Fundamental Fastpitch: The Podcast

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. #Timing #Early #Late #OnTime #Softball #SoftballSchool #FundamentalFastpitch 

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. #CoachsKid #HigherStandard #Leader #Softball #ToughTalks #FundamentalFastpitch 

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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.

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. #Dailies #Reps #PrepSteps #RightLeft #Hop #RightLeftHop #Softball #SoftballSchool #FundamentalFastpitch

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. #Slap #Slappers #TripleThreat #Leftys #Bunt #PowerSlap #TapSlap #PlacementSlap #DragBunt #Softball #SoftballSchool #FundamentalFastpitch

"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. #DaddyBall #ParentCoach #Communicate #Expectations #Softball #ToughTalks #FundamentalFastpitch

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? #TeamHopper #DaddyBall #PlayingTime #Conversations #AskQuestions #Softball #TheHuddle #FundamentalFastpitch

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. #TheRideHome #HatTrick #ImNotMyTeammate #StatOverload #BePositive #Controlables #Softball #ToughTalks #FundamentalFastpitch

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. #Catch #JustPlayCatch #FingersUp #GetUnderTheBall #InThePocket #Softball #FundamentalFastpitch

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! #PlayCatch #Throw #ThrowingMechanics #LoveLanguage #Softball #FundamentalFastpitch

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. #SimpleSoftball #PlayCatch #Throw #Catch #Execute #FoundationalSkills #Softball #FundamentalFastpitch

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. #ControlTheControllables #Attitude #Effort #Focus #GiveItYourAll #LeaveItAllOnTheField #Softball #FundamentalFastpitch

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. #DevelopmentalMilestones #League #AllStar #Select #HighSchool #College #Softball #FundamentalFastpitch

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

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. #Bunt #SacBunt #GetYourBuntDown #SmallBall #Softball #FundamentalFastpitch

You've probably seen the adorable video where the kid puts their eye up to the ball atop the tee. But that's not what we coaches mean when we say "eyes on the ball." What is tracking? How do we know if a player isn't tracking and what can be done about it? #EyesOnTheBall #WatchTheBall #Tracking #AimSmallMissSmall #Softball #FundamentalFastpitch

Join us for even more baserunning talk!  As players develop, they should be looking to up their game with some advanced concepts.  The group talks about how to edge out your opponents on the bases.  #Baserunning #Run #Hustle #BeSmart #Bunt #ExtraBases #ManufactureRuns #Softball #FundamentalFastpitch

There’s more to baserunning than you might expect!  Jessica takes us around the bases as she teaches the basics of baserunning.  Heather and Mike confess to not being the speediest of runners! #Baserunning #Run #GetAGoodJump #TagUp #Hustle #Softball #FundamentalFastpitch

Pet Peeves: Round Two!  We had so much fun discussing pet peeves that we needed a second episode!  Find out how parents, coaches, and umpires make our skin crawl.  Let us know some of your biggest pet peeves.  Leave a comment on our social. #PetPeeves #Parents #Coaches #Umpires #Softball #FundamentalFastpitch

Listen in to get a glimpse of what makes the crew’s skin crawl.  We discuss our top 5 pet peeves on the field.  Mike shares his vision for softball uniforms of the future! #PetPeeves #LookGoodFeelGoodPlayGood #Catchers #ItsAForce #Popups #KnowYourCount #Softball #FundamentalFastpitch

You’re sure to hear “Softball Ready” at almost any ballpark, but what does it mean anyway?  Jessica and Heather talk through what being ready means and looks like.  We discuss alternatives to shouting “Softball Ready!” and how to put that responsibility on the athletes.

Practice - whether you love it or dread it, it’s pivotal to your success on the field.  Jessica goes into the qualities of an effective practice, and Heather explains efficiency on the practice field.  We round things out with a discussion about livening practice up with competition.

We all know communication is vital in life, and that’s also true in softball.  Learn what type of information should be communicated at the league and select levels.  Communication is the foundation for the many types of relationships developed on the softball field.

What does Yes, Yes, No mean?  Jessica explains how to set yourself up for success in the box while Heather delves into the defensive side of things.  Listen in to learn how your mental approach can make a huge impact on your game.  TLDR: Have a plan!

“That parent”  Everyone knows one.  Or maybe you’re “that parent.”  Mike leads us through a conversation about how “that parent” detracts from the game and the girls.  Jessica and Heather offer tips on how to be a better fan.

Listen in as Jessica and Heather break down league play at each age group.  We hear about Jessica’s short career as a catcher, and the discussion hits a forbidden topic - politics.

Welcome! Meet the Fundamental Fastpitch crew!  Longtime softball players, coaches, and students of the game: Jessica Tanner, Heather Maloney, and Mike Brouillette. Jessica and Heather introduce the four categories of Fundamental Fastpitch podcasts to look forward to: Softball School, The Huddle, The Dugout, and Tough Talks.