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’ C...
Mar 11, 2024•41 min
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...
Mar 07, 2024•38 min
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 fo...
Mar 04, 2024•30 min
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 fo...
Feb 29, 2024•31 min
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 Ne...
Feb 26, 2024•27 min
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 ...
Feb 22, 2024•30 min
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 : Coachin...
Feb 19, 2024•38 min
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 t...
Feb 15, 2024•26 min
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 clo...
Feb 12, 2024•1 hr 10 min
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 - Buildi...
Feb 08, 2024•37 min
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 : Outfi...
Feb 05, 2024•42 min
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...
Feb 01, 2024•24 min
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
Jan 29, 2024•50 min
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 :...
Jan 25, 2024•31 min
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
Jan 22, 2024•54 min
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
Jan 18, 2024•32 min
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
Jan 15, 2024•45 min
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
Jan 11, 2024•48 min
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
Jan 08, 2024•40 min
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...
Jan 04, 2024•36 min
Managing the dugout is an often-overlooked aspect of coaching. How you run the dugout will evolve as you move through the various levels of play. Players need to know their spot in the lineup and where they are playing on the field, but there are also plenty of ways to keep players engaged whether they’re in the lineup or not. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #DugoutMom #DugoutDad #DugoutJobs
Jan 01, 2024•45 min
League play wouldn’t exist without the participation of a multitude of volunteers - volunteers that are immensely appreciated. How those volunteers are guided impacts the quality of the league experience. We talk about some things a board should consider when structuring their organization and embarking upon a new season. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #LeagueSoftball #Communicate
Dec 28, 2023•32 min
The offseason is a chance to take a break, reset, and charge your batteries. How long should the offseason be? What types of activities should your athletes be doing? How often and intense should activities be? #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #TheOffseason #TakeABreak #Burnout #IndividualSkills
Dec 25, 2023•51 min
Bring up fundraising and you’re sure to get some groans. Whether you’re raising money for an organization, team, or yourself there are some things to keep in mind. We also cover a long list of fundraising ideas and options. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Fundraising #Transparency
Dec 21, 2023•44 min
A new season brings new opportunities. It also brings potentially uncomfortable changes. Heather and Jess talk about some causes for change as you settle into a new season, when changes turn into concerns, and how to address concerns constructively. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #NewSeason #TeamChemistry #Communication
Dec 18, 2023•22 min
Jump back into the time machine for this encore episode where we mash up three of our earliest episodes. Enjoy some highlights of episodes 4 : Yes, Yes, No Mentality, 6 : How to Run an Effective & Efficient Practice, and 10 : Baserunning 101 - Part 1. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #TheHuddle #SoftballSchool #YesYesNo #Practice #Baserunning - - - - - - - - - - 4 : What does Yes, Yes, No mean? Jess explains how to set yourself up for success in the box while Heather delves into the defensiv...
Dec 14, 2023•44 min
We have grown so much in 80+ episodes! Jump into the time machine for this encore episode where we go ALL THE WAY BACK to the first ever episode of Fundamental Fastpitch: The Podcast! - - - - - - - - - - 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, ...
Dec 11, 2023•12 min
Quality at bats are no accident. Jess, Mike, and Heather go through a laundry list of ways to prepare for an at bat - long before you ever step foot in the box. Taken in all at once, the ways to prepare can be overwhelming, but a step-wise approach to implementing these tips can give reliable results. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #AtBat #Preparation #InTheDugout #OnDeck #InTheBox Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook!...
Dec 07, 2023•53 min
It may not seem like it, but the quality of a leadoff can make the difference between an out and safe call. We explain what a leadoff is, what it isn’t, and why it’s so important. Most importantly, getting a good, hard leadoff is the decision to apply two controllables - effort and focus. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Leadoff #IsSheStealing #KeepDefenseGuessing Give us a like and follow on Facebook!...
Dec 04, 2023•32 min
Jess didn’t get enough outfield talk during last week’s Outfield Position Spotlight episode. We take a deeper dive into outfield-specific skills and drills. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Outfield #SkillsAndDrills
Nov 30, 2023•43 min
