Fundamental Fastpitch: The Podcast

Softball is a game of ups and downs, and it’s easy to let your emotions take over.  We discuss some things that could set the stage for coaches to lose their cool and what to do when you feel yourself reaching your tipping point.  #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #KeepYourCool #TakeAWalk #BeARoleModel

What’s your mindset at the plate?  A “want to hit” mentality works hand in hand with the Yes Yes No mindset.  Together, this approach sets the batter up for having quality at bats and being a hard out.  #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #WantToHit #BeAHitter

As parents, we want to encourage our kids to learn and grow as athletes and individuals.  But are we hurting more than we’re helping?  Having realistic expectations as they relate to your player’s age, skill level, and other commitments will help parents provide the support our kids need to develop into skilled athletes.  #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Expectations #StudentAthlete #SchoolFirst #FaithFirst

A strong, athletic stance is the basis for all movements in all sports. We go over some do’s and don’ts when it comes to being athletic and ready to make a play.  Athleticism can be learned, and we discuss some drills for developing an athlete’s athleticism.  #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #BeAthletic #BabyGiraffe

Welcome to part two of our defensive red flags series!  This time, Heather walks us through some infield no-nos.  We talk about being a playmaker, creating opportunities, throwing, and making tags.  #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #NoNos #RedFlags #Infield

Join us for the first of a two-part series about defensive red flags.  Jessica runs through her list of outfield no-nos.  You’ll learn what not to do in the outfield and how to replace those actions with positive, productive alternatives. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #NoNos #RedFlags #Outfield

Is there a difference between a player who can pitch a ball and a player who is a pitcher? What about the difference between a player who can wear the gear and play the position and a "catcher?" We discuss these distinctions and how to identify players that have pitching or catching running through their veins. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Pitcher #Catcher #Leaders #MikeAndMike

On location! In between games, the crew breaks the swing down into it's five basic parts. Which part is most important? When and how should the parts be taught to young players? We answer these questions and more. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Swing #Stance #Load #Step #Contact #Extension

Heather and Mike kick Jessica out so they can talk catching!  We cover all the jobs of a catcher.  I bet you can’t guess what a catcher’s number one job is!  #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #CatchersOnly #Work #Thankless

On our 50th episode, we look back at how we got started, talk about what we've accomplished in just a few months, and give a sneak peek at what's in the works.  #FundamentalFastpitch #Episode50 #50thEpisode

Mike and Heather reflect on how they would (or wouldn't) change their approach to how they got their daughters started in the game if given the chance to do it again. Jessica describes how her coaching experiences are shaping how she introduces the game to her young daughter. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #SoftballIsFun #MultiSportAthletes #Athleticism #Softball #Fastpitch

Have you fallen victim to "keeping up with the Jones's?"  Most of us probably have in one way or another.  Mike, Jessica, and Heather discuss what that phrase means in the softball world and how to avoid it.  It's not all bad, though.  There are certain situations where keeping up can be a motivator. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #KeepingUpWithTheJoness #Gadgets #PostItOnFacebook #NewStuff #Softball #Fastpitch

How do you approach your at bats? Is it the same every at bat? Does it change within each at bat? We discuss how a player's approach at the plate should evolve as the count changes. As always, know the situation! #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #YourPitch #ExpandingStrikeZone #TrustYourself #UmpiresZone

Mike and Jessica discuss the importance of coaching the bases and your role, whether you're on the left or right side of the diamond. Additionally, we discuss the progression and timeline of more complex baserunning. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #PickUpYourCoach #FirstBase #ThirdBase

We return to our 101 series with groundballs! Heather lays down the basics of this foundational skill. You're never too old, too experienced, or too good to practice the basics of fielding a groundball. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Grounders #FoundationalSkills #StayAthletic #WatchTheBall

In a pickle? Jessica and Heather dissect rundowns from both the defensive and offensive sides. Key takeaways: spatial awareness and communication. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Rundowns #FollowYourThrow #Bump #SmartBaserunning

