There comes a point in every young softball players career where their destiny in the sport of softball is evaluated. After 12u community softball concludes, the next age group levels of the game offer two different directions. The choice is this, to continue on the community ball path or make the jump to club softball. One of the biggest differences between community ball and club ball is the time commitment and the finances included. These vary from every club organization across the country but hopefully by reading and learning about the benefits of club ball, will help guide the athlete on their destined path.
- Higher competition level: Club Ball offers that next level of competition for the athlete which can aid in preparation for college ball in the future. When athletes are challenged by the best competition in the country, especially at a young age, they are able to evaluate their game and focus on the areas that need improvement. If athletes aren’t tested to their limits they will never know what they are truly capable of. Ever heard that saying, “you play to the level of your competition”? Think about it, because that statement couldn’t be truer. To be the best, you have to compete with the best.
- Better tournaments: This point goes hand in hand with the first benefit. Club softball allows athletes to take the field for tournaments at some of the most pristine fields and locations in the country. These tournaments will be jam packed with fellow club ball programs, which create a more competitive atmosphere. You will also notice more college coaches or scouts at club ball tournaments.
- High-Quality Coaching: The financial costs of club softball are significantly higher than those of community ball, and a big reason for that is paying for high-quality coaches and instructors. Many club ball organizations across the country are structuring their programs into having a wide variety of instructors- pitching, hitting, and fielding, who work with every athlete who belongs to that program. These instructors may be former or current college players, lower level college coaches, or experienced elite coaches who have been around the sport for quite some time. These instructors are paid separately than the coaches of the individual teams throughout the organization.
- Exposure opportunities: Club softball also creates many exposure opportunities that aren’t offered in community ball programs. The biggest difference is the tournaments and showcases- many which are invite only or ones you must qualify for. Almost all of the tournaments and showcases at the club ball level will have college coaches and scouts in attendance. College coaches only get a certain number of recruiting days in the summer. They attend club tournaments because they are looking for high-level players who will be a good fit and those who will make an impact on their programs. What better place to scout than at a tournament jam packed with elite athletes who all have hopes and dreams of representing a college on the softball field one day.
- Year round team involvement and training: This is another big difference between what is offered in community ball vs. club ball and another reason for the increase in cost. Most community ball programs will have costs for the summer season and the fall season only. Club ball will typically be played and trained for year-round. They will have summer and fall tournaments and showcases along with qualification and invite only events scattered throughout the winter and spring months. A big difference is the training, which includes team practices every week (depending on the program), individual work with the hired instructors, and facility costs. Especially for teams in the Northern states who don’t have outdoor access to fields and rent out their own indoor training space during the winter months.
The path club ball takes best sets up athletes who dream of playing in college one day. That being said, there have been very successful athletes at the D1 and D2 college levels who stayed on the community ball path growing up. When looking at how club softball has evolved over the years and the amount of college coach involvement, leads us to believe it’s the best way to be recognized and helps players develop into high caliber recruits.
