When The Cleats Come Off

This week, we have one of the most PASSIONATE softball players on the podcast and it’s none other than Florida Gator standout, Amanda Lorenz! She’s here teaching us what a true competitor looks like in the box, how she believes athletes become “burnt-out” and what it’s like being able to say she is one of the newest members of Team USA! Follow Amanda on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amanda...

It’s my BIRTHDAY WEEK and I wanted to give you a special episode reflecting on the ten biggest things this game has taught me AND IS STILL TEACHING ME to this day. We talk about things like patience, respect, bravery and more and I hope it inspires you and your athlete to “play” for something bigger than her and maybe learn a few ways to really enjoy the game to the fullest and avoid burnout.   Fo...

Creating a goal is the easy part, but if you’re not actually COMMITTED to it, it’s just a fantasy. Learn what the difference is between someone who actually MAKES their goals happn vs. someone who would “like” for their goals to happen. There's a big difference.   Follow Ashley on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining/     Write a review of this episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/...

Here’s where my hubby and I get more into the nitty gritty of how we were both raised to be elite competitors, a little of what his experience caddying on the PGA tour looked like and what he believes differentiates the GREAT from the average in any sport.   Join the Virtual Hitting Academy (Enrollment closes January 14th!) - https://ashley-burkhardt-training.mykajabi.com/virtual-hitting-academy-2...

I have NEVER done an episode like this before…today I’m sitting down with my HUSBAND talking about all things 5 months of married life has taught us (of course!), what the toughest mental sport of all time (GOLF) can teach us about our mental game, the importance of composure and more! Was this my favorite interview so far?! HECK YES IT WAS!   Join the Virtual Hitting Academy (Enrollment ends Janu...

Today, I’m giving you a list of 10 hitting challenges you can add to your practices to level up your hitting and learn how to COMPETE and SUCCEED UNDER PRESSURE!   Virtual Hitting Academy Waitlist - https://ashley-burkhardt-training.mykajabi.com/waitlist     ABT Community Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/abtcommunity   Similar episodes of When the Cleats Come Off:   Gratitude and a...

In part two of my conversation with Taylor we dive into how to be more confident with your pitch calling, how to make adjustments when things don’t go your way, and what a hitter’s body language can tell you about them.   Jordan’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/7ordan7aylor/     Virtual Hitting Academy Waitlist - https://ashley-burkhardt-training.mykajabi.com/waitlist     Always Grind 365 N...

One of the greatest pitchers of all time teaches us how to develop confidence as a pitcher, tips on how she throws her curveball, screwball, change up and more, why she loves any opportunity to “trick the brain” of hitters, and the odd similarities between pitching and hitting.   Jordan’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/7ordan7aylor/     Virtual Hitting Academy Waitlist - https://ashley-burk...

Here are 5 steps to developing more accountability with your athlete which will lead to more trust between you and her and how you can help her stay motivated towards her goals!   Follow for more training on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining/     Sign up for the Virtual Hitting Academy Waitlist - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/waitlist     Atomic Habits by James Clear - https:...

Former MLB utility player, Chase d’Arnaud’s biggest separator on the field was his speed and baserunning smarts. Gear up for a fun, exciting conversation that has been LONG overdue on the podcast about baserunning and also the support his dad gave him and his brother Travis growing up.   Watch this interview on YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmey7_LOSN8tSia6gcWqtIzTTyTDpOodr     Foll...

‘Tis the season to be grateful! In this episode I share a gratitude practice that has absolutely changed the game for me and also a snippet of a LIVE recording where I answered a few hitting questions covering swing mechanics and a few successful hitting approaches I used at the plate!   Join the ABT Email List! - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/sign-up-for-my-email-list     Get 10% off your next...

Returning guest and 2x Olympian is BACK talking about her experience playing and coaching in Japan for 13 years and why she believes Japan ultimately is the most superior country in softball. From its well-structured pro league, the ability to play and practice year-round, the WAY they practice and her opinion on what the USA needs to do to grow our game. We even dive into a little baserunning tip...

Here are my five ALL-TIME FAVE hitting tools that I believe are changing the game for hitters!    Always Grind 365 Hitters Notebook (use discount code “ASHLEYB”) - https://alwaysgrind365.com/products/always-grind-hitters-notebook     Jaeger Bands - https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/jaeger-sports-adult-j-bands-exercise-program-16jaeujbndsxxxxxxtra/16jaeujbndsxxxxxxtra?sku=16714573&camp=CSE:DSG_9...

