Regarding youth softball, the “A vs. B” debate is as old as the game itself. Whether you’re in 8U, 10U, or 12U, most teams like to label themselves as B teams. It’s a safe zone where the competition is solid but not too overwhelming. But as these teams move into the 14U, 16U, and 18U brackets, suddenly everyone’s Elite, Gold, National, Select, or some other flashy title that screams, “We’ve made it.”
Let’s be honest—sandbagging is a thing. Teams often downplay their skills and enter lower divisions to rack up trophies at a young age. It’s tempting to chase that shiny hardware, but what does it really accomplish? Sure, a room full of first-place trophies looks impressive, but is it preparing your players for the real challenges ahead?
As players age, the desire to be seen as elite becomes almost universal. Who wouldn’t want to be part of a team with a prestigious name? But here’s the kicker: names don’t win games. Finding the right level for your team is more important than the label you stick on it. It’s about challenging your players and pushing them to grow, not creating a false sense of superiority.
The truth is, if you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. The same goes for teams that consistently play down just to win. It might feel good in the moment, but it doesn’t do your players any favors in the long run. They need to be tested, to face competition that pushes them to improve.
Once you get past 12U, it’s time to ditch the labels and just play. The game should be about development and finding the right fit, not about stacking the odds in your favor. Every team is different, and what works for one might not work for another. The key is to be honest about where your team stands and find the right level of competition to help them grow.
At the end of the day, it’s all about preparing your players for the next level—whether that’s high school, college, or beyond. Challenging them, not coddling them, is what will get them there. So, before you slap an “Elite” or “Gold” label on your team, ask yourself: are we really ready for this? Or are we just looking for a title?
The age-old A vs. B debate isn’t going away anytime soon, but the focus should be on finding the right fit for your team. It’s not about being the best today; it’s about being the best when it really counts.
