Everything Fastpitch - The Podcast
588 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 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
Utilizing coaching staff / Getting players ready for college ball / Quality outfield practice
February 17, 2021 21:00 - 1 hour - 44 MBThis weeks lineup: Warmup Segment Listener Question: Getting a pitcher in better shape (@10:51) Paige's Power Play (@16:33) Coaching staff and how to use them more effectively (@26:21) Getting players ready for college ball (@49:43) Quality outfield practice (@54:32) Support the Show.
Coach Prep - Dealing with the spoiled/pampered athlete and coaches don't create them.
February 12, 2021 21:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MBWe have all seen it. You have an athlete that doesn't think they have to abide by the same standards as the other players. Many times it is a very talented player who thinks they are better than other players and should have special privileges. Sometimes this is a home problem and sometimes it is a coaching problem. We have seen where an athlete was a difference maker on a team and the parents exploit that for special privileges. And sometimes the coaches create the problem because they fear...
Hitter's struggles are not always mechanical / College Softball is on the horizon / Speed and Agility: Good investment of our time?
February 10, 2021 21:00 - 1 hour - 44.4 MBThis weeks lineup: Warm-up Segment Listener Question: Is it okay for players to miss practice to pick up with other teams? (@12:04) Paige's Power Play (@17:39) When a hitter struggles we see something and immediately think that is the problem. Often that is a symptom caused by the real problem. @(25:20) College Softball is on the horizon. (@39:22) Speed and Agility: good investment of our time? (@54:40) Support the Show.
Coach Prep - Coaches, know the rules.
February 05, 2021 21:00 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MBIn this episode we discuss the importance of coaches knowing the rules and teaching them to your players. Your credibility is at stake if during a game it becomes obvious that you don't know a rule. We have all witnessed a train wreck when a situation happens and everyone is confused. Also it is imperative that when you go to a tournament that you know any specific rules that are different from what you have been playing. Support the Show.
Part 2 of Rachel Coleman Interview on Recruiting / Hank Aaron's attitude about hitting / Coaches need to work hard for their players
February 03, 2021 21:00 - 1 hour - 46.3 MBThis weeks lineup: Warm-Up Segment Listener Question: Will we be able to see games in person this year? (@8:34) Paige's Power Play (@11:45) Part 2 of Rachel Coleman Interview on recruiting (@21:03) Hank Aaron's attitude about hitting. Keep Swinging (@52:15) Your players are working hard for you. Are you working hard for them (@55:04) Support the Show.
Coach Prep - Have a plan to seamlessly integrate your new players into the team.
January 29, 2021 21:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MBThe discussion is about adding new players to your team and how to transition them from new players to just players. When we add new players, there is a learning curve for them that can impact your practices and games until they are fully transitioned into the teams way of doing things. For instance, at practice you tell the team to go do "x" drill. The new players don't know what "x" is so practice bogs down while you explain it. Have a plan to seamlessly integrate your new players into the...
Recruiting advice from a professional / Traveling by airplane / Early season practices
January 27, 2021 21:00 - 1 hour - 44.4 MBThis weeks lineup: Warm-up Segment Paige's Power Play (@11:43) First part of an interview with Rachel Coleman a former D1 Coach breaking down the softball recruiting process. (@18:31) Managing traveling by airplane to a tournament. (@53:49) Early season practices. (@58:13) Support the Show.
Coach Prep - Taking one for the team. Do's and don'ts of getting hit by a pitch.
January 22, 2021 21:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBEventually, letting a pitch hit you is going to be expected. The coaches discuss this practice and when players are old enough to understand and not let it affect them in the batter's box. You have to understand the safety aspects as well as the psychological impact. Support the Show.
Do Catchers throw too much? / Don't speak negatively about yourself / Quality vs Quantity
January 20, 2021 21:00 - 55 minutes - 38 MBThis weeks lineup: Shoutout Segment Listener Question: Which dugout would we chose and why? (@9:10) Paige's Power Play (@12:53) How much do catchers throw and is it too much (@22:26) Discussion of Bruce Lee quote - Don't speak negatively about yourself, even as a joke, your body doesn't know the difference. Words are energy change the way you speak about yourself and you can change your life. (@33:23) Quality vs Quantity (@44:10) Support the Show.
