International Softball - Much Stronger Than Elite Travel Ball?

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I have now been in Southern Ontario for a few days working with the Canadian Olympic Team.

Yesterday and Today are days off for the athletes so there wasn't much going on in the last 48 hours.

However, I want to talk about the differences between this level of play and elite travel ball.

I am probably one of the very few that has had the chance to coach at every level of the game (little league, travel ball, college softball, international level, etc.).

See my bio for more details.

Marc Dagenais' Bio

So, I have a pretty idea of what is found at each level of the game.

How Can I describe the differences between international softball and elite travel ball?

I could say that there is world of difference between the two but at the same time, it's much closer than you think.

In fact, if you would ask an "average joe" who doesn't know naything about softball to watch a game between Australia  and Japan and between the 18U CT Cruisers and 18U FL Hurricanes,  they would probably not see the difference. It would just  be a bunch of females that can hit far and throw the ball hard.

They would probably say something "The Aussies and Japanese gals look a little bit older but I don't see much differences between the two. I assume that the olders girls are better."

Why is that?

Because most of the differences aren't that noticeable unless you are a coach, a player or you've been around the game for a while.

So, What makes the international players different than  the elite travel ball player?

• They a little stronger, faster, and more powerful mostly as a result of superior conditioning
• They have more experience and know better how to react in various situations
• They understand the game a little better
• They are technically a little more sound and refined
• Their set of skills is a little more diverse
• They pay attention to all the little things that I was talking about yesterday
• They prepare a little better
• They are sharper in their execution
• THey have more years of training behind their belt
• They face better competition

This is significant when it comes to playing the game but it's not very noticeable to an "untrained" eye.

The differences are subtle. However, it does take a lot of   hard work and dedicated effort to achieve that elite level.

Let me give you an analogy.

In high school, someone who decides to be serious about their studies can, with a bit of work and effort, take their average from 75% to 85%. It's not that hard but it does take work.

However, to take an average from 85% to 92% requires A LOT more work and effort. It's a very serious commitment.

Yet, we are only talking about 7 marks.

Getting to 85% in softball (elite travel ball) takes work and effort but getting to 92% (international softball) takes a lot more work, effort and dedication even if the difference between the two isn't that great.

Making up that difference IS tough and challenging but doable.

Who loves ya?

Marc
"Your Softball Peak Performance Coach"

P.S. To truly appreciate the difference betwee your level and the elite level, pay attention to the little things that elite players do better than anybody else When watching a good D1  college game or an international competition.