Expert: Jack Elliott - 3/22/2009

Question
My son is 12, he's a pitcher for Middle School. (60-90 field)
He recently tried out for our town league and was placed on a 11-12 year old team pitching on a 46-60 field. How much effect will this have on his play. Been playing on 50-70 and 60-90 field for 2.5 years and about 60 games per year. Play with lead offs and 3rd strick drop rules now on 46-60 field these rules are not in place. Same time still playing for middle school, high school rules apply. How much is his game going to be off should I let him play in town league at 46-60. Thanks

Answer
Hi Diana,

This is a very good question.  Although, it is also a hard question to answer without knowing the level of competition in this league and his other options.  Ideally, you are correct in thinking that it would be better for him to play on a field that will be the same size field as he will be using in high school assuming he is physically strong enough to make the appropriate throws on this field.  However, the size of the field is not the only factor.  Other factors to consider are playing time and competition level.  

I generally recommend that players try to get on the best teams possible even if they are not playing that much because they can learn quite a bit from older players and playing at a higher level.  This thinking assumes they will be practicing on their own enough to justify this benefit.  Players who do not have or spend the time on their own will do better playing in a league where they are "forced" to play on a consistent basis.

If the level of competition in this league is high, this may prove further justification for playing in this league.  However, I think this decision comes down to what are his other options?  If there is another league nearby that can offer him more, it will be a better option.  If the level of competition is low, it may be a better idea for him to practice on his own and get pitching or batting lessons.  This would help him learn good tips and avoid the risk of picking up bad ideas, but the downside is he would have to be internally motivated to practice on his own and may become bored after a while.

As far as your question about the effect on his play, the rule changes will make little difference as players can quickly adjust.  The main distinction is simply that he will have to adjust to making longer throws in high school that he could get away with on this smaller field.  However, he will have several years to get stronger so this would only be an issue in the first year transition and first impressions by the high school baseball coaches.
 
In the end, I think I would prefer him finding a better option if possible.  Ideally, every league you play in and training you get should be clearly showing ways you can raise your game.  If you can't clearly see these benefits, players often will get frustrated and the experience becomes a waste of time and can even cause bad habits to form.  For this reason, some times not playing in a league can be the answer.  However, the good news is that you are thinking about these issues now and can take the best proactive action for your son.  Good luck with your decision and wish your son all the best.  

Hope this helps,
Jack Elliott
http://www.baseballtrainingtechniques.com