Everything Fastpitch - The Podcast

You have moved indoors for practice because of the cold weather, but you have a trip planned to a warm weather destination to play some games. Whether it be the start of the spring season or you have not played a game in few weeks but are going to go to a tournament somewhere warm. The coaches discuss what you can do to keep the team prepared as best as possible to hit the field at a competitive level.

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This weeks lineup:

• Warmup Segment
• Listener Question:  Can you give me some advice on how to transition to metal spikes? (@11:15)
• Paige's Power Play (@16:08)
• Are dynasties good for sports? The coaches discuss the pros and cons of a team dominating a sport and the attitude of fans. (@21:06)
• When a ball is hit every player has someplace to be and it is never where they started. Teach the 3 B's of defense.  Ball - Base - Backup (@33:55)
• All teams practice or warm up before a game using side, short or front toss. If this isn't done correctly, it does more harm than good. (@49:14)

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It is important for coaches to match what they are teaching to the skill level of the players they are coaching. There is a natural progression of skills that the player has to learn. If we are doing drills that skips this progression the chances of the player succeeding goes down. If we are staying at a low level and not moving up the ladder then it will take longer for the players to progress. So coaches, you have to develop a strategy that matches what your are teaching in order to  maximize the development of your team.

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This weeks Lineup:

• Warmup Segment
• Listener Question: My daughter's travel team doesn't spend much time warming up. How do I handle this? (@09:17)
• Paige's Power Play (@14:56)
• Interview with Erik Rico and Oscar Llarena of BatClubUSA.com. It is an interesting concept on bat ownership and worth giving a listen. (@17:46)
• Games have stacked up and you have a lot of games with little rest time. The coaches talk about some strategies to keep the team sharp. (@43:05)
• Coaches do not use a wooden bat to hit practice balls to your team. The sound is important. (@54:53)

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It is easy to put a very talented player on a pedestal and they develop a prima-donna personality. This isn't good for the team and certainly not good for the player. She may be on a pedestal at a younger age but middle of the pack at an older age. The coaches talk about handling this situation and give you some advice.

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This Weeks Lineup:

• Warmup Segment
• Listener Question: My daughter's coach wants to take over her recruiting. Is that a good idea? (9:30)
• Softball shopping list of things for a player. (@17:38)
• Fall Signing Period (@29:06)
• WTH Moment (@36:47)

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The coaches discuss the different issues when it is time to move up an age group. There are things to consider as we move up especially in the younger age groups. Player are maturing, the rules are changing, equipment is changing and many things that have to be taken into consideration in our training and preparing.

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This Week's Lineup:

• Warmup Segment
• Listener Question: Getting prepared for next season in a cold weather environment. (@09:48)
• Paige's Power Play (@16:56)
• Interview with Justin McLeod - Status of the College Game (@19:50)
• Phenomenon of Pickup Players (@47:07)
• Hitting with a purpose (@58:03)

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Most of the country is now facing games being played in cold weather. When we first encounter cold weather it affects us more than if we are used to it. In this episode the coaches offer some guidelines that teams can do to make it easier on the players. Cold and stiff players do not play well.

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This weeks lineup:

• Warmup Segment
• Listener Question: How do you pick the best national tournament for your team? (@11:10)
• Paige's Power Play (@17:58)
• How is the NIL changing college athletics and is it working? (@23:58)
• Game day preparations. Pregame warmups and practices. Pregame pep talks. Effective game communication. (@34:55)
• Looking for players to finish out roster. Be cautious, talent is great but it isn't everything. (@50:02)

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