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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I'm trying to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of having a player move up an age division. What are the [b]major pros and cons[/b] you've experienced when a player plays up (like a 15 year-old on a 16s team, or a 16s player on a 17s team)?

Is it better to be a big fish on a lower-level team (14-1/15-1 on a 15-2/16-3 squad) or get that tough competition and exposure by moving up (age up to 1s team, even if it means less playing time)?

For those who've done it or coached it, what's your take? Any stories or advice is appreciated.[/quote]
Assuming equal playing time in both cases (playing with same age and playing up) 
Pros: skill is improved as playing up will learn more from older kids, more advanced drills in practice, more challenges in game. For example, a back row player will be benefit from learning how to pass tougher serves from older players, how to dig better from a hard driven hit, and how to serve better to score an Ace, etc. Front row players may learn how to deal with better blocking, how to play smarter on hitting, or how to play offense in a dynamic offense strategy which is available only in older age team.  
Cons: Playing up means you will be teaming with older and higher school grade,  you may feel left out in social discussion with different interests. In the mean time, it is an opportunity to learn how to adapt and survive, which is more a life lesson than sport. [/quote]

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