Everything Fastpitch - The Podcast
581 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 79 ratingsEverything Fastpitch is a podcast hosted by Coach Tory Acheson and Coach Don McKinlay. Tory and Don are former college coaches that are now full time instructors and travel ball coaches. Since retiring form active collegiate coaching they have committed themselves to providing educational materials to the fastpitch community. This podcast is one of the resources they are providing. Their website has 500+ blog posts and they have a YouTube channel. All of these cover fastpitch softball from coaching and training beginner athletes up through college athletes. It is a great resource for players, parents and coaches. Whether it be training tips, mental aspects, coaching methods, recruiting etc. it is all covered, hence the name Everything Fastpitch.
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Episodes
Coaches: Require safety gear!
May 26, 2023 20:00 - 10 minutes - 6.96 MBThis episode highlights the need for players to use protective gear and coaches need to promote and require their players to use them. Support the Show.
CWS games - Connect your players / Considering players for awards / Formula for confidence / Re-engaging a pitcher after being hit / Coaching Female Athletes is different / CWS Regional Surprises
May 24, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 44.1 MBThis weeks lineup: Warmup Segment Value in watching the CWS games. With limited professional players, these are the players that our players can look up to, emulate,have connection to, etc (@7:57) Listener Question: When people are considering players for awards, is it just on the field accomplishment or do other things get consideration? (@11:54) Paige's Power Play: The formula for confidence (@17:04) DR3 Fastpitch Pitching Question: My daughter was hit in the shin with a line drive ...
Coach Tory's Recap of the D1 Softball Regionals
May 22, 2023 15:00 - 13 minutes - 9.31 MBCoach Tory Acheson with his decades of Collegiate Softball experience gives you his breakdown of the D1 Regionals that were completed this past weekend. And then it's on to the Super Regionals. Support the Show.
Understanding positioning of middle infielders to cover on a steal.
May 19, 2023 20:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBThe coaches discuss a method of positive and negative distance to help players understand where they need to position themselves and be able to cover a base on a steal. Left on their own, they are usually to far or to close to the base. Practice methods are discussed for them to better visualize where they should be. Support the Show.
Visualization / Pitchers moving to 12 inch balls / Exploited a rule to your advantage is wrong / Manager vs Coach / Awards are important to players
May 17, 2023 20:00 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MBThis weeks lineup: Warmup Segment Listener Question: Salaries of top level college coaches. (@13:42) Paige's Power Play: Visualization (@20:30) DR3 Fastpitch Pitching Question: Advice on a pitcher moving from the 11 inch ball to the 12 inch ball. (@23:56) Team exploited a rule to force interference. (@30:00) Ability to assemble a good team vs. coaching a team up. (@40:33) Awards are important to players. (@48:39) Support the Show.
Coach Tory's Comments on the CWS Selections
May 15, 2023 01:00 - 5 minutes - 3.75 MBCoach Tory gives you his take on the selection committees choices of teams in this years CWS field. Support the Show.
Coach: What is your reaction level?
May 12, 2023 20:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBCoaches fall into different categories when it come to reacting to events that happen in a game or practice. From over reacting to under reacting. Evaluate yourself and see what really works with your players when bad things happen. Listen to hear our advice. Support the Show.
Catchers overworked / Set up for success / Young pitcher advice / Answer to unruly parents / Justin McLeod interview / Teach obstruction rule
May 10, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 56.8 MBThis weeks lineup: Warmup Segment Listener Question: Let's talk about Catchers being overworked. (@15:43) Paige's Power Play: How to set your daughter up for success. (@24:30) DR3 Fastpitch Pitching Question: Advice for a small 9 year old pitcher. (@26:41) A Little League Association answer to unruly parents. (@37:52) Interview with Justin McCleod of Extra Inning Softball. (@45:24) Action Coaching Tip: Teach the obstruction rule. (@1:18:09) Support the Show.
Defending Delayed Steals
May 05, 2023 20:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MBA listener ask a question about how to defend delayed steals. The coaches discuss what delayed skills are, the types of situations where they occur and how to defend them. Support the Show.
Don't lose sight of fun / Advice on reframing comments / Gene pool of players / Trends in the College game
May 03, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 41.6 MBThis weeks lineup: Warmup Segment Listener Question: How to balance skills with positions because of fear of injuries. (@10:12) Paige's Power Play: Don’t lose sight of the fun part of competing (@17:36) DR3 Fastpitch Pitching Question: How to not let comments get in my head? (@22:33) Watching players who parents were high level athletes. (@35:39) Home stretch of the college season (@45:17) Action Coach (@54:56) Support the Show.
