Fundamental Fastpitch: The Podcast

Facing a talented rise ball pitcher is a very difficult task. Jess and Heather discuss how and why hitting the rise ball is different and more difficult than any other pitch. The conversation covers some things you can do as a hitter to give yourself a better chance at success. We close our discussion with a few drills to work on a higher contact point and to simulate a rising pitch. #FundamentalFastpitch #Softball #RiseBall #Hitting #Patterns Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! Check out our YouTube Channel You might also like: 27 : Timing & Adjustments 47 : Strike Zone Early vs Late in an at Bat 55 : Five Parts of the Swing 61 : Wanting to Hit vs Hoping to Walk

If you’ve invested the time and effort to create a strong, positive team culture you probably want to protect that culture. We talk about some culture killers and some things coaches can do to avoid having their team infected by culture killers. What if, as a player, you’ve found yourself on a team with a culture that wasn’t advertised or that you don’t agree with? We close the conversations with some thoughts on how to handle that situation. #FundamentalFastpitch #Softball #Culture #CultureKiller #Bully #MeanGirl #Gossip Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! Check out our YouTube Channel You might also like: 76 : Billboard 112 : A Parent’s Guide to Beginner Softball 135 : Creating a Team Culture - Part 1 136 : Creating a Team Culture - Part 2

Coaches, players, and parents are all responsible for building and maintaining a positive team culture. Communication, accountability, commitment, and respect are common themes in this episode. #FundamentalFastpitch #Softball #TeamCulture #Respect #Communicate Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! Check out our YouTube Channel You might also like: 38 : Know Your Players - Building Relationships 64 : Your Kid is Listening 102 : Respecting Young Athletes

Having a strong, positive team culture doesn’t happen by accident. Join us as we talk about the elements of a good team culture and how to build one. The culture you cultivate influences how you and your team are perceived. Take initiative and do the work to make sure that culture is a positive one. #FundamentalFastpitch #Softball #TeamCulture #Communicate #Trust Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! Check out our YouTube Channel You might also like: 16 : Control the Controllables 66 : Being a Good Opponent 102 : Respecting Young Athletes

Buying a new bat can lead to more questions than answers. Aluminum or composite? How much should I spend? Where do I get a new bat? Does my kid even need a new bat? Jess and Heather get into the weeds as they discuss many of the questions that surround bats. Send us your bat-related questions! #FundamentalFastpitch #Softball #Bats #CompositeBats #Investment  Follow us on Instagram! Like and follow us on Facebook! Check out our YouTube Channel You might also like: 48 : Keeping Up With The Jones’s 101 : Coaching Gear Essentials & Extras 112 : A Parent's Guide to Beginner Softball 120 : How To Choose The Right Private Instructor