Fundamental Fastpitch: The Podcast

Facing a talented rise ball pitcher is a very difficult task. Jess and Heather discuss how and why hitting the rise ball is different and more difficult than any other pitch. The conversation covers some things you can do as a hitter to give yourself a better chance at success. We close our discussion with a few drills to work on a higher contact point and to simulate a rising pitch. #FundamentalFastpitch #Softball #RiseBall #Hitting #Patterns Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! Check out our YouTube Channel You might also like: 27 : Timing & Adjustments 47 : Strike Zone Early vs Late in an at Bat 55 : Five Parts of the Swing 61 : Wanting to Hit vs Hoping to Walk

If you’ve invested the time and effort to create a strong, positive team culture you probably want to protect that culture. We talk about some culture killers and some things coaches can do to avoid having their team infected by culture killers. What if, as a player, you’ve found yourself on a team with a culture that wasn’t advertised or that you don’t agree with? We close the conversations with some thoughts on how to handle that situation. #FundamentalFastpitch #Softball #Culture #CultureKiller #Bully #MeanGirl #Gossip Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! Check out our YouTube Channel You might also like: 76 : Billboard 112 : A Parent’s Guide to Beginner Softball 135 : Creating a Team Culture - Part 1 136 : Creating a Team Culture - Part 2

Coaches, players, and parents are all responsible for building and maintaining a positive team culture. Communication, accountability, commitment, and respect are common themes in this episode. #FundamentalFastpitch #Softball #TeamCulture #Respect #Communicate Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! Check out our YouTube Channel You might also like: 38 : Know Your Players - Building Relationships 64 : Your Kid is Listening 102 : Respecting Young Athletes

Having a strong, positive team culture doesn’t happen by accident. Join us as we talk about the elements of a good team culture and how to build one. The culture you cultivate influences how you and your team are perceived. Take initiative and do the work to make sure that culture is a positive one. #FundamentalFastpitch #Softball #TeamCulture #Communicate #Trust Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! Check out our YouTube Channel You might also like: 16 : Control the Controllables 66 : Being a Good Opponent 102 : Respecting Young Athletes

Buying a new bat can lead to more questions than answers. Aluminum or composite? How much should I spend? Where do I get a new bat? Does my kid even need a new bat? Jess and Heather get into the weeds as they discuss many of the questions that surround bats. Send us your bat-related questions! #FundamentalFastpitch #Softball #Bats #CompositeBats #Investment  Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! Check out our YouTube Channel You might also like: 48 : Keeping Up With The Jones’s 101 : Coaching Gear Essentials & Extras 112 : A Parent's Guide to Beginner Softball 120 : How To Choose The Right Private Instructor

Join us as we close out the week with the last of our five-part mini-series with Quincy Lewis of Diamond Dynamics. The transfer portal and NIL are new on the scene of college softball. Quincy gives some inside information on how the transfer portal isn’t what it looks like on social media. #FundamentalFastpitch #DiamondDynamics #Softball #CollegePlanning #TransferPortal #NIL Connect with Quincy! Check out Diamond Dynamic’s College Planning Checklist! FB Group: College Planning with Diamond Dynamics Softball  Instagram: @Diamonddynamicssb Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! Check out our YouTube Channel You might also like: 20 : The Ride Home 38 : Know Your Players - Building Relationships 81 : Preparing for an At Bat

Diamond Dynamics’ Quincy Lewis joins Heather and Jess in the fourth of our five-part mini-series on college planning. Things get real as athletes enter their junior and senior years of high school. Quincy shares how to tell when college coaches are listening and are interested as well as how to know when it’s time to focus your efforts elsewhere. As high school nears its end, it’s time to have some difficult conversations and make some thoughtful decisions. #FundamentalFastpitch #DiamondDynamics #Softball #CollegePlanning #11thGrade #12thGrade Connect with Quincy! Check out Diamond Dynamic’s College Planning Checklist! FB Group: College Planning with Diamond Dynamics Softball  Instagram: @Diamonddynamicssb Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! Check out our YouTube Channel You might also like: 33 : Quality > Quantity 39 : Coaching Styles 42 : Why Do You Play Softball?

