Fundamental Fastpitch: The Podcast
By Fundamental Fastpitch
Fundamental Fastpitch: The PodcastMar 09, 2023
117 : A Ride With Cora
Heather interviews her daughter, Cora, on the way home from practice. We talk about Cora’s favorite parts of hitting, why she enjoys catching, and her impressions of Mike and Jess. Cora gets the chance to ask Heather a few questions, too.
#FundamentalFastpitch #Softball #TheRideHome #PostPracticeTalks #MotherDaughter
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116 : Pros and Cons of League vs Select
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
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2 : What Do We Get Out of League Ball?
15 : The Competitive Softball Journey
115 : Catching You x Fundamental Fastpitch
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
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60 : Having Realistic Expectations
105: Coaching Your Daughter - Part 1
106 : Coaching Your Daughter - Part 2
110 : Creating Connections Series - Parents
114 : Adjusting to an Umpire’s Strike Zone
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
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47 : Strike Zone Early vs Late in an at Bat
61 : Wanting to Hit vs Hoping to Walk
97 : Taking a Pitch vs Attacking the First Pitch
113 : Aging up from 10u to 12u
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
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97 : Taking a Pitch vs Attacking the First Pitch
112 : A Parent’s Guide to Beginner Softball
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
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111 : Aging up from 8u to 10u
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
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110 : Creating Connections Series - Parents
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
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109 : Aging up from 6u to 8u
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
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108 : Creating Connections Series - Coaches
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
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5 : Coaches’ Communication with Parents
107 : Creating Connections Series - Players
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
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15 : The Competitive Softball Journey
31 : Being Coachable - What Does That Mean?
106 : Coaching Your Daughter - Part 2
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
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16 : Control the Controllables
32 : Comparing Your Kid to Their Teammates
89 : You’ve Been Voluntold to Coach - Now What?
105 : Coaching Your Daughter - Part 1
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
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16 : Control the Controllables
104 : Pregame Warmups
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
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29 : The Next Play After an Error
59 : Importance of a Strong, Athletic Stance
61 : Wanting to Hit vs Hoping to Walk
103 : Pick up Your Coach!
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
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51 : Small Ball - When and Why
80 : Value of a Good, Hard Leadoff
102 : Respecting Young Athletes
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
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31 : Being Coachable - What Does That Mean?
38 : Know Your Players - Building Relationships
101 : Coaching Gear Essentials & Extras
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
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100 : Pet Peeves - Part 3
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
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8 : Coaching Pet Peeves - Part 1
9 : Coaching Pet Peeves - Part 2
16 : Control the Controllables
31 : Being Coachable - What Does That Mean?
62 : Keeping Your Cool During Chaos
99 : Traffic Control
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
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38 : Know Your Players - Building Relationships
56 : Is She a Pitcher/Catcher? Or Can She Pitch/Catch?
98 : Fly Ball 101
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
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77 : Position Spotlight - Outfield
79 : Outfield Skills and Drills
97 : Taking a Pitch vs Attacking the First Pitch
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
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59 : Importance of a Strong, Athletic Stance
61 : Wanting to Hit vs Hoping to Walk
96 : Your Best vs The Best
Giving “your best” can often get tangled with being “the best.” While players should always be encouraged to improve and get closer to “the best,” we talk about how putting too much emphasis on the label can undermine a player’s (or parent’s or coach’s) best effort and intentions. Consistently giving your best is the best way to ensure you progress as a player. After all, giving your best is a controllable!
#FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #YourBest #TeamSport
95 : Hit By PItch
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
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47 : Strike Zone Early vs Late in an at Bat
94 : Signs
Whether you’re still early in your softball career or a seasoned veteran, you likely use some type of secret system to communicate with your coaches and teammates. We talk about what signs are used for, some different systems, and what to do when signs get crossed up.
#FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Signs #PickUpYourCoach
93 : No Pass No Play
As high school softball seasons begin to kick off here in Texas, we discuss the No Pass No Play rule. Hear why it’s so important, what you can do when you’re struggling with school, and some ways to support your teammates.
#FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #NoPassNoPlay #StudentAthlete #SchoolComesFirst
92 : Setting Goals
How do you set out to achieve your dreams? Setting goals and objectives are great ways to turn dreams into reality. As players, we should set goals that are well-defined and achievable. Let’s talk about some long term and short term goals that players of all ages may be thinking about.
#FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #Goals #Objectives #LongTermGoals #ShortTermGoals
91 : Planning Your Season
As the spring season creeps up, let’s talk about some things to consider when planning your team’s season. We talk about why it’s important to pre-plan your season, setting expectations with your families when it comes to communicating schedule conflicts, and how to select which tournaments to register for.
#FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #PlanAhead #Communicate #Expectations
90 : Classifying Select Teams
When it comes to assigning a “class” to your select team, things can get confusing. Different sanctions determine class differently. On top of that, the skill and talent level can vary widely from tournament to tournament within a sanction. Jess and Heather discuss how to make sure you’re getting what you sign up for and what’s best for your team.
#FundamentalFastpitch #ToughTalks #AClass #BClass #CClass #OpenClass
89 : You’ve Been Voluntold to Coach - Now What?