Help players work on weaknesses
April 28, 2023 20:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBLeft on their own, most players will practice what they are good at. It is our jobs as coaches to communicate with our players on specific things that they need to work on when they are practicing outside of team practices. This episode discusses the need to communicate and proper communication. Support the Show.
Stop thinking things are hard / Target for pitchers / Wasting time and time limits / Pitchers and Strikeouts / Use protective equipment
April 26, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 43.4 MBThis weeks lineup: Warmup Segment Listener Question: My daughter is a pitcher and a catcher. She is being told that she must chose one or the other. What are your thoughts? (@12:36) Paige's Power Play: Stop thinking things are hard. (@18:05) DR3 Fastpitch pitching question: I am tall and when catching for my daughter my target is high. What advice can you give me to make it easier for my daughter? (@20:48) Wasting time in games with time limits. (@31:02) Listener response of why they...
Calling Pitches
April 21, 2023 20:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MBCalling pitches is a subject that has a lot of opinions. Some coaches understand that getting efficient outs is the primary objective. Some are looking for strikeouts. Some use the situation only. Whatever the pitch called and whoever called it, the foremost thought must be educating the pitchers and catchers on the art of calling pitches. If you want them to reach the higher levels of the game, they must understand why certain pitches should be thrown and at what time. The coaches discuss t...
Reframing Adversity / Develop a Pitching Staff / Instant Replay - Good or Bad / Taking a 3-0 Pitch??? / Behavior Styles
April 19, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 44.1 MBThis weeks lineup: Warmup Segment Listener Question: Thoughts on a team organized screaming at opposing pitcher. (@10:32) Paige's Power Play: Reframing Adversity (@17:35) DR3 Fastpitch Pitching Corner: How can we convince our coach that he needs to develop a pitching staff not just use 1 or 2 pitchers? (@21:24) Instant Replay - Good or Bad (@34:58) Taking a 3-0 pitch ??? (@45:40) Action Coach Tip: Behavior styles and communication (@55:38) Support the Show.
Playing to win versus playing not to lose
April 14, 2023 20:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MBThe discussion today revolves around the many benefits of playing to win as opposed to playing it safe and trying not to lose. It may cost you today to be aggressive, but in the long run can develop an attitude for your players that they are always in the game and to not let down. Support the Show.
Incorporate fun activities into practice / Speed up the fastpitch game / Adjust our attitude when players don't show up for practice
April 12, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 43.9 MBThis weeks lineup Warmup Segment Listener Question: Should my daughter be a utility player? (@12:29) Paige's Power Play: What does mental preparation look like? (@19:13) DR3 Fastpitch Pitching Question: My daughter is 10 years old, how much time should she be practicing pitching? (@21:47) Incorporate fun activities into practice. Players of all ages like to have fun, set aside some practice time for something fun that also develops playing skills. (@31:07) The pitch clock is working ...
Finding Winning Players for your team
April 07, 2023 20:00 - 11 minutes - 8.21 MBSome players don't look the part, but are just winners. You may tryout a player or have a player recommended to you but at first glance just doesn't stand out. Look deeper and look for other assets that might make this player a difference maker. Support the Show.
Challenge of Cutting a Player / Both sides of a viral video / An out is not always a mechanical problem
April 05, 2023 20:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MBThis weeks lineup: Warmup Segment Listener Question: How are national births awarded? (@08:10) Paige's Power Play: (@13:32) DR3 Fastpitch Pitching Question: (@17:37) Challenge of Cutting a Player (@28:03) Both sides of a social media viral video (@36:19) An out is not always a mechanical problem (@43:02) Support the Show.
Catcher Positioning
March 31, 2023 23:00 - 14 minutes - 9.94 MBCatchers should not stay in one position behind the batter. Unfortunately there are usually holes there because that's what a lot of catchers do. But the catcher has to position themselves based upon where the batter is standing and pitch selection. A good catcher can make a dig difference for the pitcher and has an opportunity to create more outs. Support the Show.