Quincy Lewis of Diamond Dynamics is back for the third installment of our five-part mini-series on college planning. As athletes enter high school, their college planning experience diverges from dreams and aspirations and takes on a more realistic look. Get Quincy’s take on how communication with college coaches should look and how to always “be recruitable” - you never know who’s watching. #FundamentalFastpitch #DiamondDynamics #Softball #CollegePlanning #9thGrade #10thGrade Connect with Quincy! Check out Diamond Dynamic’s College Planning Checklist! FB Group: College Planning with Diamond Dynamics Softball  Instagram: @Diamonddynamicssb Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! Check out our YouTube Channel You might also like: 16 : Control the Controllables 29 : The Next Play After an Error 31 : Being Coachable - What Does That Mean?

Welcome back Quincy Lewis of Diamond Dynamics for the second episode in our five-part mini-series on college planning. Families of 7th and 8th graders might start feeling pressure to start the college planning process. There’s still plenty of time! Everyone’s college planning experience is different and there is no one-size-fits-all plan. #FundamentalFastpitch #DiamondDynamics #Softball #CollegePlanning #7thGrade #8thGrade Connect with Quincy! Check out Diamond Dynamic’s College Planning Checklist! FB Group: College Planning with Diamond Dynamics Softball  Instagram: @Diamonddynamicssb Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! Check out our YouTube Channel You might also like: 32 : Comparing Your Kid to Their Teammates 64 : Your Kid is Listening 65 : Kids Have Opinions Too 118 : Softball Conversation Starters

We are excited to bring back our friend Quincy Lewis of ⁠Diamond Dynamics⁠ in the first of our five-part mini-series on college planning. Although college is a long way off for 5th and 6th graders, parents of athletes with big goals have questions when it comes to college planning. Quincy shares her thoughts and strategy for introducing college planning to families of young athletes. #FundamentalFastpitch #DiamondDynamics #Softball #CollegePlanning #5thGrade #6thGrade ⁠Connect with Quincy!⁠ ⁠Check out Diamond Dynamic’s College Planning Checklist!⁠ FB Group: ⁠College Planning with Diamond Dynamics Softball ⁠ Instagram: ⁠@Diamonddynamicssb⁠ ⁠Follow us on Instagram!⁠ ⁠Like and follow us on Facebook!⁠ ⁠Check out our YouTube Channel⁠ You might also like: ⁠66 : Being a Good Opponent⁠ ⁠113 : Aging Up from 10u to 12u⁠ ⁠124 : Athleticism in Multisport Athletes⁠

Jess and Heather welcome Quincy Lewis of Diamond Dynamics! In the first of our series with Quincy, she gives us an introduction to the college planning process - when to start, how every experience is different, how involved (or not involved) parents should be, and some college coach red flags. Tune in next week to catch a breakdown of the college planning process from fifth grade through college. #FundamentalFastpitch #DiamondDynamics #Softball #CollegePlanning Connect with Quincy! Check out Diamond Dynamic’s College Planning Checklist! FB Group: College Planning with Diamond Dynamics Softball  Instagram: @Diamonddynamicssb Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! Check out our YouTube Channel You might also like: 15 : The Competitive Softball Journey 53 : Softball is What I Do - Not Who I Am 60 : Having Realistic Expectations 92 : Setting Goals

Heather shares her Little League Baseball coaching experience. Listen in as Jess asks Heather about how coaching boys is different from coaching girls. We talk about Heather’s least favorite baseball rules as well as how coaches, umpires, and parents treated her as a female coach. #FundamentalFastpitch #Softball #Baseball #CoachingTheBoys #LittleLeague ⁠Follow us on Instagram!⁠ ⁠Like and follow us on Facebook!⁠ ⁠Check out our YouTube Channel⁠ You might also like: ⁠17 : Simple Softball⁠ ⁠26 : The Coach’s Kid⁠ ⁠31 : Being Coachable - What Does That Mean?⁠ ⁠62 : Keeping Your Cool During Chaos⁠

When a player is injured, finances and attendance at practices and games are a couple questions that could pop up. Jess and Heather tackle the challenges that surround player injuries - big and small- and how athletes can continue to grow as players through injury. #FundamentalFastpitch #Softball #Injury #Rehab #Practice Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! Check out our YouTube Channel You might also like: 64 : Your Kid is Listening 65 : Kids Have Opinions Too 84 : Settling in to a New Season 86 : The Offseason

