USASB High Performance Program

PIPELINE TO THE NATIONAL TEAMS PROGRAM

U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, & U18
**U14 & U17 – Pan Am Qualifying Team
***U15 & U18 – World Cup Team

These are the GA events for the USASB High Performance Program Identifiers for consideration for the Junior National age group teams at the World Championships. You can register for these events below.

Identifiers/Tryouts Pools should be formed based on local COVID-19 protocols of year one. Athlete pools formed will train and/or compete throughout the year if available and does not conflict with High School or Travel Softball. Each region must follow the guidelines in choosing the athletes to represent their area. The guidelines are as follows: Regions may not be able to schedule a regional event due to COVID-19 restrictions in year one at which time all athletes who participated in the local identifiers could be considered for a National Team invitation.

HPP Timeline Year One

Nov 1-Feb 1
Open/Invitational Identifiers and Tryouts for local area athlete pool (Could be extended locally due to COVID-19 Restrictions)

Feb 1
Local area pool of athletes selected (Could be extended locally due to COVID-19 Restrictions)

Jan 1-Feb 28
Event for region athlete pool (Could be extended locally due to COVID-19 Restrictions or cancelled if cannot be held prior to June 15)

Feb 28
Region pool of athletes selected by this date in year one. (Could be extended locally due to COVID-19 Restrictions or cancelled if cannot be held prior to June 15)

Mar 1
After Athlete Pools are names – August 31 Local Area athlete pool training and competition dates

National Team tryouts will be determined each year based on the WBSC event schedule

IDENTIFY, TRAIN, DEVELOP, AND COMPETE

The USA Softball High Performance Program

To identify a pool of athletes that will train, compete, and represent USA Softball through domestic and international competition. The program will focus on providing an equal opportunity for players to develop their skills and show their talent while growing the game of softball in the United States. Ultimately, the HPP will serve as a pipeline to the National Team Programs.

Purpose

Through evaluation, placement, training, and re-evaluation each year, HPP will identify elite level athletes for advancement consideration through the pipeline.

Goal

To provide an opportunity for all athletes to have a chance at competing for the USA Softball National Teams’ Programs.

How do I participate?

Contact your USA Softball local area program coordinator to find out more about getting involved with the USA Softball HPP. You can find state areas by clicking here. Or, contact the USA Softball National Office via email hpp@usasoftball.com if you have issues reaching them.

The USA Softball HPP Process

The HPP is broken into different state areas. HPP Identifiers for each age group will be held in those areas followed by try-outs on an annual basis. Age groups and try-out dates may be different from area to area, based on seasonal and state considerations. You should first search for your state area and then contact your local area program coordinator for identifier information if you have questions. 

How Players Are Selected

Players are selected based on evaluations at Identifiers and invited tryouts. The identifiers will be uniform across the US, and all participants will be evaluated at one (1) position.  The top athletes from an identifier will be notified and will advance to the next tryout.  Identifiers and tryouts will be run by local coaches that have been recognized or approved by USA Softball for their ability to train and identify athletes.  Selection of these players is not an easy task. The local area head coach will be assisted in the selection process by several other qualified coaches from the club or college level.

Regional Events

USA Softball is divided into ten regions. Each region will offer competition for the HPP pools of athletes in each eligible age group. This will provide a higher level of playing experience for all participants from the regional level, athletes that standout as the most elite will then advance for possible national team trial, pool, or team participation. Contact your USA Softball local area program coordinator for more information.

National Trial

The National Team Trials is an event where athletes will compete in additional drills and games so that the National Team Selection Committee and age group head coach can evaluate and identify athletes for placement on a National Team.

Benefits of Participating in the USA Softball HPP…

1. The opportunity to train and play with the best local players in your age group.
2. Quality instruction. Learn from USA Softballs top coaches in your area.
3. Quality competition. Games against other state areas HPP teams.
4. Exposure to national team coaches and selection committee members.
5. The opportunity to represent one’s state area, region, or country in competition.

AGE GROUPS