So your kid didn't make the team. While this is never news you'd like to receive, it can still result in some positives. We talk through some pointers on how to break the news to your player, how to respond, and how to move forward. #FundamentalFastpitch #ToughTalks #Communicate #ItsNotPersonal #Feedback #StayPositive #Softball

Why do you play softball? Whether you play softball because you're parents want you to, you love hanging with your friends, or you can't get enough, there are some things to be aware of. Each motivator comes with advantages and drawbacks to be aware of. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #SuperSoftballer #Friends #Competition #Fastpitch  

Another season is drawing to an end.  We discuss how we close out each season, including a team party or get-together to thank all the families and player evaluations.  Learn why we conduct player evaluations, how we hold them, and some ideas for your own player evaluations. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #EndOfSeason #TeamParty #PlayerEvals #Softball

Ask Coach Jess! Jessica's softball girls ask her anything. You won't want to miss these silly, off-the-wall, and serious questions. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #AskCoachJess #Mustard #TurfShoes

What's your coaching style? Has it changed over the years? We explain our and each other's coaching styles and why they work for us. We also talk about the importance of and how to grow and evolve as a coach. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #BeYourself #Genuine #BuddyTheElf #Steady #Confident #Softball

Connecting with your players leads to short and long-term benefits. Although it takes just a little bit of intentional effort and time, the rewards for going above and beyond are incredibly fulfilling. Take the time to get to know your players! #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #BuildingRelationships #Connect #Softball

Tryouts can be overwhelming for everyone. We talk about what kinds of questions parents should be ready to ask prospective coaches. Know what your and your players goals are before attending tryouts and don't be afraid to attend a few extra tryouts. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Tryouts #OpenPractice #AskQuestions #BeHonest #Softball

Coaches! Let's talk about how to run a smooth, informative, efficient tryout! Don't forget that the players aren't the only people on the field being evaluated. We talk about how to approach a tryout or open practice that is informative to both the coaches and the prospective players/families. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Tryouts #OpenPractice #HaveAPlan #Softball

Tryouts are a sign of a new beginning. In this episode, we go over some pointers for players as they embark on a new softball adventure. What are some do's and don'ts when attending tryouts and open practices? How can you make yourself stand out and be memorable? #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugouts #Tryouts #BeMemorable #EyeContact #AskQuestions #Softball

Teams don't last forever, but the breakup doesn't have to be bad. In this episode, we talk about some reasons why a team may break up, when to break the news to the team, and how to move on. #FundamentalFastpitch #ToughTalks #SoftballBreakup #CallingItQuits #Softball #Fastpitch

What is a quality rep? How many reps is enough? How do I know if my player is taking quality reps? Why are quality reps more important than the quantity of reps? Listen as Jessica and Heather dissect these and related questions. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #TheHuddle #BadRepsDontMakeYouBetter #QualityOverQuantity #BeIntentional #Softball

Comparing your kid to their teammates is tempting and usually rooted in good intentions. We talk about how and why those comparisons can be crushing to a player. Hear some other methods of encouraging and challenging your kid. #FundamentalFastpitch #ToughTalks #SlipperySlope #Respect #Encourage #Challenge #Softball

Jessica and Heather discuss what "being coachable" means to them. Although it's a player's decision to be or not be coachable, coaches have a responsibility to make an effort to connect with a player - even when it's not easy. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #BeCoachable #Attitude #Effort #Focus #Softball

If we've said it once, we've said it a hundred times. Communication on the softball field is paramount - especially on fly balls. We delve into when and how to call a fly ball, which fielder has "priority" on fly balls, and pursuing fly balls at the fence. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #FlyBallCommunication #FlyBallPriority #Fence #Softball

Everyone makes errors - even the best of the best. What sets the elite player apart from the great player is their ability to move on after making an error. We talk about some strategies for dealing with errors and mental mistakes. Don't forget that parents and coaches also play a huge roll in how athletes process errors. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #Error #ShortTermMemory #Dory #PositiveSelfTalk #Softball

Don't get caught unprepared! We discuss how to prep for a weekend at the fields. Players, parents, and coaches each have their own checklists. What is your must-have item? #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #WeekendAtTheFields #LongWeekend #Hydrate #Snacks #Sunscreen #Softball

