Everything Fastpitch - The Podcast

We need to train and educate our players so they understand that the strategy choices we are making and to execute them accordingly instead of wondering why. Why distracts from executing.

Support the show

This Weeks Lineup:

• Warmup Segment
• Listener Question: What to do about a rained out tournament? (@8:36)
• Paige's Power Play (@14:29)
• Discussion with Justin McCleod about the state of college softball (@18:35)
• National Organizations are taking over travel softball. (@45:01)
• Coaches you are going to be judged either way. (@54:15)

Support the show

When games are being played back-to-back on the same field a lot of time is spent waiting on the team that just played to get out of the dugout and your team to get in. Why wait? Why not warmup?

Support the show

This Weeks Lineup:

• Warmup Segment
• Listener Question: My daughter is 8. Is it time to spend some real money on a bat? (@9:37)
• Paige's PowerPlay (@13:17)
• Big Changes in the College Game (@15:37)
• Umpire Shortage is Real  (@39:21)
• Field time is valuable. Use your field time to do on the field stuff! (@44:32)

Support the show

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.

Support the show

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)

Support the show

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.

Support the show

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)

Support the show

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.

Support the show

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)

Support the show