Skipping a level

[coolstuff]

DD would have been a first year 16U player this year, but got an offer from an 18U team and accepted. She played in a showcase tournament recently where she was lead-off batter in every game, and played either CF or RF every inning. I ran into a dad who I knew from a previous team we were with, and I respect his opinion. His DD is a second year 16U who could easily be playing 18U this year. But he said they opted to stay in 16U one more year because a college coach told him that college coaches spend more time looking at 16U teams rather than 18U teams in order to grab players early. Yet, I saw college coaches watching my DD's team at every game. So.... what's the consensus among heybucket.com readers? Will my DD not be seen by as many coaches in 18U as opposed to 16U?

[Hitmechanic]

They all know most of the top the 16's are playing up, so she should get more exposure on the 18U. I see a lot more coaches at 18U exposure tournaments than at 16U. But, of course it depends on how well the coaches, players and parents promote exposures.

[Canocorn]

Coolstuff - I agree with your friends advise. That is the advise we recieved from several coaches. I know things are different on the westcoast. While your daughter is getting noticed, (unless she is the next Melloh), they will simply take make a note about her and move on. Don't expect to much as a Freshman. Again, things are different here in the midwest, than that on the westcoast. Also, the competition is so much better at 16u than 18u in Indiana. So there is no need to move up to 18u really. Because when you go to the showcases you will play 18's also. We request to always play 18's in all our showcases, then play 16's in ASA. Best of both worlds. Everyone is in such a rush to move up. Why not get on a great 16u team and play the next 3 years with them, and move up as they move up. Just my opinion.

Example: there was over 300 college coaches at USA/ASA 16u nationals last year. I heard there was only 30 or so at the USA/ASA 18u nationals.

[TulsaEliteGold]

IMO, she should play at the highest level that she can compete at and do well and that she fits in maturity wise. College coaches would much rather see her succeeding against top 18U Gold teams then against 16U teams. Now there are some cases where she may be better off to stay down. i.e. if she wouldn't get as much playing time, etc.

Our Gold team currently has 2 College Freshman, 5 HS Seniors, 3 Juniors, 2 Sophomores and 1 14year old Freshman pitcher. Most the upperclassmen have already verballed and this Fall the Sophomores and Freshman have stirred a lot of interest and started being invited on unofficial visits; I don't think that would have happend as quickly if they were playing 16U, unless on the Top 16U team in the Region.

[Old Darter]

18u or 18Gold? If 18u, better off staying on a 16u team with a shot a Nationals. Most of those teams will play in 18u/18G showcases in the fall anyway. There are easily as many coaches at 16u Nats as 18 Gold, and way more than at 18u (same week as 16u Nats).

[coolstuff]

18u or 18Gold? If 18u, better off staying on a 16u team with a shot a Nationals. Most of those teams will play in 18u/18G showcases in the fall anyway. There are easily as many coaches at 16u Nats as 18 Gold, and way more than at 18u (same week as 16u Nats).

The team she is on is 18u, but after the showcase this past weekend, the coaches told the players they were playing against 18Gold teams. When I heard that I was surprised because they played so well against those teams.

Seems there is some divergence of opinion in playing up. I know these things to be true: the team DD is on is very well organized and the coaches are knowledgeable of the college recruiting process. They are also good teachers and I expect DD will learn a lot and improve her skills.

[whatever]

Coolstuff - how does your DD like playing up? Suprisingly, DD got grief from her peers/their parents about playing up and almost soured her on the whole deal. I believe made her feel a bit of an outcast as they wanted her on their teams. She's feeling better now that she is bonding w/her team.

Mine is 8th grader playing 18U. Fielding not an issue but struggling a bit with her stick. Hard though cuz hitting coach and TB coach teaching her more MLB swing of load/trigger instead of her just basically doing a quick pivot throw the hands out deal (sorry for the non-technical description). Anyway, it's a 16U playing up to 18U and she's a 14U. Hoping it was the right move for her but if not, it's only softball (she's straight-A student). I'm taking advice of others on this board and having her attend college skills camps of Universities we like in our area. She went to 1st one in February and returning to that one this weekend. If we attend twice a year, coach might remember her as she gets older. Attending other camps as well. It's fun too - learns a lot.

[Hitmechanic]

Fielding not an issue but struggling a bit with her stick. Hard though cuz hitting coach and TB coach teaching her more MLB swing of load/trigger instead of her just basically doing a quick pivot throw the hands out deal (sorry for the non-technical description).

Her hitting and TB coach are doing the right thing...at least as compared to "quick pivot throw the hands out deal". Her bat speed should even begin increasing. Then it's just a matter of timing...and a few hundred other things. Be patieant and remember it takes 800 to 1600 to change just one muscle memory.

[whatever]

It's hard cuz she never struggled hitting at the lower levels. I guess this is what will separate the "men from the boys" so to speak. Getting through this is frustrating her at the moment but w/strength and agility 2 nights a week, hitting lesson one night, team batting practice one day and fielding one day ( ) here's hoping she gets it come May! (Hope the price of gas keeps going down)

[Old Darter]

whatever.....it does payoff!

http://www.sacbee.com/214/story/1089053.html