Are we pushing kids too hard?

“My child needs to be pushed. They only have fun playing with better players.”

This is the most common request we get from parents after the first day in our programs.

After a recent request, it got me thinking…

Why are so many parents so eager to “push their kids”?

This constant urge to “play up” is everywhere—in Little Leagues, Rec Leagues, and Travel Ball—and it’s impacting our kids in ways we might not realize.

Pushing kids harder and faster may not be helping them as much as we think.

In fact, it might be backfiring.

Here’s how…

Pushing Kids To Play “Kid Pitch” WAY Too Early

In many rec leagues, kids as young as 7 or 8 are thrown into kid-pitch baseball.

They are simply unable to consistently throw the ball over the plate.

The result?

Pitchers struggling, batters rarely swinging, and kids standing around bored.

This isn’t real baseball.

And it’s not fun for anyone—parents, coaches, umpires, and players—when everyone is sitting around waiting for Little Johnny to finally throw a hittable pitch.

All for what?

A “real” experience that’s not even fun.

Solution: Start kid pitch at age 10. Period.

Travel Ball Pressure: Real Rules, Too Soon

Travel ball tournaments often have kids as young as 7 or 8 playing with “real baseball” rules.

Think leads, steals, holding runners, and pick-offs.

Kids who just learned to tie their shoes are now dealing with advanced elements they don’t really need until they’re 13.

Instead of working on the basics—throwing, catching, hitting—teams are being forced to practice these elements, not to develop players, but to win games.

Solution: No holding runners and leads until age 11 across all youth baseball.

The “Keeping Up with the Joneses” Trap in Travel Ball

Many parents worry that if their child isn’t in travel ball by age 8, they’ll fall behind.

But the truth is, the right time to engage with travel ball is around age 12, as Little League wraps up and kids are mentally and physically ready.

Starting travel ball too young often means more stress, burnout, and a lot of wasted money on tournaments and travel.

Kids under 12 can get plenty of skill development and fun in Little League or rec ball without the high-stakes pressure and full weekend commitment that can make baseball feel like a chore.

Solution: Find the best local rec program which trains their coaches. Find skills clinics and the top local private instructors – and play catch with your kid!

Over-Scheduling: Where’s the Free Play?

In Menlo Park, where I grew up and still live, you rarely see kids playing out in the streets anymore.

Kids have every hour filled with structured activities.

While organized events are good, kids also need time to be kids.

Free, unstructured play builds creativity, problem-solving skills, and mental toughness.

They learn to work through social issues and set up their own fun!

When every hour is planned, they miss out on what makes childhood special.

Solution: Stop pushing children into numerous simultaneous activities. Less may be more.

Year-Round Baseball: Too Much of a Good Thing?

Playing baseball year-round might seem like a way to get ahead, but it’s risking their health.

Kids who play year-round are five times more likely to need Tommy John surgery.

Rest and recovery are crucial—again, sometimes less really is more.

Solution: Only play 2 baseball seasons per year maximum.

Mental Health: The Hidden Cost

This relentless push isn’t just physical—it’s mental.

One-third of youth athletes report high levels of stress and burnout.

We’re seeing record levels of anxiety and depression among young athletes.

Constant pressure can drive kids away from sports entirely.

If they don’t love the game, what are we really pushing them toward?

Solution: Pay attention to the signs of emotional burnout.

What Really Matters: Confidence, Fun, and Love of the Game

Once kids reach 13 or 14, a foundation of confidence and joy will prepare them for tougher competition.

But before then?

Let’s focus on helping them love the game.

Baseball, like life, isn’t about constant achievement.

It’s about fun, friendship, and resilience.

Let’s make sure they have that foundation before we push them to “play up.”

Kids thrive when they enjoy what they’re doing.

Let’s make that our priority.

Solution: Do everything you can to prioritize FUN!

Winter Skills Bootcamp: Setup Your Child For Success!

At Legends, we’re here to support kids in building that foundation with our Winter Skills Bootcamp.

Our bootcamp focuses on core fundamentals—the skills they need to enjoy and succeed in the game.

With a mix of fun, friendship, and skill-building, we’re here to help them build confidence and love the game.

Let’s give them the right foundation—before they’re pushed into higher levels.

If you’re interested in providing your child with a balanced, supportive baseball experience, check out our Winter Skills Bootcamp and get them ready for their best season yet!

Thanks for being part of the Legends family and hope to see you at our Winter Bootcamps!