Everything Fastpitch - The Podcast

Make the correct decision as a runner on third when the ball is hit. Practice and drill into the player's minds,Support the show

There is no way that rankings of travel ball players can be accurate. Too many teams and too many tournaments for anyone to know. Support the show

Showcases or tournaments that require you to use specific lodging can create a serious problem with your families. If you are contemplating one of these events, you need to have serious conversations with the parents on your team. You have to know your families well enough to know that it won't be a problem for every family. Some want to attend, but the only way they can is to find more affordable housing.Support the show

When we go to a showcase, we don't know if we are going to be scheduled to play at a satellite field. Sometimes these fields are some distance from the  primary sites. When this happens it makes it more difficult for college coaches to see the players that they want to see. Players and coaches have to be prepared when this happens to figure out not only the game schedule, but when players are going to be playing and let the college coaches that they are interested in know when and where they are. The further removed you are from the primary fields, the harder you have to work.Support the show

Relying on pick-up players to field a team is a sign of weakness and a problem with the basics of the team. Picking up a pitcher can make sense if we are down one. Using a pickup player as a means of trying out one, is a good strategy.Support the show

The idea of a pitching staff vs. a pitching ace. You need to have a strategy on how and when to use that staff to have the best chances of winning at the end. You can't rely on just a pitching ace.Support the show

Working the count and getting the pitch counts up is a strategy that works for baseball, but it isn't the same in softball.Support the show

When we focus on walks and getting the pitch counts up, be ready and don't take a called third strikes.Support the show

Using analytics is very helpful for our game, but we are seeing a trend with hitters trying to work the count. This results in them not being ready to hit the ball no matter what the count. They are missing some great pitches to hit.Support the show

Sometimes we form an opinion of a player and keep it over time. Players develop and change as well as their mental game. The game changes, it keeps getting faster. Therefore we need to evaluate all players and what they are contributing on a continuing basis. They may not be performing at the level of our opinion or they would help the team in a different position.Support the show

This week's lineupWarmup SegmentListener Question: My daughter is on a successful team with several pitchers. She is at recruiting age, should she change teams so that she gets more pitching time? (@12:34) 3 Costs of Leadership by Kirby Smart, Georgia's football coach (@19:18)Trend in college coaches leaving the sport (@27:38)Recruiting tip about behavior (@37:14)Support the show

We discuss the possibility that a player who really wants to quit softball, might enter the portal as a way of stop playing without having to say I quit.Support the show

This week's lineupWarmup SegmentListener Question: Family asks for suggestion of where to locate  (@11:56)Paige's Power Play: Response to failure determines out success (@18:46)End of college season wrap up (@21:25)Keeping the fun in fundamentals (@42:52)Value of outfielders (@48:30)Support the show

We have all seen it, an error is made fielding a ball or a throw is bad and the fielders become spectators. We have to teach and practice with our players that if something goes wrong their responsibilities change. They need to see what is happening and realize that the initial play is over and that a play is going to be made at a different base and their coverage or backup duties have changed and get in position.Support the show

This week's lineupWarmup SegmentListener Question: Follow up to last week's question about entering the transfer portal (@13:09)Paige's Power Play: Failure Recovery Document (@18:21)Respect the fields you play on (@20:54)Why are team always looking for players? (@35:16)Action Coach Tip: Optimism (@40:25)Support the show

We have to start at the younger ages to teach players the strategic importance of swapping runs for an out. The coaches use a game from the super regionals to show the importance. They stress that we have to train the players so when it becomes important they are prepared.Support the show

This week's lineupWarmup SegmentListener Question: Can you give me some advice on my daughter entering the transfer portal? (@11:42)Interview with Marty McDaniel, long time college coach (Part 1) (@16:57)Marty McDaniel has started softball at a college, coached at the highest level and will be coaching a professional team.Interview with Marty McDaniel, long time college coach (Part 2) (@42:40)Support the show

Coach Tory gives his predictions and analysis of the WCWS games.Support the show

It is summer time or close to it. Your player's and parent's lives are going to change. School won't be dictating a schedule and your players will be involved in additional activities. The family dynamics will change. You may have player's school years ending at different times, What has been the status quo is gone. It is up to you to adapt and embrace what you have and not be frustrated with what you don't have.Support the show

This week's lineupWarmup SegmentListener Question: Is it okay to use a bat weight in the on-deck circle? (@10:29)Paige's Power Play: Successful athletes and failure (@13:27)If you celebrate everything, how do you celebrate something special (@15:46)Instant Replay is out of control (@23:30)Practice coaching 3rd base (@30:32)Support the show