My daughter is the starting pitcher for her new 12u team. Her secondary position has always been 1B because her old coach said lefties don’t play SS....so starting in 8u she got pigeon holed into that spot. When she attended camps and clinics she would always play SS and do very well because she’s very athletic and has good softball IQ. She doesn’t make a lot of errors. On her previous team, they played just about everyone at SS but her, and most made a lot of errors
The few innings she got, she did very well.
On new team, coach told her she would get a lot of time playing SS when she’s not pitching, and she is, along with an inning of 1B here and there. She’s doing great! Played 6 or 7 games and so far no errors, made her plays, aggressive at the spot and has a technique to make her throws quickly to get outs. It’s all good.
My question is..
Is the coach being realistic developing her there? He really wanted her on the team for pitching, and I think he’s letting her play there because she’s doing fine, but is this realistic long term? Should she be learning outfield? She is sooo excited when she makes good plays at SS, and I want her to have fun, but if/when she leaves this team, aside from pitching will any other coaches play her there? What about HS? Or even college? Is this an outdated rule, athleticism and SB IQ can overcome over long established rules?