Have you fallen victim to "keeping up with the Jones's?" Most of us probably have in one way or another. Mike, Jess, 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 Jess 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 Give us a like and follow on Facebook!
In a pickle? Jess 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! Jess'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 Jess 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
Jess 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 Visit our LinkTree! - https://linktr.ee/fundamentalfastpitch
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! Jess 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
