Posted by: Rick (socalblackknights@cox.net) on Tue May 11 10:11:11 2004

A question for the forum....What are the keys to success re: travel teams. We have a 10 under team. We are not exclusively travel, our kids all play on diff. LL teams right now.
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> We are batting 15 players per game. 9 fielders usually. So far, it is our discretion as to how many bat. 1:45 minute time limit, 6 inning games. Mercy rules apply.
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> 65 ft. bases, with leadoffs, steals, bunts, etc.
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> We have not had much success, and other teams seem to hit the ball much better than our team.
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> Any ideas how we can improve?

Dave,

Not to sound too philosophical..but you need to establish a mission for your team and get your parents to buy into it. Otherwise they will make your life a living hell. If you are just a neighborhood team that is out to have fun and play a few tournaments that's ok. But, I don't think you guys are going to have much success. However, if you want to be competitive and develop players you are going to need to get serious. Most of your competition plays to win. Especially the teams that are in the "Major" division. I'm sure you guys are playing in the AAA or American division. Do your best there. Here are some suggestions;

Fifteen is too many players for that age group. Most of your competition carries eleven or twelve. That is an easier number to manage in terms of playing time and never bat the roster. Bat nine or ten(EH) and sub off the bench. Since you have fifteen I'm not recommending you cut or drop players...just don't replace them as they leave...and they will leave.

Since most of your players are from Little League organizations. Work heavily on the areas that are foreign to them...balks, drop third strikes, lead offs and stealing/base running. You are facing good pitching in tournaments. Have your players hit often at practice...work on bunting. Bunting will help you score runs without big hits.

Don't worry that your players aren't playing travel ball exclusively...unless you have regular access to a field getting fields for practice during the Little League or PONY season is tough. Get them together as soon as the season ends and play hard July-February. Plus, pulling players out of the local leagues to play travel ball can cause problems for you as well.

Be aggresive and expect allot. Ten year olds can play baseball. Expect it from them and they will give it to you.

Good Luck,

Rick