Thank you for visiting the Toms River Tornadoes girls fast-pitch softball organization. Founded in 2007, we are an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based out of Toms River, NJ. All coaches and support staff are volunteers who share the same goal of developing girls to play competitive fast-pitch softball. If you have an interest in coaching or assisting the organization in any way please contact us.
Q. How long is your travel softball season?
A. The Tornadoes season runs year-round, with games typically played during the Fall, Spring and Summer seasons. During the Winter months, we practice indoors. In general, our season starts in September and runs through to the end of July each year, (although it is not uncommon for teams to play into early August).
Q. When are tryouts?
A. Tryouts are typically held around the end of July, or beginning of August each year.
Q. Who is eligible to try out?
A. Any girl wishing to play fast-pitch softball at a competitive level. Eligibility for each age group varies by year of birth. Players can always play “up” in another age group, but they can never play “down”. All girls must try out for teams each year, there are no guaranteed roster spots based on previous tenure. The number of teams in each age group will vary depending on how many players come to tryouts, as well as coach availability.
Q. What is covered at a tryout, and how are the teams selected?
A. We cover the basics like fielding, throwing, hitting, bunting, base running, etc; but the basis of the selection process also includes an observation of past performances as well as the players’ general attitude and game knowledge. Pitchers and Catchers are evaluated the same as all other position players, in addition to position specific drills. In addition, we look at intangeables in each player, such as: does the player hustle? how do they react when they make a mistake? are they coachable? do they take direciton well?
The teams are selected by the coaching staff of the particular age group and they take all of the factors above in account when making their selections.
Q. What is the cost the of travel softball?
A. The costs will vary each year and will depend on the number of players on the team, and the cost of tournaments. The fees typically include all tournament and league fees, team uniform's and insurance for the players. The purchase of additional items (pants, socks, gloves, masks, bats, etc) and other equipment may be additional, and would need to be supplied by the players families. Historically, we have been one of the lower cost organizations in the area and provide players with value by playing in as many games as possible.
Q. What commitment is expected from a player?
A. Full commitment of practices, games and tournaments is expected from a travel softball player. Playing travel softball requires a high level of commitment, sacrifice and dedication, but provides players with a great deal of satisfaction and sense of accomplishment that comes with competing at a higher level. Parents are encouraged to talk with the coaches about any specific commitment expectations that they may have. We understand that school and family are most important in our lives, so we expect that if you join our organization, you will make us the priority over other teams or other sports.
Q. How is travel ball different from a recreation league?
A. First, full commitment to practices and tournaments is expected year-round. Second, playing time is earned based on performance, and some players may be substitutes more often than others. This is a more competitive environment, unlike a recreation league, and your daughter will be playing among the top athletes within their age group, and as such, each player is expected to step-up their game. In this atmosphere, your daughter will grow as a player and it will be evident in her level of play.
Q. Who do we compete against?
A. We play in ASA, USA and USSSA sanctioned leagues and tournaments. We typically play against similar skill level teams in the area. Games are typically played in New Jersey, but travel out of state is not uncommon.
Q. What is a typical tournament schedule?
A. Each team will establish their tournament schedule based on budget, availability and skill level. Most tournaments will be in New Jersey, and are usually within an hour or so away from Toms River; but each team is free to decide on which tournaments they want to participate in and this could include playing in an out-of-state Tournament.
A 1-day tournament is typically 3 games played in a single day.
A 2-day tournament is played over a weekend with “pool” play on Saturday, and Championship play on Sunday. The results of your pool play games will determine your seeding for the next day.
Most tournaments will provide individual and team trophies for their 1st and 2nd place finishers; and some even include individual MVP medals during pool play.
Q. How many games do you play in a full season?
A. Playing in the Fall, Spring and Summer affords the team the ability to play in many games, including some very competitive tournaments. It is not uncommon for the team to play anywhere between 40 to 60 (or more) games during the entire season. This provides your daughter with the experience needed to compete at the next level.
Q. What is a typical practice schedule?
A. Practice schedules will be determined by the coach of each team. Typically, practices will be held on weekdays during the evenings, when weather permits. During the winter months, practices are scaled back and are based on availability of indoor facilities. This will vary by team, and you should talk to the head coaches about any time conflicts.
Q. What are the benefits of travel ball?
A. A tournament will usually result in anywhere from 4 to 6 games over a weekend, so that could be 20+ games for the summer tournament season, plus any league games that we may play in. In addition to the number of games your daughter will play, she will be with experienced coaches who continually work on mechanics, fundamentals and strategic play. In this atmosphere, your daughter will be put in a position to perform better at the next level.
Q. What if we have a vacation already planned?
A. Please discuss with the teams' head coach prior to committing to the team.
