Fundamental Fastpitch: The Podcast

Is filling out your lineup card an overwhelming task? There are many ways to construct a batting order. We discuss some things to consider and what we are looking for as we build out our lineups. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #BattingOrder #Lineup

Softball is a game of ups and downs, and it’s easy to let your emotions take over.  We discuss some things that could set the stage for coaches to lose their cool and what to do when you feel yourself reaching your tipping point.  #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #KeepYourCool #TakeAWalk #BeARoleModel

What’s your mindset at the plate?  A “want to hit” mentality works hand in hand with the Yes Yes No mindset.  Together, this approach sets the batter up for having quality at bats and being a hard out.  #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #WantToHit #BeAHitter Give us a like and follow on Facebook!

As parents, we want to encourage our kids to learn and grow as athletes and individuals.  But are we hurting more than we’re helping?  Having realistic expectations as they relate to your player’s age, skill level, and other commitments will help parents provide the support our kids need to develop into skilled athletes.  #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Expectations #StudentAthlete #SchoolFirst...

A strong, athletic stance is the basis for all movements in all sports. We go over some do’s and don’ts when it comes to being athletic and ready to make a play.  Athleticism can be learned, and we discuss some drills for developing an athlete’s athleticism.  #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #BeAthletic #BabyGiraffe

Welcome to part two of our defensive red flags series!  This time, Heather walks us through some infield no-nos.  We talk about being a playmaker, creating opportunities, throwing, and making tags.  #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #NoNos #RedFlags #Infield

Join us for the first of a two-part series about defensive red flags.  Jess runs through her list of outfield no-nos.  You’ll learn what not to do in the outfield and how to replace those actions with positive, productive alternatives. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #NoNos #RedFlags #Outfield

Is there a difference between a player who can pitch a ball and a player who is a pitcher? What about the difference between a player who can wear the gear and play the position and a "catcher?" We discuss these distinctions and how to identify players that have pitching or catching running through their veins. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Pitcher #Catcher #Leaders #MikeAndMike

On location! In between games, the crew breaks the swing down into it's five basic parts. Which part is most important? When and how should the parts be taught to young players? We answer these questions and more. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Swing #Stance #Load #Step #Contact #Extension

Heather and Mike kick Jess out so they can talk catching!  We cover all the jobs of a catcher.  I bet you can’t guess what a catcher’s number one job is!  #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #CatchersOnly #Work #Thankless

Who are you? What makes you you? How do you define your worth? Ask yourself these hard questions. Identifying solely as a softball player is dangerous territory. We talk about why softball is a part of you and shouldn't be your identity. #FundamentalFastpitch #ToughTalks #BeYou #YouAreMoreThanTheGame #HaveFun #HaveFun

Aim small. Miss small. Jess and Heather discuss applying these four simple words on the softball field. As a philosophy and mental approach to the game, applying them can slow the game down and drown out distractions. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #AimSmallMissSmall #Tracking

Small ball gets a bad rap, but we love it!  Hear what strategies fall under the “small ball” category and when implementing them can give you a leg up.  Learn why it’s important for every type of hitter to have small ball in their arsenal.  #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #SmallBall #Bunt #Slap #Bunt&Run Give us a like and follow on Facebook!

On our 50th episode, we look back at how we got started, talk about what we've accomplished in just a few months, and give a sneak peek at what's in the works.  #FundamentalFastpitch #Episode50 #50thEpisode

Mike and Heather reflect on how they would (or wouldn't) change their approach to how they got their daughters started in the game if given the chance to do it again. Jess describes how her coaching experiences are shaping how she introduces the game to her young daughter. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #SoftballIsFun #MultiSportAthletes #Athleticism #Softball #Fastpitch

Have you fallen victim to "keeping up with the Jones's?"  Most of us probably have in one way or another.  Mike, Jess, and Heather discuss what that phrase means in the softball world and how to avoid it.  It's not all bad, though.  There are certain situations where keeping up can be a motivator. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #KeepingUpWithTheJoness #Gadgets #PostItOnFacebook...

How do you approach your at bats? Is it the same every at bat? Does it change within each at bat? We discuss how a player's approach at the plate should evolve as the count changes. As always, know the situation! #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #YourPitch #ExpandingStrikeZone #TrustYourself #UmpiresZone

Mike and Jess discuss the importance of coaching the bases and your role, whether you're on the left or right side of the diamond. Additionally, we discuss the progression and timeline of more complex baserunning. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #PickUpYourCoach #FirstBase #ThirdBase

We return to our 101 series with groundballs! Heather lays down the basics of this foundational skill. You're never too old, too experienced, or too good to practice the basics of fielding a groundball. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Grounders #FoundationalSkills #StayAthletic #WatchTheBall Give us a like and follow on Facebook!

In a pickle? Jess and Heather dissect rundowns from both the defensive and offensive sides. Key takeaways: spatial awareness and communication. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Rundowns #FollowYourThrow #Bump #SmartBaserunning

So your kid didn't make the team. While this is never news you'd like to receive, it can still result in some positives. We talk through some pointers on how to break the news to your player, how to respond, and how to move forward. #FundamentalFastpitch #ToughTalks #Communicate #ItsNotPersonal #Feedback #StayPositive #Softball

Why do you play softball? Whether you play softball because you're parents want you to, you love hanging with your friends, or you can't get enough, there are some things to be aware of. Each motivator comes with advantages and drawbacks to be aware of. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #SuperSoftballer #Friends #Competition #Fastpitch  

Another season is drawing to an end.  We discuss how we close out each season, including a team party or get-together to thank all the families and player evaluations.  Learn why we conduct player evaluations, how we hold them, and some ideas for your own player evaluations. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #EndOfSeason #TeamParty #PlayerEvals #Softball

Ask Coach Jess! Jess's softball girls ask her anything. You won't want to miss these silly, off-the-wall, and serious questions. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #AskCoachJess #Mustard #TurfShoes

What's your coaching style? Has it changed over the years? We explain our and each other's coaching styles and why they work for us. We also talk about the importance of and how to grow and evolve as a coach. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #BeYourself #Genuine #BuddyTheElf #Steady #Confident #Softball