High School vs Travel Ball - my kids aint thinkin

Wow! If I was the HS coach and any player gave me their TB schedule I'd just hand it back to them and say you now have all the time you need for TB as you are no longer on the team. You gotta be kiddin!

 

The HS program will always be "It is what it is" until one gets a coach that will commit to a program. With that commitment is a standard that demands an equal commitment from its players. It may take awhile to turn the program around, but it will turn around. Anybody can coach, but it takes a commitment to build a program.

I'm not trying to be disrespectful to anybody, but I would never ask a player to choose....lord, that's inviting the players to make the rules and run the team. If you want to play for me? C'mon, I will lead you. If you're not sure if you want to play for me? Run...as fast as you can because I don't want you. Give me 9 players that will commit to me that they are willing to work hard, learn the game and give me all they have then........I already have you beat! Maybe not the score (this time), but by character. And later on they will learn how to beat you by the score.

 

Braves,

As always you have my respect! I do hope things change at our school, not for my DD, but for the community the players and the program as a whole. It needs to start in Rec leagues and middle school, then continue to the high school. We are working on some summer camps this year and some other things. If she went to CC, Butler, Hopewell, AC, or other quality programs her commitment would be much different. Having said that, she did talk with the coach before tryouts and asked if TB would be a problem, the answer was NO, "you will get more out of playing there than watching me teach here. We do have four TB players(underclassmen) in key spots on the field. The new coach even wants to come out and watch some of our games/ tournaments. We have her support and do not feel bad about missing "parents day". I feel it will be rescheduled due to conflicts with other parents and players. This will be the third time it has moved.

 

If the HS program is mediocre and half hearted, than perhaps a practice schedule with a decent TB program should be worked out along with the HS schedule.

BUT, if the HS program is first class, then the practice routine will be very well planned and intense, leaving no reason for the athlete to do both. In this situation the HS coach should prohibit participation in TB during the HS season, even on weekends. Once the coach establishes this rule, he/she must be prepared to enforce the consequences 100%, even if it involves the best player on the team. HS athletes who train intensly need time for rest and time for study.

 

Agree 100%

Well said! Our program is not in the top 25% of our conference, we won 2 games last year. Now, we do have a great coach that knows the game and truly wants to build the program. We had 15 tryout total( 2 seniors), 3 quit after the 1st day. Looking from the coaches point of view with 4 freshman looking to start, you can see where she would want TB players to help out. I was asked to help, but can only do so much. Some of the girls can't throw, catch, or hold a bat right. It will take time. I do not like the "power struggle" between some hs/tb coaches. I wish they could all work together somehow. A college coach will not come to our school to catch a game, but we may play in a tournament and have a chance to be seen.

 

Coach, I respect what you do for your program. My comment was not directed at you, but as a concept for a winning program. It must start at the grassroots, but it takes a leader to give it direction. It ain't easy, but nothing worthwhile is.

and betterbatter....right on!

 

i think 3 laps outside of fence, 50 situps, 25 push ups 4 20yrd lunges should be about enough. the running part would be with helmet on and bats held over the head and held out in front....they would also practice with helmets on for 2 practices. its unfortunate that the tb programs would choose to practice at the same time or play in a tournament. it use to be no kids played travel ball until the hs season was over.......

 

Cheese,

I wish we played for you!

 

JMHO

I think the majority of your travel ball coaches have no problem with their players attending their high school practices. But in reality unless you are playing for a CC or ND,etc....you aren't going to benefit from the high school program. Quality coaching is about 15 % in any surrounding state, and you are lucky to find a knowledgeable coach that could better benefit your kid than the travel ball experience..The name of the game is "EXPOSURE" !!!

--- GURU