The BEST hitters I know really put and emphasis on the little (and sometimes boring) elements of their training which is the exact reason why they are the best. Here are 5 of what I believe are some of the most important things you can be doing this off-season to make this spring/summer your best yet at the plate! Get $20 off the Gold VHA Membership - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/offers/vor2GWwW?coupon_code=GOLD20 Learn more about the Virtual Hitting Academy - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/...
Jan 10, 2024•33 min•Ep. 164
Everyone wants to be a part of a successful team, but not everyone is willing to work for it. Learn from 2005 National Champion and the winningest coach in Division 1 softball, Carol Hutchins, what she’s seen the most successful players and teams do that set themselves apart from the rest. Learn more about the Virtual Hitting Academy! - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/virtual-hitting-academy-2-0 Learn more about the Fearless Warrior Program (use code ASHLEYB50 for $50 off!) - https://www.fearles...
Jan 03, 2024•32 min•Ep. 163
What’s your biggest fear? For most athletes it’s letting our teammates down that gets us stuck in a negative mindset which ends up hurting our performance. Today, I’m hanging with my good friend and Founder of Fearless Fastpitch, Amanda Schaefer, and we’re talking about how to conquer that big fear, own what makes you, YOU and learn the biggest key to repeating our successes. And stay tuned for a HUGE announcement I’ve been keeping secret (that you’re the FIRST to know about!) Everything you nee...
Dec 27, 2023•38 min•Ep. 162
In order to feel more prepared and relaxed for games, we NEED to make our practices tougher. Today, I’m sharing a conversation I had with my VIrtual Hitting Academy members going over some of my favorite mental challenges to intentionally add into your practice that will help you build your mental grit and resilience to help prepare you for the big pressure moments in games. Join the Virtual Hitting Academy Waitlist - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/waitlist Follow and share with me your favorit...
Dec 20, 2023•35 min•Ep. 161
We all want to do what’s best for our athletes and today’s guest is no exception. Learning from her mistakes as a sports parent with her daughter (as you may have read in her viral blog “My daughter quit sports and this is what youth sports parents need to know”), Award Winning Sports Journalist, Asia Mape, is sharing some of the do’s and don’ts she’s learned on her journey with three athletic daughters to help parents enjoy watching their athlete play rather than potentially hurt their experien...
Dec 13, 2023•52 min•Ep. 160
Some people will make the most of their off season by honing in on their skills while others will sit back and “hope for the best”. Don’t be the second one. Today you’ll learn how to make your training as efficient as you can while also getting to enjoy the process of getting better. Join the Virtual Hitting Academy Waitlist - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/waitlist Single-tasking neuroscientist article link - https://blog.rescuetime.com/single-tasking/#:~:text=enjoy%20your%20work.-,Focusing%20...
Dec 06, 2023•43 min•Ep. 159
Since Dad got his own episode about him a few weeks ago for his Birthday, I thought mom should get a surprise episode about how incredible she is, too! Here are 7 lessons my mom has taught my sisters and I, including why we should be prioritizing experiences and what “work hard, play hard” actually means at our house. Join the Virtual Hitting Academy Waitlist - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/waitlist Join our NEW WTCCO Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/whenthecleatscomeoff/ F...
Nov 29, 2023•19 min•Ep. 158
Coach P is back this week sharing her passion for outfield and how she focused on angles, reads, first steps, creating an “all out mentality” for the last line of defense and more along with some encouragement for teaching baserunners how to be aggressive, yet smart! Join the Virtual Hitting Academy waitlist - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/waitlist Continue the conversation inside the WTCCO Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/whenthecleatscomeoff Follow and share with me your ...
Nov 22, 2023•51 min•Ep. 157
You don’t have a credible 38 year career at a Power 5 University which includes a Hall of Fame induction under your belt without taking your role as a Head Coach seriously. Newly retired UNC Softball Head Coach, Donna Papa, is sharing with us the biggest lessons she’s learned throughout the years about team culture, leadership, the devotion she had to working on her craft, the qualities of the great teams she’s had and so much more. Leave your review of When the Cleats Come Off on Apple Podcasts...
Nov 15, 2023•32 min•Ep. 156
My dad was my first ever hero and today you’re going to learn 12 reasons why. These lessons have a lot to do with softball but a whole lot more to do with LIFE and being a good person. Happy Birthday, Dad. :) Check out the Always Grind 365 Coaches Notebooks - https://alwaysgrind365.com/collections/coaches/products/coachs-game-logs “The incredible things my first travel ball team taught me” - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/blog/travel%20ball Join our NEW WTCCO Facebook Community - https://www.fa...
