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bmoser
1633 Posts |
 Posted - 11/03/2010 : 16:14:32
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| Which transition is most significant? How so? |
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LLH
98 Posts |
Posted - 11/03/2010 : 17:29:57
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| I would say going from 12 to 13. When you add an extra 100ft to the outfield fence the game changes. Going from from 13 to 14 the extra 6ft gives you a little extra time to see the ball. |
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DoubleD
33 Posts |
Posted - 11/03/2010 : 19:09:50
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Based on what I've seen 13 to 14...but it mostly depends on the kid.
Bigger fields require longer throws and more foot speed. Smaller kids that have not hit puberty can struggle to make plays and throws that were routine on the smaller fields. The bigger 13's that have good arm strength and can run handle the transition to the bigger fields much better than the smaller kids. |
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dmb350
135 Posts |
Posted - 11/18/2010 : 19:13:39
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My son played 14u last season at 13 and is in 14u again this season and I can say that moving to the big fields at 14u is the big difference. The small kids just can't keep up, especially at the AAA and Majors levels.
14-15 is also a big change. Seen a lot of boys drop out after 14u or can't make good teams so they fall off big time. |
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Zcoach
151 Posts |
Posted - 11/20/2010 : 06:45:57
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| The additional 6'6" distance pitching is huge. That nice 13U curve now bounces two feet in front of the plate. Extra 10' on the bases makes a big difference too. |
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in_the_know
985 Posts |
Posted - 11/20/2010 : 10:47:57
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They are both significant transitions. From 12 to 13, the boys seem to transition easily enough to the added distance from mound to home and do alright with the extra 10 feet between the bases. The overall larger size of the field and distance of the fences makes a huge difference. Not nearly as many HR hitters when you're playing on "real" fields (not the high, short fence fields at ECB lower level). The biggest separator that I've seen at this age group is the puberty factor. You will begin to see a big difference between the strength of your bigger kids and smaller kids. Those developing early will have a big advantage with their throwing, hitting and speed (typically, of course, the big slow kid will just become the bigger, slower kid).
From 13-14, the 60 ft mound and 90 ft bases become really noticeable. Pitchers will need to develop pitching strategies (can't just blow a fastball by them anymore) and the field size becomes HUGE. Coaches need to employ more strategy with regard to advancing baserunners, etc. Of course, size plays a big part of the game here. Watch any of the 14u tourneys and you'll see that the teams that are successfuly consistently have larger athletes on the roster.
I don't know that either one is more significant a transition than the other, but each is a major transition for different reasons. Of course, if you teach sound fundamentals at every level, then your son(s) should be able to make the transitions seamlessly. |
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G-Man
326 Posts |
Posted - 01/15/2011 : 19:58:53
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In my opinion its a waste of time moving from 12u to the 13u field being 54/80 vs going ahead and playing 60/90. I have witness this transition first hand. My son is 11 years old but since last spring has played SS for a 14u team.
The things I have noticed from some of the other young men is the transition of swinging a drop 10 bat and moving up to a drop 3 and it creating mechanical issues with the hitters swing. I have witnessed the foot speed issue. With some of the larger players that excelled on a smaller field struggle because of foot speed.
I have seen those batters that at the younger age groups who had those upper cut swings who hit homeruns more often than not on the smaller field struggle reaching base on the 60/90 field. I have also noticed that you cant hide bigger slower players in the outfield as they could be on the smaller fields.
As ( In The Know ) stated. You no longer have pitchers blowing fastballs by hitters. So good fast outfielders and infielders are need to cover the extra ground you see on the bigger field vs the smaller fields. along with the arm to make the longer throws.
One other factor that I havent seen mentioned is the new BBcor bat guidelines. I have seen these bats first hand and there is no pop in them and the sweet spot on the bat is the same as wood. ITS SMALL.
There are several other factors but this horse has been beat to death so no need to go in to them. My opinion after 12u is to skip the 54/80 and move right up to the 60/90 field. This is the field most of the boys who continue to play will be playing on for years to come. Give them that extra year from 13u to 14u to make that adjustment. This way it will be an easier transition for them being able to help their high school teams their first year. |
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Hitman
33 Posts |
Posted - 01/15/2011 : 23:39:50
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| I agree with everything you said G, and for the smaller, under sized players who have yet to reach their physical maturity... your work is there waiting on you. The sooner you get started the better. |
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loveforthegame25
448 Posts |
Posted - 01/19/2011 : 19:28:10
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| G, did i read that right? Your son is 11 and plays 14? Thats impressive! |
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G-Man
326 Posts |
Posted - 01/19/2011 : 23:01:16
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Thank You...Yes that is correct he has started at shortstop and hit 2nd in the lineup since late last spring for a 14u team as well as guest played with 2 14u teams out of Atlanta this fall. Its not really that impressive it just comes from a lot of hard work and having the drive to be tested. This is not dad talking but he has one of the greatest loves for baseball I have ever seen in my life and I coached college baseball. So I have been around a lot of young men that love the game of baseball.
He has his success and failures but I have never seen him hang his head and give up becaused he failed. If nothing else where I believe he grows as well as other players could learn to grow from is taking those failures, learning from them and doing what is needed to correct that issue that caused the failure. Trust me he has to work his butt off to keep up with these 14 year old young men. However he seems to really enjoy the challenge.
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Originally posted by loveforthegame25
G, did i read that right? Your son is 11 and plays 14? Thats impressive!
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