First game ever! Any advice?

My 9 year old's been pitching since Jan but finally, we are going to see what she can do in a game. We have our first ever 10U tournament this weekend. We have 3 pitchers, it's a 4 game guarantee. Our other 2 pitchers have 10U pitching experience, aren't much ahead of where mine is when it comes to the technical aspects of pitching, but obviously that experience difference is major. The coach plans to play her at 1st or possibly short at first, let her watch some before tossing her onto the (non)mound. My plan is to keep score and be quiet. Her dad's AC though so he can't be quiet. I'm nervous as hell. We're a brand new 10U team (with 7 of 11 who have played 10U before, all but 1 from playing up - we only have one 05 player) with an A organization, and will be facing some VERY tough teams. Coach isn't easing us in with B/C tourneys. We're going for it right out of the gate.

So tell me, experienced pitching parents. What's your best advice for me as a parent and for her as a player, going into this first ever tournament? We have a scrimmage tomorrow night and she'll get to pitch then so technically that'll be her first time in a game situation, but a scrimmage doesn't carry the same level of pressure as a tournament.

My advice is to not make a big deal about it. She is only 9 and it's just a game. Make sure you have all the stuff you need ready if you have to travel so you can show up on time and not stress her out about that. Don't worry about the other teams, just have her do what she can do. The kids put a lot of pressure on themselves so don't add to it. I've posted this before, but DD went to a Nike clinic a few years ago. The kids wrote down their biggest fear about playing. The number one fear was letting their parents and/or coaches down. Hopefully you have good coaches that can keep them positive as they start out, but as a parent you can always do it.

There is no crying in softball, that was more for your benefit I am sure your DD will be fine.

It is a long journey, she is going to have good games and bad games. Try not to get to wounded about the whole thing. The next game or tourney is right around the corner.

It is nice to get them out there the first time of the season to see how the practice paid off and to determine what should be worked on.

Aw, that makes me sad. I hope she doesn't feel like she has to worry about letting us down. All I've expressed so far is just excitement over our first 10U tournament. I'm trying very hard to minimize the pressure aspect, because I agree with you 100%. They do put so much pressure on themselves. She's one of those kids who always gives 100% so even if she screws up she could never let us down. I need to make sure she knows that. Our coach is phenomenal. I have no worries about him getting negative with the girls. We got to see him in action at a tournament before we decided to join his team.

This is our 2nd year of travel so I have the prep down pat. I do everything Friday. Cooler, tons of fruit in my cooler tray (since she will eat almost nothing but fruit at tournaments for whatever reason), car loaded up the night before. Pretty much all we have to do in the morning is throw the last minute things in the car and go. Which is good, first game at 9:30 am and it's more than an hour away. And my kids are homeschooled and used to sleeping til 10am. She is not a morning person.

BREATHE! The more at ease she is, the less tense she will be, particularly in her arm. Arm should be loose and whippy.
Granted, she and you will likely be VERY NERVOUS, so be prepared for anything.

I would seriously keep the mood "light" and see how she does in the scrimmage and read her "emotions" after that. You will hear other say over and over....its a journey and it really is. My DD was not one of the better pitchers at 10u and she struggled. But she really likes pitching and she has stuck with it. I have seen others that performed better than her at 10u and 12u either stop pitching or she has passed a lot of them in performance. Going back I would do things so much differently if I could. Keep it fun and remember your job is to help and support her all you can and I can tell from your post you already do that. Let us know how she did and put some pics in the action photo thread of her.

If you are nervous and have a hard time hiding it do something to keep you busy during the game...keep the book, take pics, to out the left field fence, work the concession stand, etc. i also recommend not commenting on every pitch she throws good or bad...just some general feedback after a batter or inning is good. Best of luck and have fun!

Yep, I decided to learn how to keep the book (not officially - I have no idea what I'm doing yet, haha) just to give me something to do while she's pitching so I don't go crazy. I've never been one to comment during games, I leave that to the coaches. Even as dugout mom last year i tried to just say hey, good job, or whatever. I've always liked the philosophy that you critique during practice; during games you take the pressure off and let them play. I'm not sure I can totally hide my nerves but I'm going to try as hard as I can!

Yes, hit the first batter. I only can get better from there.

nanotech14 said:

Yes, hit the first batter. I only can get better from there.

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Love it!! Too funny!

grcsftbll said:

Yep, I decided to learn how to keep the book (not officially - I have no idea what I'm doing yet, haha) just to give me something to do while she's pitching so I don't go crazy. I've never been one to comment during games, I leave that to the coaches. Even as dugout mom last year i tried to just say hey, good job, or whatever. I've always liked the philosophy that you critique during practice; during games you take the pressure off and let them play. I'm not sure I can totally hide my nerves but I'm going to try as hard as I can!

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I am just smiling and laughing as I read your post and others will too....those with older daughters are thinking, "been there, done that". Sounds like you have the right approach already!