panthadad2
fastpitch pops
- Jun 27, 2017
- 144
- 18
The stat "6.5% of HS players continue to play in the NCAA" is a meaningless trash stat when discussing travel/club ball players that play in college. DD is one of 3 players on the 13-player varsity roster that play year-round club ball.
Add in JV and lower level HS players that will never play varsity and the percentage is probably less than 10% of her HS team that plays club ball. Her HS is in a metro area and in the "big" school level in our state. I'm guessing most smaller schools outside the metro have no club/travel players on their roster.
The difference in skill set by the time they get to varsity HS age is striking. Players who aren't accustomed to seeing 60+ mph riseball and outside-edge curves, followed by a changeup, are completely lost. Footwork on simple stuff like pop flys, technique in turning a double play, outfield backing up first base; all basics that are spotty with girls who never played club ball.
By the way, all 3 of those club players have committed to play at 4-year schools. One other non-club player will be going to a local JC and maybe playing. No other upperclassmen girls will play in college nor were recruited.
I'll add to this discussion: the original poster is referring to 10U players (I think). At that level, by all means, stay at the rec ball level if those teams fit your needs. Let your kids have fun and stay with their friends. If softball ends up being a primary sport, then the time to start considering club/travel ball (higher competition, non-parent paid coaches, year-round access to training, etc.) should be by 14U.
Add in JV and lower level HS players that will never play varsity and the percentage is probably less than 10% of her HS team that plays club ball. Her HS is in a metro area and in the "big" school level in our state. I'm guessing most smaller schools outside the metro have no club/travel players on their roster.
The difference in skill set by the time they get to varsity HS age is striking. Players who aren't accustomed to seeing 60+ mph riseball and outside-edge curves, followed by a changeup, are completely lost. Footwork on simple stuff like pop flys, technique in turning a double play, outfield backing up first base; all basics that are spotty with girls who never played club ball.
By the way, all 3 of those club players have committed to play at 4-year schools. One other non-club player will be going to a local JC and maybe playing. No other upperclassmen girls will play in college nor were recruited.
I'll add to this discussion: the original poster is referring to 10U players (I think). At that level, by all means, stay at the rec ball level if those teams fit your needs. Let your kids have fun and stay with their friends. If softball ends up being a primary sport, then the time to start considering club/travel ball (higher competition, non-parent paid coaches, year-round access to training, etc.) should be by 14U.