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
88 : Managing the Dugout
Managing the dugout is an often-overlooked aspect of coaching. How you run the dugout will evolve as you move through the various levels of play. Players need to know their spot in the lineup and where they are playing on the field, but there are also plenty of ways to keep players engaged whether they’re in the lineup or not.
#FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #DugoutMom #DugoutDad #DugoutJobs
87 : A Better Little League Experience
League play wouldn’t exist without the participation of a multitude of volunteers - volunteers that are immensely appreciated. How those volunteers are guided impacts the quality of the league experience. We talk about some things a board should consider when structuring their organization and embarking upon a new season.
#FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #LeagueSoftball #Communicate
86 : The Offseason
The offseason is a chance to take a break, reset, and charge your batteries. How long should the offseason be? What types of activities should your athletes be doing? How often and intense should activities be?
#FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #TheOffseason #TakeABreak #Burnout #IndividualSkills
85 : Fundraising
Bring up fundraising and you’re sure to get some groans. Whether you’re raising money for an organization, team, or yourself there are some things to keep in mind. We also cover a long list of fundraising ideas and options.
#FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Fundraising #Transparency
84 : Settling in to a New Season
A new season brings new opportunities. It also brings potentially uncomfortable changes. Heather and Jess talk about some causes for change as you settle into a new season, when changes turn into concerns, and how to address concerns constructively.
#FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #NewSeason #TeamChemistry #Communication
83 : Encore Mashup
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
- - - - - - - - - -
4 : What does Yes, Yes, No mean? Jess explains how to set yourself up for success in the box while Heather delves into the defensive side of things. Listen in to learn how your mental approach can make a huge impact on your game. TLDR: Have a plan!
6 : Practice - whether you love it or dread it, it’s pivotal to your success on the field. Jess goes into the qualities of an effective practice, and Heather explains efficiency on the practice field. We round things out with a discussion about livening practice up with competition.
10 : There’s more to baserunning than you might expect! Jess takes us around the bases as she teaches the basics of baserunning. Heather and Mike confess to not being the speediest of runners!
82 : Encore - Intro & Our Why
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!
- - - - - - - - - -
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
81 : Preparing for an At Bat
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
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80 : Value of a Good, Hard Leadoff
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
79 : Outfield Skills & Drills
Jess didn’t get enough outfield talk during last week’s Outfield Position Spotlight episode. We take a deeper dive into outfield-specific skills and drills. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #Outfield #SkillsAndDrills
78 : Bonus! Ask Coach Heather
Ask Coach Heather! Heather gets her chance to field questions from her 12u girls! Mike and Heather discuss some surprisingly thought-provoking questions. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #AskCoachHeather
77 : Position Spotlight - Outfield
We make our way out to the grass in this edition of the position spotlight series. Jess delves into the qualities of a great outfielder. We round out the conversation with what makes each of the outfield positions unique and a long list of outfield drills. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Outfield #StuckInTheOutfield #ReadsOffTheBat
76 : Billboard
You see billboards all the time, but what does it mean to be a billboard on the softball field? Heather and Jess explain what it means to “billboard,” why “billboarding” is a problem, and some ways to avoid it. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheDugout #Billboard #Emotions #3Seconds #Snowball
75 : Position Spotlight - Shortstop
Shortstop demands versatility. Mike, Heather, and Jess talk about how shortstops are able to fill the various needs of the position. In addition to physical skills, confidence, softball IQ, and a dose of swagger round out the tools available to great shortstops. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Shortstop #Athletic #Swagger #Silky
74 : Soft Toss 101
The crew dives into a batting practice staple - soft toss. Hear the proper way to set up soft toss and some common mistakes. We round out the conversation with some soft toss variations. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #SoftToss #BattingPractice #GoHit
73 : Position Spotlight - Third Base
What makes a third baseman great? Is it being technically flawless or the mental approach? We talk about how both of these qualities factor into making a well-rounded third baseman. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #ThirdBase #HotCorner #ALittleCrazy
72 : CA vs TX and Then Some - Part 3
Mike and Jess wrap up their candid conversation with insight on the local little league draft processes and their own individual responses to team success and big moments. As an added bonus, enjoy their post wrap-up discussion about their kids’ personalities and navigating emotions through success and failure. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Draft #BigFeelings #Success #Failure
71 : CA vs TX and Then Some - Part 2
Follow along with Mike and Jess as they continue their discussion about controversial little league strategies such as bunting, slapping, and running the ball in from the outfield. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #Texas #California
70 : CA vs TX and Then Some - Part 1
Without the steady supervision of Heather, Mike and Jess get on a windy roll about little league in California vs Texas. Part 1 of this 3-part dialogue centers on the differences in rules. #FundamentalFastpitch #TheHuddle #CaliforniaSoftball #TexasSoftball
69 : Position Spotlight - Second Base
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
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68 : Bunt Defense
Do you panic when a batter shows bunt? Or are you confident in your defense? Well-executed bunt defense can shut down an offensive push in a hurry. Listen in to hear how we like to defend the bunt. #FundamentalFastpitch #SoftballSchool #BuntDefense #EverybodyHasAJob