The Backpick Podcast

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Ever wondered how baseball can change a family tree or the secret to breaking in your baseball glove without harsh treatments? Then join us, as we chat with Chase Andrews, founder of Stronghold Catching, who gives us an inside look at the world of baseball and shares invaluable life lessons. Chase takes us on his journey of starting Stronghold Catching in 2021 and provides an in-depth look into his unique coaching style; offering personalized curriculums for players and highlighting the rhythm in catching. 

But we don't just talk about the technical side of baseball. Chase opens up about the importance of authenticity and vulnerability within coaching. He emphasizes owning one's mistakes and the value of forming personal bonds with players. Chase also shares on turning failure into opportunities for growth and resilience, providing a fresh perspective on handling setbacks, not just in sports but in life.

In the final part of our discussion, we tackle the full impact of sports on personal and professional growth. We examine the role parents play in youth baseball, and how their involvement can create a conducive environment that encourages risk-taking and hard work. Chase also shares his wisdom on how preparation and faith can lead to successful achievements. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that transcends the realm of baseball, touching on networking, and parent-child relationships, and offers valuable life lessons.

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Prepare to be swept off your feet by the captivating insights of Bennett Lee, a promising catcher freshly drafted by the Detroit Tigers. This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge about the art of catching, the essence of internal leadership, and the sheer joy of being part of a winning team. Lee takes us behind the scenes of his riveting journey to the College World Series, shedding light on the pivotal role of team spirit and fun in their triumph.

Ever wondered how a catcher hones his timing, anticipates lanes, or stays grounded while tracking misfires? Bennett Lee shares his secret drills and techniques that help him excel in these areas. We also delve into the importance of training in bullpens and using a machine to create pitches. Lee's intriguing discussion about keeping the thumb down in a backhand or six o'clock position to create a pocket angle with more room for air is a must-listen for any budding baseball athlete.

The episode doesn't end with just techniques, we also explore the complex world of baseball transfers, and the impact they have on team culture and camaraderie. Lee opens up about his personal experience of transitioning from Tulane to Wake Forest, and the life-changing opportunities it brought along. If you've ever pondered about the dynamics of the transfer portal and its effect on competition between players, Lee's candid insights and observations will quench your curiosity. So tune in for an enriching dose of baseball wisdom, straight from a rising star of the game!

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Ever wondered what skills are needed to guide a baseball from being just a ball and glove game to an art of catching? From the Field General Catching Academy, renowned coach Tyler Goodro and I explore the finer points of the great game of baseball, focusing on the mind and skills behind catching. We share our experiences transitioning from player to coach, emphasizing on the importance of active listening, continuous learning, and the art of failing in order to learn.

Our conversation gets into the nitty-gritty of catching techniques, the training strategies employed, and the critical skill of blocking. Hear us dissect this skill - from getting comfortable getting hit by the ball, reading and reacting, to the use of different balls and the power of repetitions. We also discuss why it's more straightforward to catch and receive standing up and the need to let players experience failure as part of their growth process.

As we move further into our enlightening dialogue, we delve into our experiences with baseball blocking and recovery, stressing on the crucial aspect of teaching youth catchers how best to block and recover. We also explore the benefits of one-knee catching and how it can enhance a player’s performance on the field. Wrapping up our chat on a fun note, Tyler shares his best food recommendation in Omaha, Nebraska for all you foodies out there. Join us for an enriching session that uncovers the art and science of baseball catching!

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Ever juggled high academic expectations with a demanding sports career? You're not alone. This enlightening conversation with Kelsey O'Connor, a former competitive softball player for North Carolina State, provides a relatable and heartfelt narrative as she unveils her journey from a passionate student-athlete to a young woman navigating life after a life-altering, traumatic brain injury. 

Join us as Kelsey shares insights on the challenges of balancing sports and academics, the significance of self-care amidst the demands, and how she forged a new path for herself beyond athletics. Her journey serves as a testament to the importance of nurturing an identity outside of sports, offering encouragement to young athletes to explore other passions and interests. Her candid recounting of her own college recruitment process will resonate with those in similar situations, providing valuable advice on prioritizing happiness over early commitments. 

Our discussion takes a serious turn as we examine the repercussions of traumatic brain injuries, often a risk in high-contact sports. Kelsey's personal story of recovery is a powerful reminder of the importance of rest, holistic healing, and professional consultation. Through it all, her resilience and positive outlook make her a beacon of inspiration for young athletes and anyone facing a significant life change. Don't miss out on this powerful episode as we learn from Kelsey's journey, proving that we are all more than our achievements.

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Ever find yourself losing your grip on the chaotic world of baseball catching? Well, we've got the antidote. In a riveting conversation with Brandon Oliver, former New York Yankees catching coach and current owner of Futures Training Center, we crack open the art of successful catching. We journey through our experiences at the junior college level, dissecting how Brandon transitioned into a coaching role, and unravelling the assessments given to catchers from velocity to hip mobility and stances.

Time management and early recognition are explored as essential components of effective catching. As we shed light on the difficulties of coaching young players on proper blocking techniques, we also highlight the advantages of using the glove to pick up the ball, and how to incorporate this technique into practice drills. The evolution of catching techniques doesn't go unnoticed - particularly the impact of J-Bands on athlete progress, and the shift in pitching shapes. 

Furthermore, we tackle the necessity of an aggressive approach to the ball, illuminating the PVC drill designed to train players to take that crucial first step. We also delve into the concept of pocket angle and share drills that help players create the right angle to match the pitch. Lastly, we size up the art of managing a catcher's heart rate, maintaining focus amidst chaos, and the importance of liaising with coaches to set up the catcher for success. So, gear up, and let's unlock the mysteries of successful catching together!