Tryouts and open practices are different experiences with different purposes. Coaches, players and parents need to know what to expect, what their responsibilities are, and how to make the most of the experience.  #FundamentalFastpitch #Softball #Tryouts #OpenPractice #BeMemorable Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! Check out our YouTube Channel You might also like: 35 : Tryout Season - Players 36 : Tryout Season - Coaches 37 : Tryout Season - Parents 86 : The Offseason

Learning to be an athlete helps players of all sports. Learning and practicing athleticism in a variety of sports helps softball players in a number of ways. Jess and Heather talk about how being a multisport athlete helps softball players become more athletic, build character, and grow socially and emotionally. #FundamentalFastpitch #Softball #MultisportAthlete #Coordination #Athleticism #Athlete 

In part two of our Game Etiquette series, we talk about how parents and coaches can set a positive example for our players. How the adults behave sets the tone for how the players will conduct themselves on and off the field. In short, be respectful and keep it civil. #FundamentalFastpitch #Softball #GameEtiquette #Respect #BeCivil Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! Check out our YouTube Channel You might also like: 3 : How to Watch Softball 62 : Keeping Your Cool During Chaos 102 : Respecting Young Athletes

Sportsmanship is a huge part of the game. Jess and Heather talk about how players can ensure they are playing respectfully before, during, and after games. Softball is about much more than balls, strikes, runs and outs. #FundamentalFastpitch #Softball #GameEtiquette #Respect Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! Check out our YouTube Channel You might also like: 3 : How to Watch Softball 62 : Keeping Your Cool During Chaos 66 : Being a Good Opponent 88 : Managing the Dugout

When it rains on practice day, you don’t have to cancel. The key to getting a quality practice in when the weather doesn’t cooperate is being flexible and fitting your practice plan to the resources available. You have more options than you might think - listen in to hear some of our favorites. #FundamentalFastpitch #Softball #Rain #SoggyPractice #BattingCages #SoftballSchool Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! Check out our YouTube Channel You might also like: 6 : How to Run an Effective & Efficient Practice 18 : Throwing 101 24 : Dailies & Prep Steps 33 : Quality > Quantity

Private instructors have become the norm in the softball world. But how do you know you’re getting your money’s worth? How can you be sure your daughter is getting the most out of the time spent? Heather and Jess talk about how to find an instructor, what to look for, what questions to ask, and how expectations are different for private instructors vs coaches. #FundamentalFastpitch #Softball #Lessons #PrivateLessons #Hitting #Defense #Catching Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! Check out our YouTube Channel You might also like: 31 : Being Coachable - What Does That Mean? 33 : Quality > Quantity 60 : Having Realistic Expectations 92 : Setting Goals

Summer is knocking at the door, and you may be looking for softball camps and clinics for your players. Listen in to hear some recommendations, things to look for, and warnings. All camps and clinics are not created equal, and you need to know what you’re getting before you spend your money and trust a coach with your kid. #FundamentalFastpitch #Softball #Summer #Camps #Clinics Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! Check out our YouTube Channel You might also like: 15 : The Competitive Softball Journey 17 : Simple Softball 60 : Having Realistic Expectations 62 : Keeping Your Cool During Chaos

Supporting your daughter through her softball journey means more than rides to the softball fields. Jess and Heather go over a list of open-ended questions to ask you daughter that will give you some insight to how she is feeling about the game, herself, and her experience on the field. These conversations may seem daunting at first, but they are worth it! #FundamentalFastpitch #Softball #Communication #Support #SoftballMom #SoftballDad Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! You might also like: 38 : Know Your Players - Building Relationships 42 : Why Do You Play Softball? 60 : Having Realistic Expectations 92 : Setting Goals 102 : Respecting Young Athletes

Heather interviews her daughter, Cora, on the way home from practice. We talk about Cora’s favorite parts of hitting, why she enjoys catching, and her impressions of Mike and Jess. Cora gets the chance to ask Heather a few questions, too. #FundamentalFastpitch #Softball #TheRideHome #PostPracticeTalks #MotherDaughter Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! You might also like: 20 : The Ride Home 54 : What is a Catcher’s Job? 97 : Taking a Pitch vs Attacking the First Pitch 110 : Creating Connections Series - Parents