Listener Questions / Mental Game Advice / Pitching Questions / Tips from a successful D1 player on playing at the highest level / Playing Time Guidelines
March 29, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 58.7 MBThis weeks lineup: Warmup Segment Listener Question: I have players that also play on rec teams. I think they would be better off practicing with our travel team. What do you think? (@15:00) Paige's Power Play: What championship teams believe. (@22:25) DR3Fastpitch Pitching Question: Conflict with a coach on how to throw certain pitches. (@26:37) Body types and preconceived ideas (@46:19) 5 tips to consider if your dream is to play at the highest level by a D1 player (@57:32) Establi...
Defensive Positioning
March 24, 2023 20:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MBMajor League Baseball has proven that moving defensive players around is very effective. While we don't have the resources to carry it to their level, it can give us a competitive advantage. Coach Tory gives you some advice and some things to think about to train coaches and players the art of defensive positioning. Support the Show.
Expectations / Smaller pitcher / It's not always the pitch callers fault / Sports that complement softball / Ground balls are bad
March 22, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 43.5 MBThis weeks lineup: Warmup Segment Listener Question: What is the #1 absolute for a hitter? (@10:40) Paige's Power Play: Expectations (@14:11) DR3 Fastpitch Pitching Corner: I have a smaller pitcher who does not throw hard (@18:16) It's not always the pitch callers fault (@35:03) What are other sports that compliment softball? (@44:37) Ground Balls are bad (@53:57) Support the Show.
Use terminology that makes sense to right handers and left handers!
March 16, 2023 14:00 - 14 minutes - 10 MBCoaches need to understand the strengths and weaknesses between left handed and right handed players and use them to their advantage. To start with, use terminology that can apply to both right and left handed players. For example, instead of saying right and left, say glove hand or throwing hand. Positioning and footwork are identical relative to the glove hand. Also, coaches your left handers and right handers have different strengths. Use them to your advantage. You position right hander...
Pitching Question: Which pitch to throw? / Interview with Val Alston, author of "Confident, Calm, & Clutch" / Balancing schedule early in the season
March 15, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 51.8 MBThis weeks lineup: Warmup Segment Listener Question: Is there a downside to playing second base? (@11:05) Paige's Power Play (@18:05) DR3 Fastpitch Pitching Question: Would you rather throw your best pitch no matter the hitter's strength or throw a weaker pitch to attack the hitter's weakness? (@21:42) Interview with Val Alston, author of "Confident, Calm, & Clutch: How to Build Confidence and Mental Toughness for Young Athletes Using Sports Psychology" She is a Certified Mental Perform...
White Ball Era
March 10, 2023 21:00 - 13 minutes - 9.38 MBThe coaches reminisce about their beginning days when things were a lot different. Sometimes they mention the white ball era and they wanted to explain to the listeners what they were talking about. Support the Show.
Exercises to avoid for pitchers / Percentage of players that did not find a new team through the portal / Work on Visual Skills
March 08, 2023 21:00 - 1 hour - 57.7 MBThis Weeks Lineup Warmup Segment Listener Question: How do you know when it is time to move on to a new team? (@14:41) Paige's Power Play (@25:59) DR3Fastpitch Pitching Corner: Are their exercises that should be avoided in the weight room? (@28:47) Percentage of players that did not find a new team through the 2022 Transfer Portal (@43:30) Work on Visual Skills (@56:27) Action Coach (1:16:44) Support the Show.
Teach them to take care of their equipment
March 03, 2023 21:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MBThis weeks discussion revolves around that players today do not respect their equipment and take care of it appropriately. Most types of equipment is discussed and the basics of taking care of it properly. Encourage your players to listen to this and help them understand that it is their responsibility. Support the Show.
Start Back vs Step Back / Pitchers tipping pitches / Observations from a softball parent
March 01, 2023 21:00 - 1 hour - 48 MBThis weeks lineup: Warmup Segment Listener Question: His daughter has a choice to be a full time player on the JV team or a roll player on the varsity team. What do you think? (@19:14) Paige's Power Play (@29:19) DR3Fastpitch Pitching Corner - What do you feel about the start back vs step back approach to pitching? (@35:17) Spending time looking for pitchers tipping off pitches. (@44:02) Observations from a softball parent whose daughter is at the end of her career. (@58:09) Support ...
The Last Out - Shouldn't be any different than any other out
February 24, 2023 21:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MBThe coaches discuss helping to prepare players for that pressure situation of the last out of a game. It shouldn't be any different than any other out, but it is. It takes a collective effort of the player, parents, coaches and spectators to maintain a demeanor that makes it easier. Support the Show.