This week, learn from Cubs Minor League Hitting Coach and Lead Lab Tech, Rachel Folden how to mechanically create the most ground force to hit the ball harder and further, the intricate sequence of the swing from a professional perspective, key things to think about in the box during games and how to build a competitive mindset that will take your cage work into games naturally!   Listen to Part 1...

Every hitter is different, and this week I’m honored to introduce to you 4x All-American, 5 year NPF player, owner of Folden Fastpitch and Cubs minor league hitting coach, Rachel Folden. Not only is she part of shifting the MLB movement with her presence in the MLB, she’s helping hitters become the best versions of themselves in the box, and this episode is going to show you how she’s actively doi...

Here are five (of what I think are the biggest) things I believe athletes should be spending the MOST on this off season! I challenge you to find the one that sticks out to you and MASTER it!   Sign up for the Nov 1st Hitting Workshop - https://calendly.com/ashleybtraining/abt-elite-hitting-workshop?month=2021-11     Find ABT on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/AshleyBurkhardtTraining     Learn...

In this jam-packed episode with returning guest, Morgan Stuart, you’ll learn some of her lowest points mentally (even after she won a National Championship) and how she is teaching the younger generation how to overcome negative thoughts sooner with proven coping strategies, bravely speak up when things don’t feel “right”, and how parents can see the warning signs sooner and be able to help guide...

Pitchers who hit are a RARE GEM and there’s no one in our game that has done both better than Lauren Haeger. In this episode you’ll learn her extraordinary pitching and hitting journey, why she believes her vulnerability and the way she was raised helped her with her confidence on the biggest stage, her interesting take on professional softball,and what led her to coaching travel ball and ways she...

This week, I’m bringing you a LIVE Q&A I did a few weeks ago where the questions asked by YOU were INCREDIBLE! I’m answering questions like: Should youth athletes watch Athletes Unlimited Softball? Where do I begin with recruiting?! How do I stay positive when things aren't going well? Are rivalries a good thing?...and more! I love giving you a bit of inside access to these Instagram lives, and if...

Yoga is the secret weapon that a lot of the best athletes are doing that you may not have known! Crazy enough, it helps with creating good mind-body connection, recovery, and confidence... and this week we have SEC doubles record holder Kaylea Snaer on the podcast sharing HOW you can use yoga and breath-work to take your game to new heights! Whether you’re a Yogi or not, this is an episode you WIL...

Everyone’s journey in this game is different and this week we get to learn from former 3x All-Conference and mental health advocate, Mary Murray, how she helped her team build an incredible culture and how she was able to navigate the waters of injury, perfectionism, doubt, anxiety and depression that was built in pursuit of her becoming a high-level softball player. These conversations aren’t eas...

I’ve missed you! Man, it feels good to be behind the mic again this week! Learn a few of my FAVE moments from Season 1, my take on the Tokyo Olympics, a bit about me and where I’ve been these past few weeks and what I’m looking forward to bringing you in Season 2! Get ready for the best season yet!   Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining/     Episodes mentioned:   “Cha...

There’s no better way to kick off the Olympics and wrap up Season 1 of When the Cleats Come Off than by listening and learning from some of the very best to pick up a softball! Today, we’re breaking down the BIGGEST moments of every Olympian (past and current) we’ve had so far on the pod -- including an epic Team USA photographer! -- and you’ll be hearing their most powerful stories, motivation an...

Learn from 38 year old Olympic Gold and Silver medalist, Cat Osterman, this week what it takes to become one of the very best and age even better. Cat shares her experience growing up knowing she wanted to be a pitcher, how she fell in love with the process, THRIVED in college and the Olympic stage and why she’s hungry to bring back the Gold for Team USA this Summer in Tokyo 2020!   Follow Cat on...

Having a Goal is the Key to Everything - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3NVE5GCEYwvtYgJ06cbwLq?si=JMy4nhDLS7GHjJas1XR88Q&dl_branch=1 In order to be the best, you have to TRAIN like the best. It's time to debunk 5 myths about hitting that most believe to be true that my good friend Chris Vasami and I simply cannot! We're going to ruffle some feathers with this one, but we know this conversation a...