I think the first thing I would consider is what she wanted to do. I've maintained with my daughter that these opportunities are about what she wants to do and I try to give her a lot of stake in the decision making process.
Having said that, rather it be softball or basketball, my goal is to have her playing with like competition, very challenging but not overwhelming -a good balance. Currently she is a fourth grader and just turned 10. She plays on a 5th grade AAU basketball team and fits in great. I really wouldn't want her playing down.
Softball get a little tricky and is a lot like a situation mentioned earlier. I am very happy and content with her playing 10u TB. Could she handle 11u or 12u, I think so but I don't feel there is a need for that. She likes the girls she plays with and they are very competitive. Little league is another story. If she has to stay down or is forced to stay down to play 9-10 minors, she will probably not play little league. Last year she was the only third grader on the 9-10 all stars (8 fifth graders 2 fourth graders) and was there starting shortstop, batted lead off and led everyone with a 640 average (6 games) and every offensive category, next closes was slightly under 500. The two fourth graders were a combine 0-14 with 13 strikeouts. With those being the next best two I do not thing she is going to enjoy this level of play as I feel she may be a little more advanced and will get much more out of playing up with many of the girls she played with on the all star team.
I think every situation is differnt and you need to see what her thoughts are and what's going to be best for her now and in the future and make a sound decision. Good luck to you!!
Having said that, rather it be softball or basketball, my goal is to have her playing with like competition, very challenging but not overwhelming -a good balance. Currently she is a fourth grader and just turned 10. She plays on a 5th grade AAU basketball team and fits in great. I really wouldn't want her playing down.
Softball get a little tricky and is a lot like a situation mentioned earlier. I am very happy and content with her playing 10u TB. Could she handle 11u or 12u, I think so but I don't feel there is a need for that. She likes the girls she plays with and they are very competitive. Little league is another story. If she has to stay down or is forced to stay down to play 9-10 minors, she will probably not play little league. Last year she was the only third grader on the 9-10 all stars (8 fifth graders 2 fourth graders) and was there starting shortstop, batted lead off and led everyone with a 640 average (6 games) and every offensive category, next closes was slightly under 500. The two fourth graders were a combine 0-14 with 13 strikeouts. With those being the next best two I do not thing she is going to enjoy this level of play as I feel she may be a little more advanced and will get much more out of playing up with many of the girls she played with on the all star team.
I think every situation is differnt and you need to see what her thoughts are and what's going to be best for her now and in the future and make a sound decision. Good luck to you!!