Tip for Players College Visits / Does Softball have to be your major in college?
February 22, 2023 21:00 - 1 hour - 48.6 MBThis weeks lineup: Warmup Segment Listener Question: How do you decide on which camps to attend? (@19:30) Paige's Power Play (@28:14) DR3Fastpitch Pitching Corner (@32:38) Tips for players going on college visits. Make it easier to compare them over an extended time. (@43:50) If playing college softball is in your future, an important consideration is your major at that school and can you major in that field and still play softball. At some schools is is almost impossible to play softb...
Is it motivated, disciplined or both?
February 17, 2023 21:00 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MBCoaches all say they want motivated players. The discussion today revolves around the fact that motivation is not a constant. What we really want are disciplined players that practice and play at a constant level no matter their level of motivation on a particular day. It takes motivation to get started, but discipline to stay the course. Support the Show.
Importance of small ball / Understanding runner interference
February 15, 2023 21:00 - 1 hour - 42.7 MBThis weeks lineup: Warmup Segment Listener Question: My daughter is a left-handed catcher. Is that a negative? (@14:23) Paige's Power Play (@23:03) DR3 Fastpitch Pitching Corner (@26:44) Importance of Small Ball (@36:42) Understanding runner interference. A coach asked for some strategies for his base runners to avoid interfering with the fielder. (@45:39) Action Coach (@55:52) Support the Show.
"You Can Observe A Lot By Watching", Yogi Berra
February 10, 2023 21:00 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MBAs Yogi Berra said, "You Can Observe A Lot By Watching". From birth we develop by imitating what we see. If we teach our players how to really "watch" good players, they will become better players. They should be watching all of the subtle things going on with players not just following the ball. Seeing the total game is a skill that has to be learned and makes the game a classroom. Support the Show.
Exposing your players to different ways of doing things / Part 3 of influential women in softball
February 08, 2023 21:00 - 1 hour - 52.2 MBThis weeks lineup: Warmup Segment Listener Question: My daughter was demoted to the outfield. What do I do?The coaches respond with reasons the outfield is not a demotion. (@21:04) Paige's Power Play (@30:07) Daniel Rubin and the DR3 Pitching Corner (@33:00) Exposing your players to different ways of doing things. (@44:41) Part 3 of the most influential women in softball. (@1:01:33) Action Coach (@1:10:33) Support the Show.
Not every player has college aspirations, treat them the same.
February 03, 2023 21:00 - 9 minutes - 6.36 MBNot every player on a team has aspirations to play in college. For a variety of reasons, college is just not in their future. They still are good players and enjoy playing the game. Accept that and make sure you are coaching them with the same enthusiasm as the potential college players. Your job is to make all of your players the best version of themselves no matter what is in their future. Support the Show.
Do large organizations make sense for travel teams? / Part 2 of ground breaking women
February 01, 2023 21:00 - 55 minutes - 38.1 MBThis weeks lineup: Warmup Segment Listener Question: My daughter is very young and wants to be a catcher. I am having trouble finding catching gear that fits. Any suggestions? (@13:42) Paige's Power Play (@19:07) Do large organizations make sense for travel teams? (@22:30) Part 2 of ground breaking women (@33:40) Action Coach (@48:00) Support the Show.
Don't commit to creating a new team too early.
January 27, 2023 21:00 - 12 minutes - 8.86 MBIt happens frequently, a core group of 3 or 4 players want to start a new team. The coaches make a point for you not to jump into the pool before you have really thought this out. You should have more players as a core than what you are going to have to recruit. And remember there are a lot of teams looking for pitchers and catchers especially. Support the Show.
Part 2 of interview with Justin McLeod / Ground breaking women in college softball
January 25, 2023 21:00 - 1 hour - 49 MBThis weeks lineup: Warmup Segment ListenerQuestion: My daughter is a pitcher and I am having trouble finding a good pitching tow. Do you have any advice? (@12:59) Paige's Power Play (@18:42) Part 2 of our interview with Justin McLeod of Extra Inning Softball. (@24:08) The coaches go through the first five from a list of women pioneers in softball. (@49:16) Action Coach (@1:04:45) Support the Show.
Coaching Decisions are not made in a vacuum.
