Any coach who would discourage a player from trying out for ODP I respectfully submit is leading you astray. As someone else stated in this thread, ODP experience has always played a significant role in the development of collegiate players and I believe it always will. Not all states employ college coaches as ODP coaches, so our players get that as an added benefit.
My son's first ODP experience at the age of 10 (he's now 15) was to be trained by Head Coaches Ralph Lundy of The College of Charleston, Van Taylor of Lander and Ben Freakley now of VMI (I believe he was the Erskine Head Coach at that time), Bert Molinary of USC and for the past two seasons Sam Okpodu of Newberry. The impact such professionals, in conjunction with well qualified club coaches, have on the development of kids as young people and as players can't be emphasized enough.
Every one of these coaches have and do demand more of their players than they often realize they are capable of giving. Players who work individually, with their teammates, parents, etc. to stay in the program build a sense of accomplishment, desire for improvement, a healthy appreciation for how to take constructive criticism and general sense of pride in the responsibility they have as a member of their team.
Much of what I see as benefits of ODP are related to the mental aspect of the game as taught by these accomplished coaches and most club coaches. Teaching and having technical skill is a given at this level by all involved. Understanding the physical and mental demands of the game are better taught and absorbed when a player is exposed to multiple qualified coaches.
So, in my opinion, the $1500 or so the program and associated travel costs over the course of the year is money well spent..
SC 92 Boys had 10 players selected for the pool game tonight. Well done on the first day of Regionals after a 2-0 win this morning.
