....then off until june

a really, really good group of girls and parents - it's why we stay together and why we do so well

we'd really like to add one more.....10 is good, but for a variety of factors we'd like 11......how SHOULD we advertise an open roster spot without using 'code words' and being honest and upfront with potential players?

* Post is good reminder when reading and posting their personal opinions and feedback....is general to their local experiences
( usually)
Where a team is state/city should remind people that feedback and opinions not always fit anothers location.
Ie: What some encounter is different than in another location.

Small towns or big cities
Or the states/area's with many more teams.

Just sharing, as i read through some discussions throughout discuss fastpitch...some stuff just wouldnt be the case ( here in california) with the OVER abundance of teams.
Many many coaching levels per age bracket.
Creates a lot more sifting thru it all.
Vs.
Few options.
Where the so called buzz words really dont matter.

Btw...people still show up to tryouts regardless of c.o.d.e.

 

[So Cal Seth]

more or less what we've done this year so far and last......we ended up picking up two last year (still in 14u), one proved a solid fit as our #3, and the other was a utility that learned a lot.......this year is hasn't panned out so far, we have a feeler that may pan out as a team may fold - i've posted already in the fall , and just wanted to make sure i wasn't missing something

honesty is the only way......we've got a good thing kid & parent-wise going, can't spoil it

Do all of your players play high school ball? If so, can they recruit from their HS teams?

 

[djcarter1966]

I would still post the opening no telling if somebody might be moving to the area or leaving some other team for whatever reason.

Do you actually have a need? Utility player, OF, infielder, pool pitchers? or just scared 10 is a couple injuries away from not going to a tournament. Do you have a couple pick up players in mind for emergencies?

I wouldn't do the cattle call thing just like you said advertise "team with a solid core just looking to add one or two players call to discuss options and set up a private tryout." Then like you said do your homework... and in the unsolicited advice column I'd put in anther plug to not feel bad about carrying 12.