Evaluating whether league softball or select softball is right for your athlete and family can be a tough exercise.  Jess and Heather talk about the pros and cons of league and select softball from 6u through 12u+. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #LeagueSoftball #SelectSoftball Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! You might also like: 2 : What Do We Get Out of League Ball? 15 : The Competitive Softball Journey 87 : A Better Little League Experience 90 : Classifying Select Teams

Welcome Rusty and Lacie Ham from the Catching You Podcast! On this special guest episode, we talk about Lacie’s college experience thus far, how she got there, and the support her Dad provided her along the way.  Rusty gives Heather and Jess some advice as he looks back to when Lacie was our daughters’ ages.  We learn about why mental health is a priority for Lacie and how she’s preparing herself for life after softball.  Rusty gets our thoughts on what makes a smart softball parent. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #CatchingYou #Softball #CollegeSoftball #MentalHealth #SoftballParents  Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! Check out Catching You on Spotify Follow Catching You on Instagram You might also like: 20 : The Ride Home 60 : Having Realistic Expectations 105: Coaching Your Daughter - Part 1 106 : Coaching Your Daughter - Part 2 110 : Creating Connections Series - Parents

The strike zone and the umpire’s strike zone are not always the same.  Jess and Heather talk about how to adjust your offensive and defensive strategies when the umpire has a tight zone, generous zone, and an inconsistent zone.   #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Softball #Umpire #StrikeZone Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! You might also like: 47 : Strike Zone Early vs Late in an at Bat 61 : Wanting to Hit vs Hoping to Walk 81 : Preparing for an At Bat 95 : Hit By Pitch 97 : Taking a Pitch vs Attacking the First Pitch

The game of softball undergoes a lot of changes as teams age up from 10u to 12u.  The game itself speeds up, players make more advanced defensive plays, and batters are growing into themselves.  Add to all that the fact that 11 and 12 year old girls are experiencing a lot of change and growth in their personal lives, and you have a recipe for excitement on the field.  #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Softball #10u #12u #Growth #Change Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! You might also like: 10 : Baserunning 101 - Part 1 11 : Baserunning 101 - Part 2 27 : Timing and Adjustments 37 : Tryout Season - Parents 97 : Taking a Pitch vs Attacking the First Pitch

Between the gear, practicing at home, and practice and games, getting your kid into the game of softball can be overwhelming.  Jess and Heather cover must have equipment, some pointers for what to expect at games and practices, and how to help your player at home. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Softball #BeginnerSoftball #SoftballMom #SoftballDad   Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! You might also like: 3 : How to Watch Softball 15 : The Competitive Softball Journey 20 : The Ride Home 60 : Having Realistic Expectations

The most notable difference between 8u and 10u softball is the introduction of player pitchers.  With that change comes a big jump in the way the game is played from top to bottom. Catchers now play an important role, batters face less dependable pitching, and smart & aggressive baserunning can change the course of a game.  #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Softball #8u #10u #AgeUp Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! You might also like: 12 : “Eyes on the Ball” 14 : Dropped Third Strike 54 : What is a Catcher’s Job? 95 : Hit By Pitch

How parents interact with players, coaches, and other parents can make a big impact on how enjoyable a weekend at the field is. Parents should prioritize their relationship with their player, use a collaborative approach with coaches, and be supportive of other parents.  #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Softball #SoftballMom #SoftballDad Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! You might also like: 20 : The Ride Home 32 : Comparing Your Kid to Their Teammates 60 : Having Realistic Expectations

Aging out of one division into the next comes with some rule changes, size differences, and some changes in skill level. Jess and Mike discuss some things to consider when making the jump from 6u to 8u. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Softball #6u #8u #AgeUp Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook!