January 20, 2023 21:00 - 13 minutes - 9.26 MBThe coaches discuss that we can't coach by a book and we have to be aware of the circumstances of the game and players. Sometimes it makes sense to do something that doesn't make sense "by the book". Everyone connected with the team needs to "buy in" to the way you coach and be prepared to execute and support the calls you make. Remember, it is easy to judge a decision based upon the outcome. But always playing it safe leads to a team not playing up to their potential. Support the Show.
Interview with Justin McLeod of Extra Inning Softball / She doesn't want to play in college
January 18, 2023 21:00 - 1 hour - 50.4 MBThis weeks lineup: Warmup Segment Listener Question: Many of my players are starting to go to college camps. What advice should I give them to help them make a good first impression? (@10:25) Paige's Power Play (@13:51) Interview with Justin McLeod of Extra Inning Softball (@20:01) What to do when she says "I don't want to play college softball?" (@54:47) Action Coach (@1:06:34) Support the Show.
"Make an Adjustment" is not coaching!
January 13, 2023 21:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MBWe hear it at the ball park all the time. Coaches or parents yelling at a player to just make an adjustment. What does that mean? If you are going to say something, say something that is helpful. The player knows something isn't working. Support the Show.
Difference between winning players and losing players / Define what is important in knowing what college to attend
January 11, 2023 21:00 - 1 hour - 43.9 MBThis weeks lineup: Warmup Segment Listener Question: Is there a niche for players that have shown they are loyal?(@19:54) Paige's Power Play (@28:16) Difference between winning players and losing players. (@34:44) Define what is important in knowing what college to attend . (@50:46) Action Coach (@59:53) Support the Show.
Never Quit - Always Believe
January 06, 2023 21:00 - 12 minutes - 8.77 MBThe coaches discuss the importance in always believing that you can do it and never quit. Support the Show.
Goals for the new year / Player Preparation for Spring
January 04, 2023 21:00 - 1 hour - 42.2 MBThis weeks lineup: Warmup Segment Listener Question: On the first and third defensive play, what do we do when the batter squares around to bunt? (@11:50) Paige's Power Play (@22:05) Players and coaches, now is the time to think about your goals for the coming year.(@24:34) What are you going to do in the next few weeks to get ready for the season and are you doing the correct things? (@37:59) Action Coach Tip (@57:08) Support the Show.
If you are going to complain about a problem, be prepared to spend the money to fix it.
December 30, 2022 21:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MBWe hear a lot of complaints in the fastpitch community about a lot of things. Short games, bad umpires, lack of facilities and on and on. If we are going to complain we have to be willing to pay to fix it or not complain. Support the Show.
Coaching High School and Travel at the same time / Right Sized Roster
December 28, 2022 21:00 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MBThis weeks lineup: Warmup Segment Listener Question: Do college coaches allow a team or fans to come to a practice? (@10:23) Paige's Power Play (@15:33) A question from a listener wanting our opinion on the pros and cons of coaching a high school team and a travel team at the same time. (@17:47) Another question from a listener wanting our opinion of what the optimum number of players on a roster. (@25:36) Action Coach Tip of the Week (@36:54) Support the Show.
Players don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.
December 23, 2022 17:00 - 10 minutes - 7.5 MBPlayers don't care how much you know until they know how much you care is an old saying, but very true. The coaches discuss how to make this part of your coaching philosophy. Support the Show.
Listener questions about recruiting / More great players, fewer great teams. / Action Coach Tip
December 21, 2022 21:00 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MBThis weeks Lineup: Warmup Segment Listener Question: Is it illegal to roll a bat? (@11:47) Paige's Power Play (@19:08) Listener questions about recruiting (@21:31) More great players, fewer great teams. (@41:12) Action Coach Tip (@51:55) Support the Show.
Interview prospective players with a plan
December 16, 2022 21:00 - 14 minutes - 10.3 MBWhen we are having tryouts or looking for an additional player use a list of questions to interview the prospect. We need to know more than just their skills. We need to know if they fit in and can become part of the team. Support the Show.
Anderson Bat Interview / Changing Face of College Athletics / Action Coach
December 14, 2022 21:00 - 1 hour - 56.5 MBThis weeks Lineup: Warmup Segment Listener Question: A player left our team and now wants their money back. What are you thoughts? (@14:54) Paige's Power Play (@22:17) Interview with Tristan Hildebrandt of Anderson Bat Company (@28:47) Changing face of college athletics (@54:14) Action Coach by John Davis (@1:18:52) Support the Show.