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Are you ready to challenge your understanding of softball catching techniques? Our latest episode features a fascinating discussion with Kirsten Cox of Dominate the Dish. A renowned coach in Tampa, Florida, Kirsten is transforming the sport with her modern and analytical approach to softball catching. Her journey from high school coach to full-time softball trainer is inspiring, and it all kicked off at the Catch Your Con convention that unites baseball and softball coaches nationwide.

In the heart of Tampa, Florida, Kirsten has created a unique training environment for softball athletes. She takes athletes through a rigorous routine that covers receiving, blocking, throwing, lifting, arm care, mobility work, and recovery work. Her 'Baby Bottom Feeder Program' has garnered attention for its innovative approach to filtering out younger athletes and fostering independence and trust. Kirsten also bravely steps into the controversial, passionately advocating that softball catchers should never catch on two feet.

Kirsten holds strong beliefs on the importance of catcher set-ups and the different types of pitchers in softball. She dives deep into these topics in our conversation, underscoring the benefits of the knee-down technique. Kirsten believes that this method not only provides a better visual for umpires but also creates a calmer mindset for catchers. We also talk about the physical toll of the game on athletes and the importance of giving catchers breaks during a game or series. Get ready to view softball catching in a whole new light with Kirsten Cox.

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There are few moments in life that can truly test your grit and determination like the unexpected twists and turns of a professional sports career. This is the reality for our guest, Mark Appel, former number one overall pick in the MLB, who shares his riveting journey - from sudden fame to unforeseen setbacks and ultimately, a triumphant return to the Major League.

Join us as Mark candidly describes the challenges of being a top prospect and the high-stakes lifestyle that comes with pro baseball. He speaks to us about his struggles with overcoming injury, coping with failure, and the immense pressures of meeting expectations - both external and internal. Mark's insights into striking a balance between pleasing everyone and staying true to his moral convictions are thought-provoking, and his emphasis on fostering trusting relationships with coaches provides invaluable guidance.

As the conversation unfolds, Mark reflects on his transformative journey that was marked by injury, immense performance pressure, and a culture of unending competition. His newfound appreciation for life's fragility, commitment to mentoring young athletes, and a humble acceptance of each day as a gift paints an inspiring picture of resilience and self-discovery. Join us for this heartfelt conversation with Mark Appel, a testament to the spirit of perseverance and the journey to self-realization.

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Crack open the world of baseball wisdom with me and my guest, Bobby Wilson, a seasoned big-league player and now the catching coordinator for the Texas Rangers. From deep in the dugout to behind the plate, Bobby has played every role in the game, and in our conversation, he shares the nuggets of knowledge he's gathered over his decade-long career. We take a swing at understanding the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and the pivotal pitcher-catcher relationship - the cornerstone of the Rangers program.

Navigating the evolving landscape of baseball, we explore the potential future of the catcher position, with Bobby offering his predictions on how recent rule changes and the new pitch clock might change the game. We shed light on Bobby's unique approach to bringing out the best in individual catchers, highlighting the work with Trevino and Jonah Heim. Bobby shares his belief in curating a personalized training plan, exploiting strengths, and addressing the needs of each catcher uniquely.

In the third inning of our chat, we discuss the fascinating impact of social media on the catcher community. Bobby reveals how it's not just about teaching young players the traditional skills but also about introducing them to advanced techniques that have gained traction in the digital world. We also take a deep dive into the progression of stances, the significance of upper body posture, and Bobby's run-ins with the great Mike Trout. So step up to the plate and join us for an intriguing conversation filled with anecdotes, insights, and the love of the game. Be sure to subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday!

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Let's dive into the world of baseball with our esteemed guest, Craig Driver, the catching coach for the Chicago Cubs. Aiming to enrich your understanding of the game, our lively conversation explores the recent changes within the team, the technical aspects of the catching position, and the strategic side of the game. From the exit of Wilson-Contreras to the addition of Tucker Barnhart and Yan Gomes, we discuss the unique challenges these players bring to the table and reminisce about Craig's days with the Phillies and catcher JT Realmuto.

You won't want to miss Craig's in-depth insights into the crucial role of adrenaline control, technique consistency, and emotional focus for a successful catcher. You'll learn a thing or two about the importance of long hop throws to second base and the training strategies to refine this skill. Craig enlightens us with his distinctive coaching methods, imparting the need for players stay still despite the intense pressure, and how he uses these techniques to maneuver his players in different game situations.

As we delve deeper, the conversation shifts to the art of individual optimization, the effects of evolving baseball rules, and the intriguing difference between long-term and short-term playoff strategies. The episode wraps up with a light-hearted discussion on Craig's favorite Chicago hotspots and his unique experiences as the Cubs' catching coach. Join us for an episode loaded with insightful baseball anecdotes, player strategies, and in-depth catching insights.

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Discover the secrets of elite baseball development as we sit down with Rob Bruno, founder of NorCal Baseball, and explore his 30-year journey redefining travel ball and nurturing talented players. Get ready to uncover the truth behind navigating college athletics recruitment and the art of finding players with 'nuts and guts.'

In our conversation, Rob shares the story behind NorCal Baseball's evolution, and how his program has produced successful players like Jimmy Rollins, Troy Till-Louis, and Dustin Badrioa, while focusing on the holistic development of athletes. Delve into the world of college and professional baseball recruiting, the impact of summer baseball, and the significance of fostering an environment that allows young players to thrive. Learn how Rob's commitment to player development on and off the field has led to a legacy of success in the sport.

As we reminisce about baseball memories and relationships, we also discuss the importance of collaboration between coaches when it comes to developing young players, as well as the need for creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and support. Find out how Rob Bruno's NorCal baseball program has transformed the lives of its players and coaches, with lessons that extend beyond the field and into the game of life.