My DD plays 12U is left handed and previously was catching. She now is working on pitching but was asked to catch again. She really enjoys both and first base /outfield.
14U.
My DD plays 12U is left handed and previously was catching. She now is working on pitching but was asked to catch again. She really enjoys both and first base /outfield.
You DD and mine seem like long lost twins. Both lefties and both pitch and catch/1B. But, my DD was the opposite in that she was primarily the main pitcher for her teams from 8u to 12u. She played catcher as well, but she didn't really stand out as a catcher until 2nd year 10u. Catching for her just seemed to be more "fun" and fits her temperament more than pitching did. She would get ticked off and let her emotions get to her if there was a bad call or things didn't go right on the mound. She just felt more "comfortable" at catcher.
So, when do they have to "choose"? I think the nature of the position usually eventually chooses the player or at least makes it clear which they are best suited for. If she enjoys doing both still...let it ride! Try to enjoy it...although we all know how stressful those positions are.
But, as others said and I agree. Working on being a top pitcher and top catcher at the same time is tough. The amount of work and reps the body has to do is a tall task to be great at both as they get older.
As a Dad/Coach..I'm A-OK with her choice to be catcher only. MUCH less stressful. I loved watching her pitch....but DAMN it stressed me and my wife out like no other!
Exactly! She enjoys developing as a pitcher but catching seems more fun. It’s more fun for the entire family considering the stress of pitching.
She plans to be a backup catcher for her team and continue to work on the pitching to see where it goes. Underlying I think she sense that being left handed limits her on the field and this pushes her towards the specific positions.
travel teams need 2+ catchers, the "backup " should expect to see at least 30% of the innings, they are not "if suzy gets hurt, sally can fill in", on tournaments with 5-7 games over the weekend, teams need to spread the innings out, especially in hot humid conditions.
Normally I would say she doesn't have to choose, she just has to put in more time. But P/C is the one combo that I just don't think works well. It's just too physically demanding during a tournament. By 14u she probably does need to make a call to focus on one or the other and develop another secondary position. If it were me, I'd work on pitching until it becomes apparent she isn't a pitcher. It will always be easier to go back and work on catching than it will to miss years of pitching.My DD plays 12U is left handed and previously was catching. She now is working on pitching but was asked to catch again. She really enjoys both and first base /outfield.