Ask Coach Heather! Heather gets her chance to field questions from her 12u girls! Mike and Heather discuss some surprisingly thought-provoking questions. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #AskCoachHeather
We make our way out to the grass in this edition of the position spotlight series. Jess delves into the qualities of a great outfielder. We round out the conversation with what makes each of the outfield positions unique and a long list of outfield drills. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Outfield #StuckInTheOutfield #ReadsOffTheBat
You see billboards all the time, but what does it mean to be a billboard on the softball field? Heather and Jess explain what it means to “billboard,” why “billboarding” is a problem, and some ways to avoid it. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #Billboard #Emotions #3Seconds #Snowball
Shortstop demands versatility. Mike, Heather, and Jess talk about how shortstops are able to fill the various needs of the position. In addition to physical skills, confidence, softball IQ, and a dose of swagger round out the tools available to great shortstops. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Shortstop #Athletic #Swagger #Silky
The crew dives into a batting practice staple - soft toss. Hear the proper way to set up soft toss and some common mistakes. We round out the conversation with some soft toss variations. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #SoftToss #BattingPractice #GoHit
What makes a third baseman great? Is it being technically flawless or the mental approach? We talk about how both of these qualities factor into making a well-rounded third baseman. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #ThirdBase #HotCorner #ALittleCrazy
Mike and Jess wrap up their candid conversation with insight on the local little league draft processes and their own individual responses to team success and big moments. As an added bonus, enjoy their post wrap-up discussion about their kids’ personalities and navigating emotions through success and failure. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Draft #BigFeelings #Success #Failure
Follow along with Mike and Jess as they continue their discussion about controversial little league strategies such as bunting, slapping, and running the ball in from the outfield. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Texas #California
Without the steady supervision of Heather, Mike and Jess get on a windy roll about little league in California vs Texas. Part 1 of this 3-part dialogue centers on the differences in rules. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #CaliforniaSoftball #TexasSoftball
Second base sometimes gets portrayed as “less than” its partner across the diamond. Jess and Heather talk about the role of second base and what to look for in a second baseman. We close things out with a list of skills every second baseman should be working on. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #SecondBase #MiddleInfield #SneakyRange Give us a like and follow on Facebook!
Do you panic when a batter shows bunt? Or are you confident in your defense? Well-executed bunt defense can shut down an offensive push in a hurry. Listen in to hear how we like to defend the bunt. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #BuntDefense #EverybodyHasAJob
In the first of our Position Spotlight Series, we delve into what makes a great first baseman. The qualities of an ideal first baseman will shift as players develop and the game speeds up. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #FirstBase #BeAnAthlete
Sportsmanship should be one of the first things coaches teach young players. Jess, Heather, and special guest Cora discuss how to be a good sport before, during, and after the game. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #PlayerPerspective #DugoutWars #KeyboardWarriors #Gossip
Kids are always paying attention to what’s around them. There will be times when “adult conversations” need to be shared with players. We give some pointers on when and how to discuss important topics without influencing your young athlete’s opinions. #FundamentalFastpitch #ToughTalks #NoBullying #PlayerLedConversations Give us a like and follow on Facebook!
As parents, we often shield our kids from inappropriate conversations. But how many of us are careful about little ears being present when we discuss softball? The crew details adult-only softball conversations and how those conversations can influence our kids if they are exposed to them. #FundamentalFastpitch #ToughTalks #YourKidIsListening #Earmuffs...
Is filling out your lineup card an overwhelming task? There are many ways to construct a batting order. We discuss some things to consider and what we are looking for as we build out our lineups. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #BattingOrder #Lineup
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 Give us a like and follow on Facebook!
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. Jess 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 Jess 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
Who are you? What makes you you? How do you define your worth? Ask yourself these hard questions. Identifying solely as a softball player is dangerous territory. We talk about why softball is a part of you and shouldn't be your identity. #FundamentalFastpitch #ToughTalks #BeYou #YouAreMoreThanTheGame #HaveFun #HaveFun
Aim small. Miss small. Jess and Heather discuss applying these four simple words on the softball field. As a philosophy and mental approach to the game, applying them can slow the game down and drown out distractions. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #AimSmallMissSmall #Tracking
Small ball gets a bad rap, but we love it! Hear what strategies fall under the “small ball” category and when implementing them can give you a leg up. Learn why it’s important for every type of hitter to have small ball in their arsenal. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #SmallBall #Bunt #Slap #Bunt&Run Give us a like and follow on Facebook!
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. Jess describes how her coaching experiences are shaping how she introduces the game to her young daughter. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #SoftballIsFun #MultiSportAthletes #Athleticism #Softball #Fastpitch
