BigSkyHi
All I know is I don't know
- Jan 13, 2020
- 1,385
- 113
2B in fastpitch. Possibly the most challenging position to play well in softball or baseball.and 2B is definitely a rotation IF position.
2B in fastpitch. Possibly the most challenging position to play well in softball or baseball.and 2B is definitely a rotation IF position.
I pretty much agree with all points presented. My older daughter was relegated to the outfield at second year 12u when we started travel. I worked hard with her away from practice and now she is a fairly solid middle infielder and primary starter for her travel team and school. Not every kid can get that help from their parents away from practice.
Some more info on the team, they are about 1/2 first year 12u and first travel team players. maybe 2-3 are second year 12u and about 3 are 10u eligible that we needed to fill roster spots to get off the ground. (2 teams folded and we had to start up this last Jan crazy story). We are very raw in the talent department. I don't want to pigeon hole players at this stage. I think with the feedback I'm seeing that it may be better to go with a primary position assigned by coaches and a secondary position of their choosing to work on. As heman1202 said, We can't teach them every position. We want them to hopefully develop drive to compete and work at home to earn the spot they want.
This is still a very young and inexperienced group. At that age, I would be focusing hard on developing their overall athletic ability. I'd work everyone through the IF and OF drills; you'll still be able to tell who will end up starting in what positions. You can then do some "situational" practicing before a tourney. Their individual positions or perceived talent level at 10U-12U has absolutely zero bearing on their ability or where they will be playing at the older age groups. Trying to focus them on a specific position this young is an absolute disservice to the kids. If thinking long term, a true "Utility" is much more appealing to college coaches than an "OF" only when it comes to recruiting.Some more info on the team, they are about 1/2 first year 12u and first travel team players. maybe 2-3 are second year 12u and about 3 are 10u eligible that we needed to fill roster spots to get off the ground. (2 teams folded and we had to start up this last Jan crazy story). We are very raw in the talent department. I don't want to pigeon hole players at this stage. I think with the feedback I'm seeing that it may be better to go with a primary position assigned by coaches and a secondary position of their choosing to work on. As heman1202 said, We can't teach them every position. We want them to hopefully develop drive to compete and work at home to earn the spot they want.
Everyplayer should be taught mechanical skills. Fly ball's and grounder work.
And give the chance to Enjoy taking reps to improve them.
As for learning other positions.
Its really learning angles and eventually learning our own timing with runners using said skills.
If players at practice
(even as a group)
are shifted from say
the left side of the field and then the right....
Angles and positioning will be learned while skill development continues.
Add
*Runners on adds to learning timing!!! Everyone needs this regardless of position!!!
Critical for the brain.
Lets then be honest
(maybe brutal here)
But players bodies & brains
(even without skills)
Already get noted right when a person steps on the field.
Its hard to not pigeon hole young players.
Still, realistically, there are some players who are pigeon holed kinda already when they step on the field. Hopefully in developmental early years, players will see things like
Yes your a very slow runner, outfield sucks for you, but the good thing is, you can be effective at 3rd if you can develop quick feet in short bursts. Can learn this by being given the opportunity to try both!