I'd really like to get other's opinions on this topic. My daughter is now 12 and has been pitching since she was 7. She started playing select ball at age 8 on a 10U team. She was their ace. People knew who she was. Kids who played against her in Little League were in awe. I'm not bragging - I have nothing to do with her talent. And I quit catching for her long ago, so I can't even take credit for helping her improve!
That year when she was 8, she had such an outstanding year that she didn't want to turn 9 - now what kid doesn't want to get older?!
She has a natural talent. Yes, she's worked hard, but not as hard as some who aren't as good. And not as hard as most have had to.
Here's my dilemma. She's just not really interested in pitching. She doesn't like to practice, and she just hasn't worked hard at all this year. She is playing 14U ball so she has to practice to keep up with the older kids. She has never been a speed pitcher; she's just always been able to hit her spots. But she does have to have some speed, and she does need to practice. Her dad, also her coach, has to nag her to get her to pitching practice and he's tired of having to force her.
I'm so disappointed. She is so good. She just doesn't realize what she's got. On a side note, she plays the flute - her school band instructor wants her to get private lessons because she is so good and learns so quickly. She's not interested in that, either. That has also come natural to her. She'd just as soon stop playing the flute, but hasn't because she doesn't want to let her teacher down. He's excellent, and has been her instructor since she started in 5th grade - she's now in 7th.
She has to continue pitching this season as her select team purposely only carried 3 pitchers this year because we are lucky to have 3 very good ones. She is playing Little League for the sole purpose of trying to play in the World Series and her Little League team needs her. We have one other excellent pitcher and one other good pitcher.
The time it takes her to practice each week is minimal, but it's like pulling teeth. I asked if she still likes pitching in the games, and she does - just not the practice part. I guess it's hard for a kid who's had things come easy to them to realize what they have. She's also a straight A student.
What are your thoughts? We can't force her to do something she doesn't enjoy. But a little work never hurt anyone. She's also an excellent slapper and excellent at defense, so she doesn't want to give up the game altogether, just the part that takes extra work!
Sorry this is so long. I'd just really like to hear other's thoughts.
That year when she was 8, she had such an outstanding year that she didn't want to turn 9 - now what kid doesn't want to get older?!
She has a natural talent. Yes, she's worked hard, but not as hard as some who aren't as good. And not as hard as most have had to.
Here's my dilemma. She's just not really interested in pitching. She doesn't like to practice, and she just hasn't worked hard at all this year. She is playing 14U ball so she has to practice to keep up with the older kids. She has never been a speed pitcher; she's just always been able to hit her spots. But she does have to have some speed, and she does need to practice. Her dad, also her coach, has to nag her to get her to pitching practice and he's tired of having to force her.
I'm so disappointed. She is so good. She just doesn't realize what she's got. On a side note, she plays the flute - her school band instructor wants her to get private lessons because she is so good and learns so quickly. She's not interested in that, either. That has also come natural to her. She'd just as soon stop playing the flute, but hasn't because she doesn't want to let her teacher down. He's excellent, and has been her instructor since she started in 5th grade - she's now in 7th.
She has to continue pitching this season as her select team purposely only carried 3 pitchers this year because we are lucky to have 3 very good ones. She is playing Little League for the sole purpose of trying to play in the World Series and her Little League team needs her. We have one other excellent pitcher and one other good pitcher.
The time it takes her to practice each week is minimal, but it's like pulling teeth. I asked if she still likes pitching in the games, and she does - just not the practice part. I guess it's hard for a kid who's had things come easy to them to realize what they have. She's also a straight A student.
What are your thoughts? We can't force her to do something she doesn't enjoy. But a little work never hurt anyone. She's also an excellent slapper and excellent at defense, so she doesn't want to give up the game altogether, just the part that takes extra work!
Sorry this is so long. I'd just really like to hear other's thoughts.