Our Focus
The competitive options for solid fastpitch players in KS and MO are phenomenal. There are quite a few organizations that have amazing resources in terms of quality coaching and facilities. The best players in the area get identified quickly, and they usually land on teams that are equipped to meet their needs from a developmental perspective.
In our opinion, there aren’t as many quality options for players who have started in local “rec” leagues or who may be “late bloomers” in terms of skills and/or game IQ. Yes, there are C level teams in the area … but it seems that those affiliated with organizations often take a back seat to their sister teams at the A and B levels in terms of priority. There are also independent C teams that form, and they do a great job at providing lower costs, but they often lack resources in terms of coaching, equipment, facilities, etc.
By 10u, teams left playing rec are already depleted, since it seems that everyone wants to play competitively … so the quality of rec play and the disparity between rec teams really kills the fun for players. Thus, players get turned off of softball before they’ve even had a chance to mature physically. This is what we want/hope to address. We want all players to get the chance to develop a love for the game, and to play and develop to the best of their ability and interest.
Our Approach
In elementary school, students are often sorted into reading groups or math groups with peers that are at a similar competency level. There isn’t any shame or negativity for the students that aren’t as proficient as their peers in a given subject … the same teachers work with them to help them learn and develop at the pace that suits their development the best.
In terms of learning development, teachers and school administrators do their best to provide objective grades and feedback for the subjects being taught. The grades are intended for the benefit of the student and family, and the grades provide a frame of reference for understanding how the student is performing. Of course, some students may enjoy ‘competing” with friends with respect for grades in particular subjects or classes, but the “competitive environment” in elementary school is generally not very intense, and there is usually not “competitive pressure” similar to what exists currently in the fastpitch environment.
So, our approach is to follow a similar model with respect to fastpitch skills and game IQ development. We will provide “player reports” every 6 weeks that focus on objective measurables (e.g., exit velocity, throwing velocity, pop times, home-to-1B times, etc.) and intangibles that are more subjective (e.g., sportsmanship, attitude/effort, mental preparation, game IQ). With these reports, we also provide reference data so the player can see how she compares to others her age that are competing at the A and B levels. These reports give the player and family a transparent evaluation of performance. Our hope is that the player and family will use this data, and our inputs, on charting a “fastpitch” path that fits their wants/needs. Of course, if a player gets to a point where she wants/needs are more advanced competitive environment, we will help her find the org/team that is the best fit.
Our Objective
Using the approach outlined above, we hope our players develop a love of the game. We also have a “hidden agenda” … we hope to use the game to teach the players how to be responsible, independent, and positive young ladies. There are so many positive life lessons that can be learned from team sports in general, and we personally feel that in today’s culture our children need the positive experiences/teachings that can come specifically from softball. Ideally, the players will not only be prepared physically for HS fastpitch by the time they leave our program, they will also be prepared mentally and emotionally for the challenges that come along during their teenage years.