Another summer tournament season in the books. Your kid’s glove smells like beef jerky, your wallet’s lighter than a fungo bat, and you’ve said “good eye” more times than you’ve blinked. Now comes the question every baseball parent faces:

Do we jump into fall ball or take a break?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a guide to help you make the right call for your player — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

⚾ TL;DR:

• If your kid is showing signs of burnout (lack of motivation, irritability, low energy), consider a break.

• If they’re hungry to improve, fall ball can be a great, lower-pressure way to get reps.

• You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing — just what works for your family.

🚨 Signs It Might Be Time for a Break

• “Do I have to go to practice?” (Big red flag)

• Decreased performance or motivation

• Constant soreness or nagging injuries

• Emotional outbursts or irritability

• YOU (the parent) are totally fried and resenting the grind

💬 Coach Brent Shaw (Gunter, TX): “Sometimes the best thing a kid can do in the offseason is be a kid. Let them play other sports. Let them miss baseball a little.”

📈 When Fall Ball Makes Sense

• Your athlete is passionate, driven, and asking for more reps

• They’re trying to move up in competition next spring

• They want to experiment with a new position

• You’re considering trying out for a new select team and need current exposure

💬 Coach Lindsey Carter (Frisco Select): “Fall ball is like a sandbox — low pressure, high learning. It’s the best time for kids to stretch their skillset without worrying about their stat line.”

✅ How to Make the Call

Ask yourself these 3 questions:

1. Is my player physically healthy and mentally excited for more?

2. Do I have the bandwidth to support another season right now?

3. Are we doing this because we want to — or because we feel pressure to keep up?

If you answered “no” to any of the above, a break might be the better play.

🧘 What to Do If You Take Time Off

• Cross-train with another sport (track, flag football, wrestling)

• Rest + recover

• Focus on strength and flexibility

• Do light baseball work at home (Tee work, throwing, etc.)

• Let your kid miss baseball again

🔄 What to Do If You Say “Yes” to Fall Ball

• Set boundaries (one team, limited travel)

• Focus on development over wins

• Try new roles — catcher? pitching? switch-hitting?

• Communicate often with your player: check in on energy and attitude

🧠 Final Thought:

You’re not behind if you choose rest. You’re not obsessed if you choose reps. You’re just a parent trying to make the best decision for your young athlete.

Let the other families chase the next tournament. You chase what’s right for your kid.