Everything Fastpitch - The Podcast

In this week's episode of Everything Fast Pitch by Fast Pitch Prep, Coach Don and Coach Tory discuss various topics including the transformation of Colorado into the epicenter for travel softball, the importance of attending these major events, and recognizing a repeat Player of the Week for her efforts in a faith-based softball camp in Montana. The podcast also delves into a listener question about the optimal number of players to use in a hitting lineup during tournaments, examining both the evidence and challenges of shorter game formats. (@14:14) They feature an in-depth part two of an interview with Dr. Matt Wilson, discussing the impacts of the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) agreements and the transfer portal on college sports, with a focus on softball. (@24:58) A pivotal question is addressed in the clean-up segment: How can players push themselves to be the best they can be? (@53:47) Finally, they address the ongoing debate between old school and new school coaching methods, emphasizing a balanced approach to effective player development while highlighting how traditional elements can still be incredibly valuable. (@01:01:03)Support the show

In this edition of Everything Fastpitch by FastpitchPrep, the hosts are back together via Zoom. Key segments in this episode include discussions on the training of Team USA Softball in Oklahoma City, the recognition of Albany, New York as the City of the Week, and a call for more Player of the Week nominations. The interview segment features Dr. Matt Wilson, who provides insights into the shifting dynamics of college sports, focusing on the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies and their implications along with the changes from the House settlement. The hosts also discuss the culture of 'trophy hunting' in tournaments, where teams are grouped into multiple brackets for wider chances of winning. And finally, they emphasize the importance of honest and constructive feedback in coaching and instruction for young athletes.Support the show

In this edition of Everything Fastpitch by Fastpitch Prep, Coach Tory shares the news that the podcast will return to its regular format next week. This week's mini pod includes the announcement of Kerrigan Welch as the Player of the Week, praises her achievements both on and off the field, and highlights the importance of listener nominations for this recognition. Tory also discusses the increased popularity of the Women's College World Series and the SEC's consideration of a permanent tournament location. Additionally, the podcast touches on the structure and future of professional fast-pitch leagues like AUSL. Finally, Tory's weekly rant addresses the issue of unfair accusations against young players based on their physical maturity and the negative impact such incidents can have on them. The episode concludes with a reminder to support the podcast through Patreon and to visit FastPitchPrep.com for additional resources.Support the show

This show is going to discuss the impact that Texas Tech has had on college softball. We have had a lot of feedback from our discussions of the college world series. Texas Tech has done an excellent job in what they have done. But have they created a template for other teams going forward?Tampering has been going on for a long time.Does a super team always lead to success?Support the show

Coach Tory talks about the just finished College World Series. There were things that we can use to help our players improve. Some things need to be changed to help the flow of the game.Impact of former men's fastpitch players becoming coaches.Support the show

Colleges are having to make tough choices regarding sports. Some just don't have the money to invest in all sports so they may have to eliminate some sports to keep competitive. Will the use of NIL and the transfer portal create a new way to have success quickly?More former players are entering the coaching profession, we wonder if that is  reaching far enough into youth teams.Support the show

This week the main discussion revolves around the College World Series regionals and super regionals an looking forward to the World Series.Tory also observed something that needs to be addressed in a high school age game.Support the show

Coach Tory goes through last weekend's games!Support the show

We will be on a small hiatus from our podcast, Everything Fastpitch. A key member of our crew, our producer, had a little health scare, and he won't be able to produce for a little while. Meanwhile! We will be uploading mini podcasts throughout the time he is away! And once Elizabeth gets comfortable enough with editing, we will be back to Everything Fastpitch the big podcasts! All of us at Fastpitch Prep thank you for your support, your patience, and your dedication to us! We appreciate you so much more than you know!Support the show

This week's LineupWarmup SegmentListener Question: Help with finding the right size bat (@14:35)Never ending discussion on travel players playing rec ball (@19:14)How much enthusiasm is too much? (@30:29)Eliminate I hate slow pitching excuse (@35:12)Support the show

Warmup SegmentListener Question: Does a player have to be a super star to be recruited? (@12:22)Mad Dad Syndrome (@20:34)Coaches communicate properly (@31:29)Teach Sliding (@35:18)Support the show

