Fundamental Fastpitch: The Podcast

The game of softball undergoes a lot of changes as teams age up from 10u to 12u.  The game itself speeds up, players make more advanced defensive plays, and batters are growing into themselves.  Add to all that the fact that 11 and 12 year old girls are experiencing a lot of change and growth in their personal lives, and you have a recipe for excitement on the field.  #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHud...

Between the gear, practicing at home, and practice and games, getting your kid into the game of softball can be overwhelming.  Jess and Heather cover must have equipment, some pointers for what to expect at games and practices, and how to help your player at home. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Softball #BeginnerSoftball #SoftballMom #SoftballDad   Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on...

The most notable difference between 8u and 10u softball is the introduction of player pitchers.  With that change comes a big jump in the way the game is played from top to bottom. Catchers now play an important role, batters face less dependable pitching, and smart & aggressive baserunning can change the course of a game.  #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Softball #8u #10u #AgeUp Follow us o...

How parents interact with players, coaches, and other parents can make a big impact on how enjoyable a weekend at the field is. Parents should prioritize their relationship with their player, use a collaborative approach with coaches, and be supportive of other parents.  #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Softball #SoftballMom #SoftballDad Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! You...

Aging out of one division into the next comes with some rule changes, size differences, and some changes in skill level. Jess and Mike discuss some things to consider when making the jump from 6u to 8u. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Softball #6u #8u #AgeUp Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook!

Coaches have a responsibility to form relationships with their players, the parents, and their coaching staff.  The way a coach prioritizes these relationships sets the framework for how everyone else forms relationships.  Listen in for tips on how coaches can create connections, communicate, and resolve conflict. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Softball #Relationships #Connections #Respect #Mod...

Heather and Jess talk about the three big connections or relationships players form - player to player, player to coach, and player to parents.  We talk about why players should allow themselves to form connections, what’s in it for them, and ways to foster those connections. Join us for the first of this three part series on creating connections! #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #Softball #Connec...

Coaching your daughter impacts the relationship you have with her off the softball field. We talk about what you stand to gain by coaching your daughter, some things to keep an eye out for, and some tips for success.  Choosing to coach your daughter should not be a decision made on a whim.  With some preparation and lots of communication, it can be a rewarding experience for both of you. #Fundamen...

Coaching your daughter impacts the relationship you have with her off the softball field. We talk about what you stand to gain by coaching your daughter, some things to keep an eye out for, and some tips for success.  Choosing to coach your daughter should not be a decision made on a whim.  With some preparation and lots of communication, it can be a rewarding experience for both of you. #Fundamen...

Pregame warm ups set the stage for a productive game. Warm ups should be consistent and get players physically and mentally prepare to compete. Jess and Heather talk about what a warm up should include, how to be flexible when conditions aren't ideal, and situations where it makes sense to think outside the box. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Softball #Pregame #Warmup #MentallyPrepare Follo...

Players and coaches both play a role in baserunning at every level. But as players grow and develop, they should be coached and encouraged to make more baserunning decisions on their own.  As players develop this skill, coaches become an extra set of eyes and ears to aid baserunners in their decision-making. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Softball #Baserunning #FirstBaseCoach #ThirdBaseCoa...

Being respectful to your athletes takes effort, but the payoff comes in the form of earned respect, meaningful relationships, and results on the field.  Heather and Jess talk about ways to show and earn respect on the softball field and beyond. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Softball #Respect #Relationships #Listen Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! You might also like: 31...

Let’s talk gear!  From the must-haves to the extras to the cool bonus stuff.  Hear what gear we use the most and why we include it in our bags.  Coaches need to not only look the part but also be prepared for productive practices and games.  Don’t get overwhelmed though.  You don’t need to empty your bank account in order to coach successfully. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Softball #CoachesGe...

The Fundamental Fastpitch team celebrates the 100 episode milestone.  In just less than a year - and no missed episodes - we’ve had 100 conversations about the sport we love.  From the serious to the goofy to the practical and everything in between, we thank you for tuning in!   We revisit one of our favorite topics - pet peeves.  Since the early days and our first two pet peeve episodes, our eyes...

Traffic control on the softball field?  One of the key responsibilities of the catcher is to communicate with their teammates before and while plays unfold.  We talk about what and how catchers should be communicating.  Also hear how coaches can support their catchers and foster the confidence needed to lead during a game. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Catchers #Leaders #Communicate Follo...

Jess hits us with another outfield episode!  We cover the basics of how to catch a fly ball, some keywords and what they mean, and some drills to help you get better at fielding fly balls.  All great outfielders get great reads off the bat.  What does that mean and how can we get better at it? #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Outfield #LeftField #CenterField #RightField #FlyBall Follow us on...

Having a plan when you step into the box can make a huge difference in your at bats.  Jess and Heather talk about two opposing strategies, how to implement them, and when and how your strategy can and should evolve. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #TakeAPitch #AttackTheFirstPitch Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! You might also like: 52 : Aim Small Miss Small 59 : Importance...

Giving “your best” can often get tangled with being “the best.”  While players should always be encouraged to improve and get closer to “the best,” we talk about how putting too much emphasis on the label can undermine a player’s (or parent’s or coach’s) best effort and intentions. Consistently giving your best is the best way to ensure you progress as a player.  After all, giving your best is a c...

HBP! Getting hit by a pitch can be a scary thought for young players.  Heather and Jess talk about how important it is to teach players to get hit correctly to minimize risk for injury.  Listen for tips on how to teach getting hit and how to get in the mindset that getting hit by pitch is an opportunity for your team. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #HBP #HitByPitch #Bullseye Follow us on In...

Whether you’re still early in your softball career or a seasoned veteran, you likely use some type of secret system to communicate with your coaches and teammates.  We talk about what signs are used for, some different systems, and what to do when signs get crossed up.   #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Signs #PickUpYourCoach

As high school softball seasons begin to kick off here in Texas, we discuss the No Pass No Play rule.  Hear why it’s so important, what you can do when you’re struggling with school, and some ways to support your teammates.   #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #NoPassNoPlay #StudentAthlete #SchoolComesFirst

How do you set out to achieve your dreams?  Setting goals and objectives are great ways to turn dreams into reality.  As players, we should set goals that are well-defined and achievable.  Let’s talk about some long term and short term goals that players of all ages may be thinking about.   #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #Goals #Objectives #LongTermGoals #ShortTermGoals    

As the spring season creeps up, let’s talk about some things to consider when planning your team’s season.  We talk about why it’s important to pre-plan your season, setting expectations with your families when it comes to communicating schedule conflicts, and how to select which tournaments to register for.   #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #PlanAhead #Communicate #Expectations

When it comes to assigning a “class” to your select team, things can get confusing.  Different sanctions determine class differently.  On top of that, the skill and talent level can vary widely from tournament to tournament within a sanction.  Jess and Heather discuss how to make sure you’re getting what you sign up for and what’s best for your team. #FundamentalFastpitch #ToughTalks #AClass #BCla...

Rounding up enough volunteer coaches can be a real issue for some leagues.  Whether you’re a brand new volunteer coach, were pressured into coaching, or were told to coach we have you covered!  Hear some helpful pointers as you navigate each step of the process - from tryouts to practices through the end of season.   #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Voluntold #VolunteerCoach #NewCoach Episode 6 :...