Yes, you are jumping the gun a bit as they have not begun being interested in boys etc. I encourage you to be transparent
before and after every season ask them if they still have the love of the game. Once they play at 16U and higher, it becomes a bit more like a 'job' as the majority of girls...
I have enjoyed this forum for the past several years sharing the ups and downs of FP softball. Now that my DD has completed her last year of
NCAA eligibility and has moved on to the next chapter of her future, I find myself rarely visiting the DFP forum. Best of luck to all, especially those who...
Ken Krause has the most complete and sensible answer. We use the jugs machine primarily for bunting drills.
It is a great tool for outfield practice as well, keeping all adjustments loose so you can have fluid change in
trajectory. I agree that hitting is best learned on a Tee, especially as...
Before jumping into amount of athletic scholarship, plug into the 'net price calculator' found on the admissions/Financial
aid page of most colleges. This takes only a few minutes based on your family income, etc. It is a useful tool in narrowing
school selections before athletics kicks in. It...
I suggest not sitting in the bleachers with the other families especially at 12U. They will down-talk
different players regularly (especially after a bad play). They will certainly also talk about your DD
when you're not present as well. Avoid the drama, bring a chair and sit away from the...
When my DD was 15 or 16, she bowled on a Saturday night and pitched Sunday Morning-
plunked 7 batters and still won the game 5-2. Coincidence? I think not we had some laughs
afterwards though
My $.02, unfortunately, questionable umpiring is part of the game.
No appeal on judgement calls, also, (I don't know the history), umpires have
good memories when it involves past encounters. I am of the school, where
I only ask for appeal where it is a critical part of the game and the score...
For the student, athlete, school choice should be based on academic offerings and the quality of education at the chosen school.
That being said, as a parent, we want the most competitive games ever. There are good and bad teams at every level.
Pick and choose-be blessed that you are afforded...
Marriard has posted the most relevant info.
I happened to be at the D3 National Championship in OKC over Memorial day. The quality of
the final 8 teams was excellent. These teams definitely were not short on talent and pitching.
The broader question of all programs is how well does the...
Every family dynamic is different. My softball player never had time to work as travel ball eats up lots of summer weeks.
While she was in HS (and now in college) we told her that doing well in school was her 'job' and #1 priority. She has reaped the benefits of
attending one of the top schools...
OP- you are on a good path as it is much easier for teams to showcase players on the higher end of the academic scale.
Mont schools look at standardized scores and GPA before deciding if they are going to watch DD play. Best of luck!
What seems like a big deal now, you will look back at and laugh. Once you get beyond 14U,
the 'pretenders' are gone and the girls are there for the game. Parents provide far less drama at the
older ages as well. The peak of drama for me was 12U-14U. I give thanks daily that I spent only
one...
No matter which path you choose, softball is a lifestyle. For me, we played primarily
locally on TB until 16U. I found that 10-14U is still a bit of a social sport. 16U is when
girls are serious about pursuing the game beyond High School. I am happy with the choices we made
and DD is now...
Last the college level location is key as most players can hit a fastball in the 60s.
As the pitchers progress, work on location.
As far as the OP- yes, there were plateaus and breakthroughs but this is sound advice: