mom2baseballplayer posted:ABSORBER posted:mom2baseballplayer posted:How does Showball compare to Headfirst?
My son attended Showball (SB) last summer. It definitely worked out for him. The reason he attended Showball vs. HF is because SB's event included ONLY head coaches--and it included the head coaches of ALL eight Ivy schools.
The majority of SB's events are "Head Coach" (HC) events; it looks like there are two out of seven in 2020 which will not be HC events.
I don't believe there are any HF events which claim ONLY HC's.
I've heard that HF camps are a tad bit more organized but I don't have any experience with them so I can't comment. A HF camp was going on at the same exact time as the SB camp my son attended last summer and it was just up the road (Medford, NY). Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate but I think SB did a fantastic job getting the entire showcase completed given the weather. We were satisfied at least. The games were rushed but that was to be expected in order to get everyone seen by the coaches. The HF camp up the road included coaches (mostly assistant volunteers) from just about the same schools represented in the SB event. I'm guessing the HC's and their assistants traveled together to the events.
I'm also pretty sure there is either a report or video (or both) sent out to attendees of the HF camp (plus I guess they'll be using new technology this year which I presume will be included in their reports). I'm guessing SB will claim it doesn't need to provide any output/feedback because the HC's are there to witness the players themselves.
Let me know if you need any more specific info on the SB camp. My son's friend attended the HF camp up the road so he provided some feedback to us.
Could you PM me? Would love more info. What was the date of the SB event your son attended? Could you share some of the results/coaches who expressed actual interest after SB? Is your son a senior now? I saw that a couple of SB and HF overall in 2020. Would love more feedback from you. And your son’s friend!
Sent you a PM, for everyone else who may be interested I'll summarize:
1. Recruiting is needs-based first and foremost. If they don't need your position it doesn't matter what kind of player you are.
2. Assistant coaches do NOT have the same pull as head coaches. Of course programs differ but when the HC is using his position to secure a slot for you at a high academic institution I would be willing to bet he wants to see you firsthand before he sticks his neck out for you.
3. Timing is important. My personal belief if you need to be seen by Ivy coaches before your junior year and then again before your senior year if you don't have an offer. The earlier you are seen the more leeway they have your you academic index. Of course it depends on #1 above. If your position is their #1 need they definitely have more leeway and can recruit other players later who have higher AI's. If you are looking at D3 then I think you can wait to do HA camps until summer after junior year--although I would recommend EARLY summer...