2livecrew wrote:There a more than a few programs in Region 3 that are very low on numbers as well, but that isn't as surprising because the majority of schools in Region 3 are small school. (even with the co-ops). It seems like numbers for GBB have been dropping in more than one Region for a while now, it would be nice to know why, but I don't think that is possible as it will be different from program to program.
1. There is no break between volleyball and basketball. Look at football players on the boys side. Even if you play as long as possible (the championship game) you still get a two week break before basketball starts. In volleyball, you can bow out of the playoffs early and still have to start basketball almost right away.
2. Basketball is a harder sport than volleyball, at least in terms of physical demand. Having no break plays a factor into this. Girls are tired after a long VB season, and the idea of going into the next thing which is even harder is daunting. It's been said here before, but I think switching the seasons back would help numbers at least a little.
Yes, things will vary program to program, but I think those are 2 pretty big reasons that can be applied to many situations.
Agree. Either start volleyball earlier or start basketball later.
I had a coach tell me for volleyball and basketball they had to practice at 6 AM on Wednesday. They are in a coop. One school always had to leave at 5 AM. By the time basketball rolls around they have a lot of girls that don't want to do that anymore. It's different leaving at 5 AM in September than January too.
Obviously, there is always one more player per team on the court in volleyball but it's also easier to get more girls playing time. It isn't that difficult to 8-9 girls in a competitive match, you'll have a few kids that only play front or back. Most basketball teams are going to struggle to play 8-9 girls without a significant drop-off in talent.
Probably more than any other team sport you can compete at a young age in girls basketball. So you end up with younger players taking spots from older players. Older players quit.