I help coach a 13U travel team (which we've had together since 10U). We had the luxury of a stud pitcher this year and even though we were young team we finally broke through after a few years of work to win a few14U tournaments.
We are losing that pitcher this fall (she's our only girl moving up to 16U-she was a luxury this year and helped us become better all-around) and it's looking likely we won't be able to find an equal replacement (not a lot of #1s around).
So here's my question: how do you keep a team from falling backwards when your pitching (likely) takes a step back? We have what I'd say are a number 2 and a 3 (more likely a 4). We'll certainly work to develop them, but neither have the natural ability the girl we are losing had.
Anyone had this experience? How do we compensate? We are really well-positioned to be a very good team this year, but a lack of a clear stud on the mound will no doubt hurt us.
TKS!
We are losing that pitcher this fall (she's our only girl moving up to 16U-she was a luxury this year and helped us become better all-around) and it's looking likely we won't be able to find an equal replacement (not a lot of #1s around).
So here's my question: how do you keep a team from falling backwards when your pitching (likely) takes a step back? We have what I'd say are a number 2 and a 3 (more likely a 4). We'll certainly work to develop them, but neither have the natural ability the girl we are losing had.
Anyone had this experience? How do we compensate? We are really well-positioned to be a very good team this year, but a lack of a clear stud on the mound will no doubt hurt us.
TKS!