Have a beautiful swing but not getting the hits you'd like? You could have a timing issue. We talk about identifying timing problems and how to address them. Patience is the key to avoiding big frustration. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Timing #Early #Late #OnTime #Softball

Two special guests make their podcast debut. Easton Brouillette and Cora Maloney give some insight on what it's like to be a coach's kid. Listen in to get their perspective on how being a coach's kid impacts their relationships on and off the field. #FundamentalFastpitch #ToughTalks #CoachsKid #HigherStandard #Leader #Softball

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Pitchers and catchers are a special breed. They are the hardest workers on the game and practice fields, are some of the most dedicated individuals, and are fierce competitors. We talk about what to expect if your daughter is interested in pitching or catching. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #Pitchers #Catchers #Competitor #Dedicated #HardestWorker

The team talks about the objective of "dailies, how they may differ from player to player and position to position, and why they are so important. A compliment to dailies, prep steps also set you up for defensive success. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Dailies #Reps #PrepSteps #RightLeft #Hop #RightLeftHop #Softball

This episode is for the triple threats! Jessica unloads some slapping knowledge, and explains all the tools available to lefty slappers. We also touch on how to defend a slap. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Slap #Slappers #TripleThreat #Leftys #Bunt #PowerSlap #TapSlap #PlacementSlap #DragBunt #Softball

"Daddy Ball" can evoke strong negative emotions. But parent-coaches are not doomed to play daddy ball. There are plenty of great parent-coaches! We talk about how parent-coaches can avoid the "daddy ball" label and what players and parents can do when daddy ball becomes an issue. #FundamentalFastpitch #ToughTalks #DaddyBall #ParentCoach #Communicate #Expectations #Softball

If you've spent any time in the select softball world, you've heard the term "team hopper." Why does it have a negative connotation? What can you do to prevent becoming a team hopper? And when is it ok to jump ship? #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #TeamHopper #DaddyBall #PlayingTime #Conversations #AskQuestions #Softball

Are your rides home enjoyable, difficult, or fun? We look back at our experiences and reflect on our current approaches. The ride home is often a pain point for athletes, but it can be turned into a positive, productive experience with some effort and forethought. #FundamentalFastpitch #ToughTalks #TheRideHome #HatTrick #ImNotMyTeammate #StatOverload #BePositive #Controllables #Softball

We wouldn't leave you hanging after Throwing 101! We review some tips on catching mechanics and discuss some favorite drills. Fear is a huge part of learning to catch and we talk about how we've tackled that monster. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Catch #JustPlayCatch #FingersUp #GetUnderTheBall #InThePocket #Softball

Heather talks about her love for playing catch. She takes us through some foundational steps for learning how to throw. We discuss the importance of learning to throw and making it a routine part of practice. Most of all: Just play catch! #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #PlayCatch #Throw #ThrowingMechanics #LoveLanguage #Softball

Simple softball is breaking the game down into its basic foundational components AND executing those foundational skills. At its core, it’s playing catch and playing it well. We talk through the fundamentals of simple softball, why it’s so important, and some tips for executing. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #SimpleSoftball #PlayCatch #Throw #Catch #Execute #FoundationalSkills #Softball

On the softball field - and in life - there are so many factors that are out of our control.  We discuss three things that are in our control and how choosing to control them can make all the difference. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #ControlTheControllables #Attitude #Effort #Focus #GiveItYourAll #LeaveItAllOnTheField #Softball

Take a tour of softball at every level.  From league to select through college, Jessica and Heather talk about each level and do some reminiscing. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #DevelopmentalMilestones #League #AllStar #Select #HighSchool #College #Softball

Dropped third what? A strikeout can end with the batter reaching base? The crew discusses an important but often misunderstood rule. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #DroppedThirdStrike #Run #KnowYourCount #Softball

How many kinds of bunts are there? We discuss four types of bunts, when each type of bunt may be called, and the mechanics of bunting. Leave a comment and tell us what terminology you use. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Bunt #SacBunt #GetYourBuntDown #SmallBall #Softball