Coaches have a responsibility to form relationships with their players, the parents, and their coaching staff.  The way a coach prioritizes these relationships sets the framework for how everyone else forms relationships.  Listen in for tips on how coaches can create connections, communicate, and resolve conflict. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Softball #Relationships #Connections #Respect #ModelBehavior   Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! You might also like: 5 : Coaches’ Communication with Parents 38 : Know Your Players - Building Relationships 39 : Coaching Styles 102 : Respecting Young Athletes

Heather and Jess talk about the three big connections or relationships players form - player to player, player to coach, and player to parents.  We talk about why players should allow themselves to form connections, what’s in it for them, and ways to foster those connections. Join us for the first of this three part series on creating connections! #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #Softball #Connections #Relationships #Communication Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! You might also like: 15 : The Competitive Softball Journey 31 : Being Coachable - What Does That Mean? 42 : Why Do You Play Softball? 53 : Softball is What I Do, Not Who I Am

Coaching your daughter impacts the relationship you have with her off the softball field. We talk about what you stand to gain by coaching your daughter, some things to keep an eye out for, and some tips for success.  Choosing to coach your daughter should not be a decision made on a whim.  With some preparation and lots of communication, it can be a rewarding experience for both of you. #FundamentalFastpitch #ToughTalks #Softball #CoachMom #CoachDad #CoachesKid Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! You might also like: 16 : Control the Controllables 20 : The Ride Home 26 : The Coach’s Kid 32 : Comparing Your Kid to Their Teammates89 : You’ve Been Voluntold to Coach - Now What?

Coaching your daughter impacts the relationship you have with her off the softball field. We talk about what you stand to gain by coaching your daughter, some things to keep an eye out for, and some tips for success.  Choosing to coach your daughter should not be a decision made on a whim.  With some preparation and lots of communication, it can be a rewarding experience for both of you. #FundamentalFastpitch #ToughTalks #Softball #CoachMom #CoachDad #CoachesKid Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! You might also like: 16 : Control the Controllables 20 : The Ride Home 26 : The Coach’s Kid 32 : Comparing Your Kid to Their Teammates 89 : You’ve Been Voluntold to Coach - Now What?

Pregame warm ups set the stage for a productive game. Warm ups should be consistent and get players physically and mentally prepare to compete. Jess and Heather talk about what a warm up should include, how to be flexible when conditions aren't ideal, and situations where it makes sense to think outside the box. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Softball #Pregame #Warmup #MentallyPrepare Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! You might also like: 17 : Simple Softball 29 : The Next Play After an Error 59 : Importance of a Strong, Athletic Stance 61 : Wanting to Hit vs Hoping to Walk

Players and coaches both play a role in baserunning at every level. But as players grow and develop, they should be coached and encouraged to make more baserunning decisions on their own.  As players develop this skill, coaches become an extra set of eyes and ears to aid baserunners in their decision-making. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Softball #Baserunning #FirstBaseCoach #ThirdBaseCoach Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! You might also like: 10 : Baserunning 101 - Part 1 11 : Baserunning 101 - Part 2 46 : Coaching the Bases 51 : Small Ball - When and Why 80 : Value of a Good, Hard Leadoff

Being respectful to your athletes takes effort, but the payoff comes in the form of earned respect, meaningful relationships, and results on the field.  Heather and Jess talk about ways to show and earn respect on the softball field and beyond. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Softball #Respect #Relationships #Listen Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! You might also like: 31 : Being Coachable - What Does That Mean? 38 : Know Your Players - Building Relationships 39 : Coaching Styles 64 : Your Kid is Listening

Let’s talk gear!  From the must-haves to the extras to the cool bonus stuff.  Hear what gear we use the most and why we include it in our bags.  Coaches need to not only look the part but also be prepared for productive practices and games.  Don’t get overwhelmed though.  You don’t need to empty your bank account in order to coach successfully. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Softball #CoachesGear #CoolBonusStuff Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! You might also like: 6 : How to Run an Effective & Efficient Practice 17 : Simple Softball 46 : Coaching the Bases 63 : Lineup Construction 74 : Soft Toss 101

The Fundamental Fastpitch team celebrates the 100 episode milestone.  In just less than a year - and no missed episodes - we’ve had 100 conversations about the sport we love.  From the serious to the goofy to the practical and everything in between, we thank you for tuning in!   We revisit one of our favorite topics - pet peeves.  Since the early days and our first two pet peeve episodes, our eyes have been opened to all the little things that irk us.  How do our softball icks compare to yours?   We close things out by giving a sneak peak of what’s to come.  Video podcasts?  Special guests?  Brand new resources for parents and coaches?  Follow us to find out! #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #100Episodes #PetPeeves #OnDeck #InTheHole Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! You might also like: 8 : Coaching Pet Peeves - Part 1 9 : Coaching Pet Peeves - Part 2 16 : Control the Controllables 31 : Being Coachable - What Does That Mean? 62 : Keeping Your Cool During Chaos

