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, Jess 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
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? #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #EyesOnTheBall #WatchTheBall #Tracking #AimSmallMissSmall #Softball
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. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Baserunning #Run #Hustle #BeSmart #Bunt #ExtraBases #ManufactureRuns #Softball
There’s more to baserunning than you might expect! Jess takes us around the bases as she teaches the basics of baserunning. Heather and Mike confess to not being the speediest of runners! #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Baserunning #Run #GetAGoodJump #TagUp #Hustle #Softball
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. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #PetPeeves #Parents #Coaches #Umpires #Softball
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! #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #PetPeeves #LookGoodFeelGoodPlayGood #Catchers #ItsAForce #Popups #KnowYourCount #Softball
You’re sure to hear “Softball Ready” at almost any ballpark, but what does it mean anyway? Jess 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. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #SoftballReady #PrePitchPrep #MentalChecklist #PrepSteps #Communicate
Practice - whether you love it or dread it, it’s pivotal to your success on the field. Jess 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. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Practice #Effective #Efficient #HaveAPlan #NoStandingAround
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. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Communication #Relationships #Coach
What does Yes, Yes, No mean? Jess 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! #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #YesYesNo #Plan #MakeAPlay #MentalGame #Mindset
“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. Jess and Heather offer tips on how to be a better fan. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Parents #SoftballMom #SoftballDad #HereForTheGirls #SoftballFan
Listen in as Jess and Heather break down league play at each age group. We hear about Jess’s short career as a catcher, and the discussion hits a forbidden topic - politics. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #LittleLeauge #League #Development #Fundamentals
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. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #TheDugout #TheHuddle #ToughTalks #LetsGo