Warmup SegmentListener Question: Can we save college sports? (@10:55)High School Politics (@18:29)Rec and travel issues (@27:41)Greatest coaches of all time (@35:19)Support the show

This week's lineupWarmup SegmentListener Question: Comments about lack of pitchers (@8:24)Feedback about travel ball players participating in Rec Leagues (@16:12)Why so many California players in college (@24:25)Have a pre-game routine (@30:22)Support the show

This week's LineupWarmup SegmentListener Statement: Mental training for players and psychological intervention for parents  (@12:57)Transitioning from the 11 inch ball to the 12 inch ball (@21:47)What's happened to Rec ball (@32:34)Plan for all player's needs not an isolated one (@44:36)Support the show

This week's lineupWarmup SegmentListener Question: What impact will all the new NCAA changes on the horizon have? (@18:35)Great hitting mechanics, but fails in a game (@30:51)Managing parents to parents politics (@45:08)Rundown disasters (@56:01)Support the show

Coach Tory shares a situation where he had to listen to a coach go into a tirade with his team. This is not how to coach especially early in the season. Listen as the coaches discuss this type of behavior.Support the show

This week's lineupWarmup SegmentListener Question: Age cutoff changes may be affecting tryout situation  (@14:44)College season observations (@24:00)Spend your money wisely (@38:29)Teach skills correctly from the beginning (@45:43)Support the show

In today's environment in the travel ball world, it is imperative that a coach have a strategy/plan on handling their lineup. And it needs to be communicated to the players and parents and be adhered to if you want to have to a better experience.Support the show

This week's LineupWarmup SegmentListener Question:  Fallout from trying out for next year's team already this year (@16:04)Stanford playing in football stadium (@27:57)Eating better at tournaments (@38:30)Communicating with language, phrases and vocabulary that matches your player's level (@44:39)Support the show

Coaches - You must have a player to player communication system, practice it and make sure it is implemented.Support the show

This week's LineupWarmup SegmentListener Question: Taking a called first strike? (@12:58)Cool development in college softball (@24:08)Observations at the ball park and glove care (@39:03)Teaching pitchers to attack the zone (@41:41)Support the show

We teach our players to wipe off/forget a mistake and not let it affect our performance in the game. But we don't really want them to forget it, because mistakes are how we learn and identify what we need to practice. The discussion today is how to handle this dilemma.Support the show

This week's LineupWarmup SegmentListener Question: Could the SEC have all 8 teams at the CWS? (@13:27)Reaction to the question Does any player chose to be a pitcher only? (@21:15)Helping catchers to improve their throwing (@30:12)Art of patience (@38:01)Support the show

Especially early in the season our pitchers need practice against hitters and hitters need to see some live pitching. The coaches discuss the need and some options to make this happen.Support the show

This week's LineupWarmup SegmentListener Question: Feedback from "praise loudly, criticize quietly" (@17:11)Pitcher's are hitting (@28:56)Follow up to reverse daddy ball (@29:58)What is a bracket ready pitcher? (@46:57)Compete with yourself (@56:23)Support the show

All fields have to be maintained. A lot of players think that it just happens and don't understand the things that have to be done to keep the field playable. By teaching and having them perform some field maintenance they will have more respect for the facilities and lessen the impact of damage during play. And a lot of school ball settings require them to do field work.Support the show

This week's LineupWarmup SegmentListener Question: Are 2 different pro leagues good or bad? (@8:30)How to win the right way (@14:02)Make use of limited practice time (@20:39)Create environment where it's save to make a mistake (@29:24)Support the show

There are many different ways to be ready to play a defensive position. We have to teach our players how to move to ready so they are not stationary. A lot of players, especially younger players do not understand this concept.Support the show

This week's LineupWarmup SegmentListener Question: Unusual situation with player handling the pressure of playing for dad coach(@8:20)Recruiting Questions (@16:05)Kickoff to the college season (@21:47)Learning by watching (@28:13)Support the show

Where does working on pickoff and trick plays fit into practice? Coaches need to evaluate the skill level of their players and make a determination how much time they should devote to these type of drills.Support the show

This week's lineupWarmup SegmentListener Question: What is most important in college recruiting?(@12:04)School ball team has no pitchers, advice on forcing a player to be a pitcher. (@21:08)General hitting advice (@30:00)Coaching check list (@40:45)Support the show