Traffic control on the softball field?  One of the key responsibilities of the catcher is to communicate with their teammates before and while plays unfold.  We talk about what and how catchers should be communicating.  Also hear how coaches can support their catchers and foster the confidence needed to lead during a game. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Catchers #Leaders #Communicate Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! You might also like: 38 : Know Your Players - Building Relationships 54 : What is a Catcher’s Job? 56 : Is She a Pitcher/Catcher? Or Can She Pitch/Catch?

Jess hits us with another outfield episode!  We cover the basics of how to catch a fly ball, some keywords and what they mean, and some drills to help you get better at fielding fly balls.  All great outfielders get great reads off the bat.  What does that mean and how can we get better at it? #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Outfield #LeftField #CenterField #RightField #FlyBall Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! You might also like: 30 : Fly Ball Communication 57 : Outfield No-Nos 77 : Position Spotlight - Outfield 79 : Outfield Skills and Drills

Having a plan when you step into the box can make a huge difference in your at bats.  Jess and Heather talk about two opposing strategies, how to implement them, and when and how your strategy can and should evolve. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #TakeAPitch #AttackTheFirstPitch Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! You might also like: 52 : Aim Small Miss Small 59 : Importance of a Strong, Athletic Stance 61 : Wanting to Hit vs Hoping to Walk

Giving “your best” can often get tangled with being “the best.”  While players should always be encouraged to improve and get closer to “the best,” we talk about how putting too much emphasis on the label can undermine a player’s (or parent’s or coach’s) best effort and intentions. Consistently giving your best is the best way to ensure you progress as a player.  After all, giving your best is a controllable! #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #YourBest #TeamSport

HBP! Getting hit by a pitch can be a scary thought for young players.  Heather and Jess talk about how important it is to teach players to get hit correctly to minimize risk for injury.  Listen for tips on how to teach getting hit and how to get in the mindset that getting hit by pitch is an opportunity for your team. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #HBP #HitByPitch #Bullseye Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! 4 : Yes, Yes, No Mentality 27 : Timing & Adjustments 47 : Strike Zone Early vs Late in an at Bat 55 : Five Parts of the Swing

Whether you’re still early in your softball career or a seasoned veteran, you likely use some type of secret system to communicate with your coaches and teammates.  We talk about what signs are used for, some different systems, and what to do when signs get crossed up.   #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Signs #PickUpYourCoach

As high school softball seasons begin to kick off here in Texas, we discuss the No Pass No Play rule.  Hear why it’s so important, what you can do when you’re struggling with school, and some ways to support your teammates.   #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #NoPassNoPlay #StudentAthlete #SchoolComesFirst

How do you set out to achieve your dreams?  Setting goals and objectives are great ways to turn dreams into reality.  As players, we should set goals that are well-defined and achievable.  Let’s talk about some long term and short term goals that players of all ages may be thinking about.   #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #Goals #Objectives #LongTermGoals #ShortTermGoals    

As the spring season creeps up, let’s talk about some things to consider when planning your team’s season.  We talk about why it’s important to pre-plan your season, setting expectations with your families when it comes to communicating schedule conflicts, and how to select which tournaments to register for.   #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #PlanAhead #Communicate #Expectations

When it comes to assigning a “class” to your select team, things can get confusing.  Different sanctions determine class differently.  On top of that, the skill and talent level can vary widely from tournament to tournament within a sanction.  Jess and Heather discuss how to make sure you’re getting what you sign up for and what’s best for your team. #FundamentalFastpitch #ToughTalks #AClass #BClass #CClass #OpenClass

Rounding up enough volunteer coaches can be a real issue for some leagues.  Whether you’re a brand new volunteer coach, were pressured into coaching, or were told to coach we have you covered!  Hear some helpful pointers as you navigate each step of the process - from tryouts to practices through the end of season.   #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Voluntold #VolunteerCoach #NewCoach Episode 6 : How to Run an Effective & Efficient Practice