Driveline Softball Podcast

In-season training is a balancing act between performance optimization and injury prevention. In this episode, Krista Stoker and Laura McDonald break down workload management, athlete stress, and training volume to help athletes stay healthy and competitive throughout the season. They explore: ✅ How to adjust training intensity without sacrificing development ✅ The dangers of excessive training volume and how to prevent burnout ✅ Why power vs. endurance balance is crucial for long-term succes...

Athlete assessments are more than just numbers—they’re the key to unlocking potential. In this episode, the hosts break down the science of assessments in softball, discussing biomechanics, movement patterns, and strength conditioning. Learn why targeted training matters, how to track progress over time, and how assessments help athletes reach their peak performance. They also dive into the recruiting process and how understanding data can give athletes a competitive edge. Join the movement! ...

In this episode, the OGX team dives deep into the challenges athletes face during the transition from off-season to in-season training. They discuss workload management, training intensity, and the nonlinear nature of athlete development. Learn why support systems, including coaches and parents, play a critical role in athletic success and how making informed trade-offs can prevent burnout. With insights on balancing commitments in high school and college sports, this conversation is essentia...

This episode is all about plyos and their transformative impact on pitching performance. The OGX team dives deep into how plyometric training enhances pitching mechanics, improves arm efficiency, and supports injury prevention. They explore the principles of constraint-led training, the science behind overload and underload techniques, and why syncing arm and trunk movements is critical for performance. Whether you’re a coach or athlete, discover how plyos can unlock your potential and revolu...

In this episode, Krista Stoker and Laura McDonald dive into the transformative concept of constraint-led training and its role in skill acquisition and athlete development. They explore how structured environments, feedback mechanisms, and failure tolerance can empower athletes to discover their own movement solutions. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptive coaching strategies, the challenges of implementing this method, and how self-assessment can build resilient athletes rea...

In this episode, the OGX Podcast dives into the intricacies of offseason training for high school and college athletes, especially pitchers. Krista, Ashley, and Laura discuss the importance of balancing skill retention and structured training during breaks. They explore how camps, tournaments, and other offseason demands impact athlete development and why systemization and periodization are critical for performance. This conversation emphasizes the importance of resilience, creating a support...

In this episode, Krista Stoker, Ashley Sunshine, and Laura McDonald kick off 2025 with a deep dive into return-to-play protocols for pitchers and athletes. They break down the gradual ramp-up process, the mental and physical demands of recovery, and why chronic overload is one of the biggest threats to long-term performance. The crew also discusses the emotional side of injury recovery, the impact of COVID-19 on injury trends, and how a structured, individualized approach can set athletes up ...

In Episode 36 of the OGX Podcast, Krista Stoker sits down with Driveline Baseball CEO, Mike Rathwell, to discuss the evolution of coaching, the impact of technology in player development, and the shift from old school to data-driven coaching methods. They dive into the importance of humility, curiosity, and problem-solving in coaching, along with how assessments and data visualization are transforming softball and baseball training. Listen in as they break down the emotional impact of honest ...

In Episode 35 of the OGX Podcast, Krista Stoker and Ashley Sunshine reflect on the highs and challenges of 2024 in softball. From the growth of in-game data and changes in NCAA regulations to the evolving landscape of youth sports and the future of professional softball, the duo covers it all. They highlight the importance of preparing for the 2028 Olympics, building sustainable platforms for athletes, and addressing the challenges posed by the lack of governance in sports. Don’t miss this de...

In Episode 34 of the OGX Podcast, Krista Stoker, Ashley Sunshine, and Laura McDonald reflect on their experiences at the NFCA 2024 conference, exploring the evolution of pitching and the growth of the softball community. They discuss the role of technology in coaching, the importance of accountability from tech companies, and how collaboration is driving progress in player development. Learn why asking the right questions, choosing the right tools, and aligning incentives with player needs ar...