Driveline Softball Podcast

How much can force plates really tell us about pitching?

In Episode 72 of the OGX Podcast, Krista Swip and Laura McDonald explore how data from force plates is changing the way pitchers train and perform. They discuss stride foot dynamics, energy transfer, timing, and the effects of recent rule changes on softball pitching.

Learn how understanding impulse and biomechanics can help athletes move more efficiently and reduce injury risk.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/MZlM0UAjvAw

Listeners can save 10% on OGX’s Shop with code OGXPOD: https://ogxsoftball.myshopify.com

In Episode 71 of the OGX Podcast, Krista Stoker, Ashley Sunshine, and Laura McDonald share insights from their recent college road tour and explore how data is shaping the future of athlete development. They dig into the nuances of performance metrics, the differences between youth and college athlete training, and the role of coaches in interpreting data.

The conversation highlights the importance of balancing data-driven analysis with the personal connection required to guide athletes effectively. From recognizing biases in coaching to using variability in training methods, the hosts emphasize that growth comes from both numbers and relationships. Looking ahead, they discuss how the evolution of coaching will increasingly rely on data without losing sight of the athlete as a whole person.

In Episode 70 of the OGX Podcast, Krista Stoker, Ashley Sunshine, and Laura McDonald take a deep dive into pitching and hitting assessments, focusing on the concept of inefficiencies. They unpack how biomechanical assessments can identify areas for growth while also warning against boxing athletes into rigid categories. The conversation emphasizes the importance of athlete goals, context, and the unique challenges of youth development where physical changes are constant.

From exit velocity and bat speed in hitting assessments to the nuances of pitching mechanics, the hosts explain why chasing metrics without understanding their implications can create more problems than solutions. They highlight how compensations in movement patterns can be misunderstood and why coaches must weigh the risk-reward balance in training. Finally, the episode addresses the gap between youth and college-level training and calls for a holistic approach that prioritizes long-term athlete development.

In this episode of the OGX Podcast, Krista Swip and Laura McDonald dive into the evolution of OGX’s college partnerships and how they are transforming athlete development. They discuss how self-sufficiency is being built within programs, the integration of advanced technology for training, and the role of data-driven coaching in player development. The conversation emphasizes that while technology and assessments provide powerful insights, the true goal is simple: making athletes better through informed training practices.

In this episode of the OGX Podcast, Laura McDonald and Jamnes Cameron dive into the role of strength and conditioning in softball and how it directly connects to pitching performance. They highlight the importance of collaboration between coaches and strength trainers, the challenges within college athletics, and the role of the "Big Five" movement qualities in maintaining athlete performance. The conversation emphasizes how communication, consistency, and smart adaptations can improve training programs, prevent injuries, and unlock a higher level of development for pitchers and athletes.

Ashley Sunshine and Laura McDonald recap Pitchstock 2025, highlighting the most important lessons for coaches, parents, and athletes. From addressing the physiological changes in female athletes to integrating data into coaching decisions, they outline how to close gaps in pitching education and elevate player development.

You will learn:

• Why pitching and strength training must be more connected

• How puberty impacts performance and development

• The value of disrupting traditional coaching methods

• How data reveals overlooked pitching strategies

• Why collaboration between coaches and medical professionals matters

• How community growth can elevate the future of pitching education

Recorded live at Pitchstock 2025, this episode brings you straight into the heart of softball’s ultimate pitching conference. The OGX team and guest speakers share candid insights on player development, coaching strategies, and the evolving role of performance data in the sport.

You will hear discussions on:

• How to turn data into real on-field results

• Building individualized pitching programs

• The importance of movement quality and mechanics

• Lessons from top coaches at Pitchstock 2025

• Navigating the challenges of youth and collegiate athlete development

Whether you are a coach, athlete, or parent, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways you can apply immediately.

Krista, Ashley, and Laura are back together in this episode to break down the real reason cookie-cutter training plans fall short. From strength and conditioning to pitching and hitting development, they share what true individualization looks like and how coaches can actually apply it.

Topics Covered:

• How individualization impacts pitching and hitting development

• Why strength and skill need to be aligned

• Using data to make informed decisions

• The difference between mechanics and patterns

• Why experimentation leads to better training

• How to take ownership of coaching outcomes

This episode is a must for coaches ready to ditch the copy-paste model and build training plans that truly fit their athletes.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VkUakrUwAJI
Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

In Episode 64, Ashley Sunshine and Laura McDonald take a deep dive into the off-season realities for high school athletes. They break down how to help athletes recharge, reassess, and re-enter training with purpose. This episode focuses on recovery, biomechanics assessments, and creating smarter training plans that prioritize long-term performance and athlete well-being.

Whether you're a coach, parent, or athlete, this episode offers practical advice on how to make the most of the off-season without burning out.

🔗 Learn more about OGX Assessments: https://go.ogxsoftball.com/ogx-softball-biomechanics-assessment

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

Returning to the mound after injury takes more than rest. It takes a proven protocol, a strong communication loop, and a deep understanding of biomechanics.

In this episode, the OGX team breaks down what that process should look like. They cover the difference between a real return to pitching protocol and just playing catch, why understanding the kinetic chain matters, and how sports medicine and coaching staff need to stay aligned.

They also discuss how biomechanics and in-game data play a role in decision-making, player development, and performance longevity.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fYy1AB9Zymg

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