Nov 08, 2023•35 min•Ep. 155
After playing for and being mentored by one of the greatest coaches in our time, Patrick Murphy, at Alabama, Molly Fichtner has “changed the game” for University of Louisiana Monroe Softball into being one of the most elite college playing environments in the country. Today, you’re going to learn what makes Molly such a great leader that her team LOVES playing for, what she does to work on her team’s culture, why Molly believes it’s the PEOPLE that make the PROGRAM and a lot more! Learn more abo...
Nov 01, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 154
Today we're talking about the importance of having a dream, how to take your first steps to make it happen, and a little motivation to get you going! Check out the book Mind Gym - https://amzn.to/3SaLR4G Follow and share with me your favorite parts on social! Website - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/ YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmey7_LOSN8tSia6gcWqtIzTTyTDpOodr Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ Twi...
Oct 25, 2023•30 min•Ep. 153
I recently was a guest on my good friend, Amanda Schaefer’s, BRAND NEW show called The Fearless Warrior Podcast and we pulled back the curtain about what to do when we find ourselves burnt out, some of our favorite mental skills to teach, how to basically “hack” confidence, the incredible role our families played in our careers and so much more! She was gracious enough to let me re-air this episode on my podcast for you to enjoy and I sure hope you do! Listen to The Fearless Warrior Podcast - ht...
Oct 18, 2023•54 min•Ep. 152
We all love winning, right? Well, even though we can’t control whether we win or lose, we CAN take advantage of a few things in our control and increase our chances of winning. Here are 6 relatively simple ways we can increase those chances. Join the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/whenthecleatscomeoff/ Previous Episodes Mentioned: Ep. 141 - Kaitlyn McNally: Maximizing performance through nutrition - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cle...
Oct 11, 2023•20 min•Ep. 151
Cat not only played at the collegiate level but also COACHED there for several years and has a unique perspective on the recruiting world and how you can not only separate yourself from the rest, but also ENJOY this wild ride in the process. If you need help choosing the right school or the right level for you, or you just want a better idea of steps you need to take you’ve come to the right place! Follow Cat on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/catosterman Follow Cat on Twitter - https://x....
Oct 04, 2023•41 min•Ep. 150
3x Olympian and 4x All-American, Cat Osterman, is BACK on the show this week (and next!) sharing a bit more of how she and her dad were a TEAM in pursuit of her big dreams, a bit of how retirement and mom life has been treating her lately, and her honest take on the travel ball space and how we as coaches and parents can (and should!) make it a better environment for our athletes. Follow Cat on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/catosterman Follow Cat on Twitter - https://x.com/catosterman?s=...
Sep 27, 2023•54 min•Ep. 149
If you’re looking for simple ways to get MORE out of the work you’re already putting in to get better to your game, buckle up, because today I’m giving you five easy ways to amp up your training and really start moving the needle on your potential. Check out the Always Grind 365 Notebooks - https://alwaysgrind365.com/discount/ASHLEYB Learn some of my favorite Hitting Drills on my YouTube Channel - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmey7_LOSN8v5aW2uPWxQR-pYDc_nWvfM&si=762QJwANH0XymUpP Follow...
Sep 20, 2023•23 min•Ep. 148
Let’s celebrate! No one gets to where they want to without a little consistency and for this 6 year Anniversary of Ashley B Training, I’m sharing with you 6 BIG MOVES that were hard, but essential to help us get to where we are…THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE and I hope this episode inspires you to keep following the dreams on your heart! Get 40% off all ABT Merch - https://ashley-b-training.myshopify.com/discount/ANNIVERSARY Join the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.fa...
Sep 13, 2023•21 min•Ep. 147
Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and National Championship Coach from the University of Alabama, Patrick Murphy joins us today for an epic conversation about leadership and the incredible culture he has built in Tuscaloosa under his tenure. Here, you’ll learn the story behind the word “Mudita” and why Alabama softball LIVES by it, the intangible skills he teaches his teams to ultimately become better PEOPLE outside of the white lines, the importance of selflessly owning your role and how both of thos...
Sep 06, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 146
Everyone’s recruiting story is different (ask anyone who’s been recruited) but there's so much I’ve learned from others journeys that helped me navigate my own. Today, I’m sharing my college recruiting story from when I decided I wanted to play college ball, what steps I took to put me “on the map” and ultimately what made me choose my favorite University in the world. Leave a review on apple podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 Similar episodes ...
