Connecting with your players leads to short and long-term benefits. Although it takes just a little bit of intentional effort and time, the rewards for going above and beyond are incredibly fulfilling. Take the time to get to know your players! #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #BuildingRelationships #Connect #Softball

Tryouts can be overwhelming for everyone. We talk about what kinds of questions parents should be ready to ask prospective coaches. Know what your and your players goals are before attending tryouts and don't be afraid to attend a few extra tryouts. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Tryouts #OpenPractice #AskQuestions #BeHonest #Softball

Coaches! Let's talk about how to run a smooth, informative, efficient tryout! Don't forget that the players aren't the only people on the field being evaluated. We talk about how to approach a tryout or open practice that is informative to both the coaches and the prospective players/families. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Tryouts #OpenPractice #HaveAPlan #Softball

Tryouts are a sign of a new beginning. In this episode, we go over some pointers for players as they embark on a new softball adventure. What are some do's and don'ts when attending tryouts and open practices? How can you make yourself stand out and be memorable? #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugouts #Tryouts #BeMemorable #EyeContact #AskQuestions #Softball

Teams don't last forever, but the breakup doesn't have to be bad. In this episode, we talk about some reasons why a team may break up, when to break the news to the team, and how to move on. #FundamentalFastpitch #ToughTalks #SoftballBreakup #CallingItQuits #Softball #Fastpitch

What is a quality rep? How many reps is enough? How do I know if my player is taking quality reps? Why are quality reps more important than the quantity of reps? Listen as Jess and Heather dissect these and related questions. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #TheHuddle #BadRepsDontMakeYouBetter #QualityOverQuantity #BeIntentional #Softball

Comparing your kid to their teammates is tempting and usually rooted in good intentions. We talk about how and why those comparisons can be crushing to a player. Hear some other methods of encouraging and challenging your kid. #FundamentalFastpitch #ToughTalks #SlipperySlope #Respect #Encourage #Challenge #Softball

Jess and Heather discuss what "being coachable" means to them. Although it's a player's decision to be or not be coachable, coaches have a responsibility to make an effort to connect with a player - even when it's not easy. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #BeCoachable #Attitude #Effort #Focus #Softball

If we've said it once, we've said it a hundred times. Communication on the softball field is paramount - especially on fly balls. We delve into when and how to call a fly ball, which fielder has "priority" on fly balls, and pursuing fly balls at the fence. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #FlyBallCommunication #FlyBallPriority #Fence #Softball

Everyone makes errors - even the best of the best. What sets the elite player apart from the great player is their ability to move on after making an error. We talk about some strategies for dealing with errors and mental mistakes. Don't forget that parents and coaches also play a huge roll in how athletes process errors. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #Error #ShortTermMemory #Dory #PositiveSelfTalk #Softball