The Transition from 12U to 14U Softball
The transition from 12U to 14U softball is the final jump players will have to make before settling into a permanent 43-foot pitching distance for the rest of their career. 12U softball’s pitching mound is secured at 40 feet. When players reach the 14U level, the pitching mound is moved back to 43 feet and that is where it will stay. The ball size will remain at 12 inches for the remainder of a softball players career as well. The only rule change players making the transition from 12U to 14U and beyond is that additional three feet from the mound. 14U will bring better competition as players are introduced to playing for and against club teams.
How to Adjust to 43 feet as a pitcher: The pitching change during the transition is only three feet, which to some pitchers can feel like a lot. Luckily with this transition, the ball size remains the same. My advice to pitchers is to incorporate distance pitching into your pitching practices before actually taking the mound at 43 feet. Pitch 10 pitches from 45-50 feet away and try to throw a line drive strike to your catcher. Emphasize using more arm speed, as well as bend and push forward with the legs to cut down the distance. After throwing 10 long, move closer and throw five pitches from 43 feet. Bounce back and forth a few times and you will find how quickly you get the hang of the 43 ft. distance if you can overcome the 45-50 ft. one.
How to Adjust to 43 feet as a hitter: The extra three feet is designed to benefit the hitter in softball. It gives the batters more time to react to the pitch traveling towards them. There is a good chance when you step into the box for the first time at 43 ft. that your timing will be off. My advice is to take some front toss or live pitching at practice from different distances. Set up three plates in the cage or on the field. Put one at 40 ft., the second at 43 ft. and the third at 46 ft. This drill is designed to teach hitters how to correct their timing from different pitching distances. The key will be to have the pitcher who is throwing, throw at a consistent speed as the hitter moves through all three plate distances. Another tip for your first time seeing live pitching at 43 ft. is to move up in the batter’s box until you get used to it. Once you have the timing down you can then settle into your comfortable spot in the box.
The transition from 12U to 14U and beyond in softball isn’t as drastic as the tricky 10U to 12U one. However, you can expect to see greater competition starting at the 14U level. It is at 14U where players break away from their community programs and join club teams. It will be the first time that community teams who stick together will go up against club teams in games.
You can expect to see better pitching, hitting, fielding, base running, and coaching at the 14U level. It is also the level where those not as serious about softball break away from those who wish to continue and play at the highest level one day. Look at 14U as the door for opportunity. Players entering 14U will be close to playing at the high school level, depending on their grade, and many will begin setting dreams for playing in college one day. There will be ups and downs, but always keep in mind that the journey and player growth is the greatest reward of all.
