Fundamental Fastpitch: The Podcast

Evaluating whether league softball or select softball is right for your athlete and family can be a tough exercise.  Jess and Heather talk about the pros and cons of league and select softball from 6u through 12u+.

#FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #LeagueSoftball #SelectSoftball

Welcome Rusty and Lacie Ham from the Catching You Podcast! On this special guest episode, we talk about Lacie’s college experience thus far, how she got there, and the support her Dad provided her along the way.  Rusty gives Heather and Jess some advice as he looks back to when Lacie was our daughters’ ages.  We learn about why mental health is a priority for Lacie and how she’s preparing herself for life after softball.  Rusty gets our thoughts on what makes a smart softball parent.

#FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #CatchingYou #Softball #CollegeSoftball #MentalHealth #SoftballParents 

The strike zone and the umpire’s strike zone are not always the same.  Jess and Heather talk about how to adjust your offensive and defensive strategies when the umpire has a tight zone, generous zone, and an inconsistent zone.  

#FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Softball #Umpire #StrikeZone

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 #TheHuddle #Softball #10u #12u #Growth #Change

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  

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

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

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

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 #ModelBehavior  

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 #Connections #Relationships #Communication

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.

#FundamentalFastpitch #ToughTalks #Softball #CoachMom #CoachDad #CoachesKid

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.

#FundamentalFastpitch #ToughTalks #Softball #CoachMom #CoachDad #CoachesKid

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

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 #ThirdBaseCoach

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

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 #CoachesGear #CoolBonusStuff

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 have been opened to all the little things that irk us.  How do our softball icks compare to yours?  

We close things out by giving a sneak peak of what’s to come.  Video podcasts?  Special guests?  Brand new resources for parents and coaches?  Follow us to find out!

#FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #100Episodes #PetPeeves #OnDeck #InTheHole

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

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

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

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

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

Jump back into the time machine for this encore episode where we mash up three of our earliest episodes.  Enjoy some highlights of episodes 4 : Yes, Yes, No Mentality, 6 : How to Run an Effective & Efficient Practice, and 10 : Baserunning 101 - Part 1.  

#FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #TheHuddle #SoftballSchool #YesYesNo #Practice #Baserunning

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We have grown so much in 80+ episodes! Jump into the time machine for this encore episode where we go ALL THE WAY BACK to the first ever episode of Fundamental Fastpitch: The Podcast!

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Welcome! Meet the Fundamental Fastpitch crew!  Longtime softball players, coaches, and students of the game: Jessica Tanner, Heather Maloney, and Mike Brouillette. Jessica and Heather introduce the four categories of Fundamental Fastpitch podcasts to look forward to: Softball School, The Huddle, The Dugout, and Tough Talks.

#FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #TheHuddle #TheDugout #ToughTalks

Quality at bats are no accident.  Jess, Mike, and Heather go through a laundry list of ways to prepare for an at bat - long before you ever step foot in the box.  Taken in all at once, the ways to prepare can be overwhelming, but a step-wise approach to implementing these tips can give reliable results.

#FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #AtBat #Preparation #InTheDugout #OnDeck #InTheBox

It may not seem like it, but the quality of a leadoff can make the difference between an out and safe call.  We explain what a leadoff is, what it isn’t, and why it’s so important.  Most importantly, getting a good, hard leadoff is the decision to apply two controllables - effort and focus.

#FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Leadoff #IsSheStealing #KeepDefenseGuessing

Second base sometimes gets portrayed as “less than” its partner across the diamond.  Jess and Heather talk about the role of second base and what to look for in a second baseman.  We close things out with a list of skills every second baseman should be working on.  #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #SecondBase #MiddleInfield #SneakyRange