Sometimes we tell our players things that when looked at from all angles they don't make sense. For instance if we tell our pitchers to pitch down so that they get ground balls because we have a better chance of getting outs. Then we tell our hitters to hit it on the ground. If it is good for the pitcher how can it be good for hitters. There are many examples where we contradict ourselves and confuse the players.

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This weeks lineup:

• Warmup Segment
• Listener Question: Does it hurt my daughter's development by playing on a team with a great and dominant pitcher? (@7:25)
• Paige's Power Play (@14:25)
• Team Jumping (@19:55)
• Why are a lot of catchers good hitters (@33:49)
• Cutoffs and Relays and the nightmare that can occur if not done correctly. (@41:51)

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Actively training players to actually get a ball into the hand to throw is not practiced enough. It is a skill that can be taught and make the difference in a game. Picking up a ball off the ground is too often mishandled by not getting a firm grip on the ball. Transferring the ball from the glove to the throwing hand needs to be efficient and in a method that minimizes losing control of the ball.

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This weeks lineup:

• Tribute to Coach Bob Heck. Bob Heck was the first coach of fastpitch softball at any college in Georgia. He campaigned for high schools to change over to fastpitch. He established the sport at Georgia State University by backing the program with his own resources. Hall of Fame Coach Scott Whitlock joins  Coaches Tory and Don who have known him for many years. RIP Bob Heck
• Warmup Segment: (@37:33)
• Listener Question: I have been made the all-star coach and would like some recommendations for getting them ready to play. (@46:20)
• Paige's Power Play: (@50:20)
• Second Part of Joey Myers of Hitting Performance Lab interview: (@56:46)
• Update on the recruiting picture: (@1:21:24)
• Make backing up in the outfield an important job.  (@1:31:04)

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Often during the course of a game,  a fielding play will take the defensive player to an awkward position related to the space between a base or another player. How often have we seen a play where the fielder throws the ball to another fielder when it would be quicker and simpler for them to just make the play. Or they make a throw that is difficult for the other fielder to handle. It all boils down to instantly recognizing the space between them and where they want to make a play and making the decision of taking the play themselves or making a throw that can easily be handled by the other player. It all comes down to practice.

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This weeks lineup:

• Warmup Segment
• Listener Question. Would the path Odicci Alexander took to play college ball work for me? (@11:57)
• Paige's Power Play (@15:12)
• Interview with Joey Myers of the Hitting Performance Lab. If you have interest in the scientific aspects of body movements, this is a must listen. (@19:03)
• Lessons learned from the college season. (@50:10)
• Coaches we need to think of every way we can to continue to be better coaches and give our players better experiences. (@59:17)

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During a game the player is fielding, catching and hitting without a coach on the field telling them what to do or how to do it.  So the players need to understand the skills needed and why certain things work and some don't. If they don't really understand the skills they tend to act robotically. Between the white lines they are their own coach, so train them accordingly. 

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This weeks lineup:

• Warmup Segment
• Listener Question: My daughter seems like she has plateaued, is this normal? (@13:30)
• Paige's Power Play (@20:09)
• NCAA Tournament Thoughts (@24:10)
• Rethinking some defensive things (@37:44)
• Overcoaching of hitters in a game (@45:56)

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Coaches Tory and Don  are joined by Hall of Fame Coach Scott Whitlock to discuss the retirement of Coach Candrea from the University of Arizona and Lu Harris-Champer from the University of Georgia. They also cover the retirement of Kennesaw State University's 30 year baseball coach Mike Sansing, which all three of them have had close connections to for years. They also touch on the College World Series and should changes be made to the format and facilities.

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Coach Tory and Coach Don discuss the issues with trying to please 2 coaches at the same time. When school ball and travel team games and practices overlap, what is a player to do? Each coach has the best interests of their team as a number one priority so the player either has to make a choice or do all that each one requires. 

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