Softball "tryouts"

Sunday was softball "tryouts".  Essentially, it's a minimally helpful review of each kid's skills, prior to the draft.  Inside a gym, each kid fields three balls hit nearly directly toward them and throws it to a coach at "1st base" (about the distance from a pulled-in shortstop).  They then catch three balls tossed up, again right at them and make the throw.  Finally, they take 5-10 swings at a coach pitched ball.  I watched the girls' attitude more than anything.  Did they show confidence? Did they run from station to station or walk like they were heading toward punishment?

Overall, I think the girls did better than I expected.  That may be due to the lower numbers.  Participation at the 3rd/4th grade (10U) is down 25% from last year.  It seems that the loss is mainly from the weaker players not continuing.  Only a small handful of average/good players did not return (focusing on other sports).

Even though they are automatically on their parent's team, each coach's kid is asked to tryout out to make seeding easier for the draft.  If your kid is good, you lose an early pick, etc.  Some parents are probably advising their kids to purposely look bad.  I know that last year, S asked me if she should miss on purpose.  I figure that everyone already knows the level of play my girls are capable of, so they might as well try to shine.  It's hard for the girls to actually do fake the ability when they are in the moment, so there's no reason to put doubt in their heads.  Some coaches simply don't bring their girls to the tryout.  That would be an automatic upgrade if I was in charge.  Either everyone participates or no one.

K couldn't participate due to a possible broken bone in her hand from a scooter accident on Friday.  Ortho appt happening right now.  Could mean missing all/most of lacrosse and softball this year.  I'm sure I'll still have to give up a high pick for her, since the people running the draft are very competitive.  Whatever.

S was one of a handful of girls to put on a show at the tryout.  She did bobble one grounder, but her throws were hard, she showed good technique catching the pop-flys (I had them challenge her a little vs simply tossing them right at her) and she had a number of solid hits.  She hit one to the far wall of the gym on the fly, which was a rare event.  She was the 2nd of three consecutive kids who were a class above the rest.  It was fun to watch.  The kids waiting in line were high-fiving them as they finished.  It was definitely her favorite moment of the day.

Draft on Tuesday night.  Stay tuned.