Just to share flipside perspective on the above posted suggestion...503 said:I would suggest a sit-down with the kid to flush out why she hates catching. During that meeting, I'd stress how important catchers are, how they are the natural leaders of the team, and how they are really the most important player on the field.
If that doesn't bring her around, I'd invite the parent into the conversation with a discussion of whether a secondary position is a good idea.
But I can tell you this. The older you get, the more brutal the position is. Our daughter just finished the second year of 16U travel ball, where she platooned at catcher. In school ball she caught probably 90% of the team's innings. So far she had suffered a stress fracture in her foot, rotator-cuff and biceps tendon tendinitis, a broken finger, and a dislocated thumb. Every one of these injuries required rehab. In addition, we live in the South, and catchers have to wear gear that makes them the hottest player on the field. Further, being a catcher is a pressure-cooker. People will grumble about her when she doesn't throw out runners, even when the throw is perfect. Infielders don't make errors, the catcher screws up. The same goes with balls that hit the backstop (most people don't understand the distinction between a passed ball and a wild pitch). Good catchers will ALWAYS blame themselves even when the mistake clearly isn't theirs.
So you've got to be cut out physically and mentally to be a good catcher. It isn't easy. In fact, typing this there's no wonder that Op's 12-year-old doesn't like it.
And some people just don't like being catchers.Just to share flipside perspective on the above posted suggestion...
Hmmm not certain about the approach to
"Flush out answers"
from someones else kid....
Uhhh that seems like the kids parents job!
Then to say these things
1. Catchers are the leader.
2. Catchers are most important.
Could be HEAVY WEIGHT to put on a player.
While i agree its nice when catchers also develop or naturally enjoy leadership role,
Pushing that button at a concerned moment may not be helpful, even possibly more deterent.
Then saying catcher is most important could stress thst if you play somewhere else, you wont BE as important.
Very true!And some people just don't like being catchers.
Catchers are at a premium especially when they get north of 14yo.In a few short years, being able to say “I can catch too” becomes a very valuable thing to almost any team she may wish to join.
Don‘t enable the player to make a decision at 12, at the hardest moment of time in a players season, that she may regret forever.
Let it ride. At least for a bit.