As a softball ambassador for Symbiotic Training in San Diego and a coach for travel softball players, I’ve had the unique opportunity to work closely with athletes at all levels, many of whom aspire to play at the collegiate level. One thing I’ve come to realize is that there are a number of aspects of travel softball that, although well-meaning, may not be preparing young athletes for the demands and realities of college softball. While the primary goal is to develop elite athletes and get them college-ready, there are certain aspects of the game—such as time limits, game structure, and training emphasis—that can be holding them back in key ways.

The Pipeline from Travel Softball to College: An Evolving Pathway

It’s no secret that travel softball is often viewed as a pipeline for players hoping to make it to the collegiate level. Players and parents alike invest countless hours in travel tournaments, games, and showcases, all with the hopes of getting noticed by college scouts and eventually earning a spot on a team. While these experiences are valuable in terms of exposure and competition, they don’t always align with the structure of college games and the overall mentality needed to succeed at the next level. In fact, I’ve noticed a few critical gaps in the way travel softball is structured, and how it impacts player development in a way that could set them back when they transition into college softball.

The Problem with Game Time Limits in Travel Softball

One of the most significant differences between travel softball and college softball is the game time limit, particularly when it’s a “drop-dead” time format. In these tournaments, games often have a set time limit, with no chance to resume once that time is up. Players could only get through a few innings before the game ends, often prematurely.

This isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a missed opportunity for young players to learn the critical aspects of a full game. In college softball, games last seven innings, and momentum can swing dramatically. By only playing a limited number of innings in travel softball, players aren’t learning how to manage the flow of a full game. They don’t get to experience how to respond to adversity or adjust when the score is close in the later innings. When games are short, players may start to mentally check out after a few innings, knowing the game will be over soon. This is a mindset that can easily carry over into college play, where the mentality to “give up” early can be detrimental.

More Games Isn’t Always Better: Quality vs. Quantity

Another issue I’ve noticed in the travel softball scene is the sheer volume of games played over the weekends. It’s common to see teams play five or more games in a weekend, often without much focus on skill development in between. While this allows players to experience live game scenarios, it comes at the cost of crucial practice time. At younger ages, especially, I’d prefer to see fewer games played with more emphasis on practice.

Games are important for putting skills into action, but practice is where players can truly focus on improving their technique, understanding the fundamentals, and honing their individual skills in a more controlled environment. Scrimmaging and working on specific areas of the game during the week could be far more beneficial than playing five or more games in a weekend, especially at the younger ages. Practice is where players can experiment, fail, and grow—things that are often hard to do in the fast-paced environment of game-filled weekends.

Pitchers: Stunted Growth in the Circle

For pitchers, the effects of short game times are even more concerning. In college softball, pitchers need stamina, mental toughness, and the ability to work through tough innings. However, many travel softball pitchers are used to having a short leash due to time constraints—after just a few innings, they might be pulled, regardless of how well they’re pitching. This doesn’t allow pitchers to develop the endurance needed for full games. Moreover, it doesn’t teach them to make adjustments when things aren’t going their way or when they are facing a challenging lineup. This is a crucial skill that could impact their performance once they get to college, where they’ll need to work through adversity without the luxury of being replaced every time they hit a rough patch.

The lack of consistent, longer games and the ability to battle through difficult innings might leave pitchers underprepared for the realities of college softball. College coaches want pitchers who can handle the pressure and the challenge of pitching full games, sometimes in the face of high stakes. Travel ball’s emphasis on short games isn’t helping to foster that kind of resilience.

In Conclusion: A Path Forward

While travel softball remains a crucial piece of the puzzle for aspiring college athletes, there are certain aspects of it that need to evolve to better prepare players for the demands of college softball. By focusing on fewer, but more meaningful games, emphasizing practice time, and aligning game formats with those used in collegiate play, we can help young players develop the mindset and resilience they need to succeed at the next level.

As coaches, parents, and mentors, it’s our responsibility to ensure that players are not just getting exposure, but also being trained in a way that allows them to thrive in college softball. Let’s work together to create an environment that truly prepares our athletes for their next big step on the field.