Coaches need to always be working on improving themselves. Clinics are are great way to meet other coaches and share knowledge.Support the show

This week's lineup:Warmup SegmentListener Question: Do any women's sports actually make any money for their school? (@14:50)Correlation between team rankings and player recognition (@23:09)Feedback from listeners on the issue of not enough pitchers (@31:24)Know the rules if you are going to argue (@53:43)Support the show

How a coach is going to use stats in making game decisions is unique for each coach. But how important they are and the impact on decision making must be communicated to your players. Otherwise discontent and questioning will occur. Support the show

This week's LineupWarmup SegmentListener Question: Saw top 25 list, what do you think about the SEC dominating the list? (@11:42)Interview with Valerie Alston, mental coach, speaker, author and podcaster (@19:29)Pitch calling guidance (@49:07)Support the show

The more efficient we are the less likely we get picked off a base and more likely to be able to advance a base. Baserunning practice has to drill down to the small details of footwork to be the more efficient. It's not just take your lead and turn around to come back, but how.Support the show

This week's LineupWarmup SegmentListener Question: What's more important, what my team does well or what my opponent might do? (@15:31)Sorting out the process of trying out for a team (@20:40)Most unhittable pitcher in softball (@30:53)Importance of coaching at a young age (@38:13)Support the show

How a quote from Catherine the Great can be applied to coaching softball.Support the show

This week's lineupWarmup SegmentListener Question: What impact will the change allowing Junior College players 4 years of NCAA eligibility have? (@11:36)Advice for players and teams for playing in cold weather (@21:50)Discussion on the number of social media posts from teams needing pitchers (@31:05)Advice for a former baseball player in coaching softball (@44:39)Support the show

We tell players to wipe off mistakes, mishaps or other negative events to perform at their optimum. Today we challenge coaches to wipe the slate clean and start the new year with no preconceived thoughts and evaluate our team and players with a fresh attitude. Support the show

This week's LineupWarmup SegmentListener Question: Team folded and need advice on finding a new team that is more stable (@12:46)When a player has to give up the game (@22:03)Feedback from Managers vs Coaches (@30:56)Improving Speed (@40:48)Support the show

Things happen. Players get hurt, sick or for other reasons miss games or have to be substituted for in a game. Coaches shouldn't scramble to get a player ready to step in and fill a position, but have a philosophy to stay ready by having players adept at that position already. Support the show

This week's LineupWarmup SegmentListener Question: Will we see colleges players transferring during the season?(@15:16)Response to importance of pitcher/catcher relationship (@23:09)Paying to get players (@33:49)Master one pitch before adding another one (@43:40)Support the show

You can't have confidence and anxiety. The job of coaches and parents is to reduce anxiety and open the door to confidence.  Support the show

This week's lineup:Warmup SegmentListener Question: Why do we see more players being recruited than the stats say there should be? (@10:01)Arm care guidelines (@15:21)Coach Pat Summitt's Definite Dozen (@24:52)Change our line drive drills (@29:56)Support the show

Be aware of recruiting periods to better inform your players. Coach Tory gives you some pointers.Support the show

This week's LineupWarmup SegmentListener Question: What is holding my player back? Everything seems to be okay but she struggles breaking thru in big moments. (@7:41)Things that hold us back. (@11:42)Adults should model their behavior that we want our players to follow. (@15:56)Coaches be curious and always try to learn. (@19:26)Support the show

The coaches discuss the importance of the relationship between pitchers and catchers. Coaches need to understand this and promote the relationship and use it to their and the team's success.Support the show

This week's LineupWarmup SegmentListener Question: Value of being on a team with former college players as coaches? (@08:45)Helping a team break through the ceiling to success (@14:25)Dealing with concussions (@21:13)Is adjustment just a work that coaches use when they they don't have a solution? (@29:35)Support the show

The coaches challenge you to pick a coaching skill that you want to improve on and double your knowledge in an offseason.Support the show

This week's LineupWarmup SegmentListener Question: Advice on working with players with ADHD or a similar issue (@13:37)Guideline for creating rules for team decorum (@19:45)What age is it appropriate for players to specialize on a position? (@32:14)The difference between training and training with a purpose (@36:35)Support the show