Everything Fastpitch - The Podcast

Not every player on a team has aspirations to play in college. For a variety of reasons, college is just not in their future. They still are good players and enjoy playing the game. Accept that and make sure you are coaching them with the same enthusiasm as the potential college players. Your job is to make all of your players the best version of themselves no matter what is in their future.Support the show

This weeks lineup:Warmup SegmentListener Question: My daughter is very young and wants to be a catcher. I am having trouble finding catching gear that fits. Any suggestions? (@13:42)Paige's Power Play (@19:07)Do large organizations make sense for travel teams? (@22:30)Part 2 of ground breaking women (@33:40)Action Coach (@48:00)Support the show

It happens frequently, a core group of 3 or 4 players want to start a new team. The coaches make a point for you not to jump into the pool before you have really thought this out. You should have more players as a core than what you are going to have to recruit.  And remember there are a lot of teams looking for pitchers and catchers especially.Support the show

This weeks lineup:Warmup SegmentListenerQuestion: My daughter is a pitcher and I am having trouble finding a good pitching tow. Do you have any advice? (@12:59)Paige's Power Play (@18:42)Part 2 of our interview with Justin McLeod of Extra Inning Softball. (@24:08)The coaches go through the first five from a list of women pioneers in softball. (@49:16)Action Coach (@1:04:45)Support the show

The coaches discuss that we can't coach by a book and we have to be aware of the circumstances of the game and players. Sometimes it makes sense to do something that doesn't make sense "by the book". Everyone connected with the team needs to "buy in" to the way you coach and be prepared to execute and support the calls you make. Remember, it is easy to judge a decision based upon the outcome. But always playing it safe leads to a team not playing up to their potential.Support the show

This weeks lineup:Warmup SegmentListener Question: Many of my players are starting to go to college camps. What advice should I give them to help them make a good first impression? (@10:25)Paige's Power Play (@13:51)Interview with Justin McLeod of Extra Inning Softball (@20:01)What to do when she says "I don't want to play college softball?"  (@54:47)Action Coach (@1:06:34)Support the show

We hear it at the ball park all the time. Coaches or parents yelling at a player to just make an adjustment. What does that mean? If you are going to say something, say something that is helpful. The player knows something isn't working.Support the show

This weeks lineup:Warmup SegmentListener Question: Is there a niche for players that have shown they are loyal?(@19:54)Paige's Power Play (@28:16)Difference between winning players and losing players. (@34:44)Define what is important in knowing what college to attend . (@50:46)Action Coach (@59:53)Support the show

The coaches discuss the importance in always believing that you can do it and never quit.Support the show

This weeks lineup:Warmup SegmentListener Question: On the first and third defensive play, what do we do when the batter squares around to bunt?  (@11:50)Paige's Power Play (@22:05)Players and coaches, now is the time to think about your goals for the coming year.(@24:34)What are you going to do in the next few weeks to get ready for the season and are you doing the correct things? (@37:59)Action Coach Tip  (@57:08)Support the show

We hear a lot of complaints in the fastpitch community about a lot of things. Short games, bad umpires, lack of facilities and on and on. If we are going to complain we have to be willing to pay to fix it or not complain. Support the show

This weeks lineup:Warmup SegmentListener Question: Do college coaches allow a team or fans to come to a practice? (@10:23)Paige's Power Play (@15:33)A question from a listener wanting our opinion on the pros and cons of coaching a high school team and a travel team at the same time. (@17:47)Another question from a listener wanting our opinion of what the optimum number of players on a roster. (@25:36)Action Coach Tip of the Week (@36:54)Support the show

Players don't care how much you know until they know how much you care is an old saying, but very true. The coaches discuss how to make this part of your coaching philosophy.Support the show

This weeks Lineup:Warmup SegmentListener Question: Is it illegal to roll a bat?  (@11:47)Paige's Power Play (@19:08)Listener questions about recruiting (@21:31)More great players, fewer great teams. (@41:12)Action Coach Tip (@51:55)Support the show

When we are having tryouts or looking for an additional player use a list of questions to interview the prospect. We need to know more than just their skills. We need to know if they fit in and can become part of the team.Support the show

This weeks Lineup:Warmup SegmentListener Question: A player left our team and now wants their money back. What are you thoughts? (@14:54)Paige's Power Play (@22:17)Interview with Tristan Hildebrandt of Anderson Bat Company (@28:47)Changing face of college athletics (@54:14)Action Coach by John Davis (@1:18:52)Support the show

 The proverb a stitch in time saves nine means that if one solves a problem while it is developing, one will save oneself time and work in the future. The coaches discuss how this applies to softball. If we make sure that a player is acquiring skills correctly from the beginning we save a lot of time, effort and frustration later on.Support the show

This weeks lineup:Warmup SegmentListener Question: A former coach of a new player reached out to me with a lot of negative information about her and her family. What do you think? (@15:21)Paige's Power Play (@21:26)Recruiting "Coach Speak" Sometimes we hear what we want to hear. Some guidance on things coaches say and do and how they should be understood. (@28:20)Are over the top celebrations for routine plays good for the game? (@48:37)Guidance on winter workouts. (@55:23)Support the show

During the off-season coaches have the opportunity to learn new skills and techniques. There are many clinics and on-line resources available to keep up with the game. Also, this should be a time of reflection on how to better communicate with the players and help them reach their potential. Listen as the coaches discuss this topic.Support the show

This weeks lineup:Warmup SegmentListener Question: Can you give me some tips on a home batting cage? (@11:21)Paige's Power Play (@21:01)Some tournaments have started awarding prize money to the winner. The coaches discuss the pros and cons of this. (@24::13)In training we need to push players into practicing what they are not good at. Players, parents and coaches should accept that the player's performance will not be what they expect, but it is the only way to get better. (@35:56)Coaches need to answer their player's questions about why they are doing what they are doing. (@50:35)Support the show