Aug 30, 2023•43 min•Ep. 145
In this episode you’ll find a list of unique questions to ask coaches during the recruiting process, some questions they’ll likely ask you so you can prepare and a checklist you’ll want to have to keep you ahead of the game during the recruiting process. Whether you’re in the thick of the recruiting process or you’ll be in it soon, this is an episode you’ll want to prepare yourself with! Download the Recruiting Checklist - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/recruitingchecklist Similar Episodes o...
Aug 23, 2023•37 min•Ep. 144
Your thoughts will determine your success and in this episode you’ll learn how to stay optimistic when things don’t go your way, slumps and how to get out of them, how to create a growth mindset to set yourself up for success, and how parents can help build a stronger foundation and relationship with their athlete with Founder and CEO of “The Formula”, Lane Farmer. Follow Lane and his work on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/yourformulanow/ Visit Lane’s website - https://www.yourformulanow....
Aug 16, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 143
Everyone is looking for ways to stand out from their competition, and here are 10 of the most important ways you can do so! The more you work on these the better you will become in the long run…guaranteed! Leave a review on apple podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 Episodes Referred to in this episode: Kaitlyn McNally: Maximize performance through nutrition - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=100062314...
Aug 09, 2023•18 min•Ep. 142
What you eat can positively or negatively affect your performance and in today’s conversation with sports-specific Dietitian-Nutritionist, Kaitlyn McNally, you’ll learn some meal prep planning, great snack and hydration ideas for a long day at the ballpark, how to properly recover and take care of your body with food, how to keep your energy high from the first to last games of the day, and so much more! Follow Kaitlyn on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/youth.sports.nutrition Fuel Your Per...
Aug 02, 2023•54 min•Ep. 141
According to Coach Carol Hutchins from Michigan, working hard is only the entry point to becoming great. Everyone is working hard, but how can you stand out from the rest of the pack and achieve the greatness that you never even realized you could achieve? Goal-Smasher Confidence Course - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/2-week-course-opt-in Virtual Hitting Academy - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/virtual-hitting-academy-2-0 Follow and share with me your favorite parts on social media! Website -...
Jul 25, 2023•16 min•Ep. 140
Samu is BACK on the pod diving deeper into WHY she wanted to go mid-major for college and why she would have it no other way, how she’s able to always keep the game fun, some exciting new elements of Athletes Unlimited, where she thinks professional softball is headed with having two different leagues now…and we even go off on a Twitter tangent as to why we think athletes looking to get recruited are getting it WRONG and how they SHOULD go about it! Follow Sam on Instagram - https://www.instagra...
Jul 19, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 139
Until we’ve mastered how we can manage our thoughts, confidence will be hard to find under the pressures of the game of softball. Today, we’re learning the characteristics of Mental toughness from my favorite mental skills book “Mind Gym” which include the 7 C’s: competitiveness, controlling the controllables, keeping our composure and how to be more courageous even when our backs are against the wall. We wrap up talking about how to be fully present and at our peak performance in the moments wh...
Jul 12, 2023•36 min•Ep. 138
2x Olympic Medalist, Monica Abbott, is back as a new author and loving her new retirement life! In this episode, she goes deeper into her journey to make her dream of becoming an Olympian a reality, how she has been able to shift her struggles into her strength, the steps that are NECESSARY to make your goals happen, the support her parents had on her journey, a special project she hasn’t made public yet and so much more! Check out Monica Abbott’s new book - https://www.monicaabbott.com/store Le...
Jul 05, 2023•52 min•Ep. 137
Never could I EVER be more proud to have grown up as an athlete because the lessons sports taught me have helped me prepare for this new gig as a mother and then some! From the power of persistence, patience, discipline, teamwork (thanks hubby!)...all of these traits I learned through softball have been tested within these first few weeks of parenthood! It feels SO GOOD to be back on the mic sharing a few lessons I’ve learned about being a new mom to kick off Season 4! Learn more about our Virtu...
Jun 28, 2023•29 min•Ep. 136
Have you ever wondered why some people are able to move on from a mistake faster than others? They approach their process as a main priority and today I’m teaching you a few, simple ways you can work on flexing this important mental muscle OFTEN so you can be more clutch for your team in the big moments, overcome adversity quicker and find wayyy more joy when you’re playing, coaching or even parenting your athlete through the game they love! Learn “failure recovery” strategies from this former e...
Apr 26, 2023•16 min•Ep. 135