Coach Prep - To be a great coach you have to have great practice plans
January 15, 2021 21:00 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MBThe coaches discuss the absolute need for practice plans and being prepared. You should go to every practice with a legitimate plan. We lose kids when we bore them, we lose kids when we are disorganized and we lose everybody if they think we are wasting their time. Invest in a plan and adhere to it. This is a must listen for every coach. Support the Show.
What to do - player is being taught incorrectly / Team Financial Accounting / What to look for in a pitcher
January 13, 2021 21:00 - 1 hour - 42.5 MBThis weeks lineup: Shoutout segment Listener Question: Advice on how to protect myself catching my daughter as she gets faster. (@10:34) Paige's Power Play (@18:49) What to do when you see someone obviously teaching a player incorrectly. (@22:50) How appropriate is it for a parent to ask for an accounting of where the team money is going. (@34:37) What to look for when we are looking for pitchers. (@48:02) Support the Show.
Coach Prep - Role of coaches in creating a positive attitude
January 08, 2021 21:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MBDiscussion based upon a study that was made as to what female athletes like, what motivates them and why they continue to play. The study covers a lot of ground and helps us understand what creates the best environment for them. Support the Show.
College Camps worth it? / Players need to compete for positions / Corona Update / Coaches we have to get in shape
January 06, 2021 21:00 - 54 minutes - 37.1 MBThis weeks Lineup: Shoutout segment Listener Question: Is it worth it to attend college camps? (@ 9:51) Paige's Power Play (@ 15:23) Discussion from NFCA convention that Travel Ball players need to compete for positions. (@ 18:44) Corona update on college softball (@ 33:33) Coaches we have to get in shape (@ 45:30) Support the Show.
Coach Prep - Things we say that confuse players
January 01, 2021 21:00 - 11 minutes - 8.24 MBIn this episode we discuss things that we say that confuse the player. And when you really think about what we are saying, they don't make any sense. For the new year we need to add this to our list of things to stop doing to get the best performance out of our players. Support the Show.
Talent Increasing - Passion Decreasing / Covering bases on steals / Quality at-bat is not always a hit
December 30, 2020 21:00 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MBThis weeks lineup: Shoutout segment Listener Question: Daughter is struggling to hit the ball hard. (@ 9:04) Paige's Power Play (@ 14:14) Talent is increasing but passion is lagging (@ 19:09) Covering bases on steals (@ 40:00) A quality at-bat is not always a hit. (@ 48:58) Support the Show.
Coach Prep - Utilizing Assistant Coaches correctly
December 25, 2020 21:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MBThis weeks episode discusses how to utilize assistant coaches. As head coach you need to delegate to your assistants certain responsibilities and let them coach. You also need to make sure that all of you are on the same page and avoid anything that undermines the players confidence in you or the assistants. Support the Show.
Off-season conditioning / 5 rules to be a great sports parent / Sarcasm is not a good coaching philosophy
December 23, 2020 21:00 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MBThis weeks lineup: Shoutout Segment Listener question: Daughter struggles off pitching machine, okay in game (@ 8:01) Paige's Power Play (@ 14:01) Off-Season conditioning and training (@ 17:53) 5 rules to becoming a great sports parent (@ 30:23) Sarcasm is not a good coaching philosophy (@ 44:30) Support the Show.
Coach Prep - Strategic choices when an out is more important than giving up a run.
December 18, 2020 21:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MBThere are situations in a game where getting an out over giving up a run puts your team in a better situation. Last inning and you are up by multiple runs with runner(s) on base. We can give up the run to make sure of an out. The objective is to keep the other team from getting a rally going. Listen as we discuss the different situations. Support the Show.
Coach Prep - Stratregic choices when an out is more important than giving up a run.
December 18, 2020 21:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MBThere are situations in a game where getting an out over giving up a run puts your team in a better situation. Last inning and you are up by multiple runs with runner(s) on base. We can give up the run to make sure of an out. The objective is to keep the other team from getting a rally going. Listen as we discuss the different situations. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/everythingfastpitch)
Building a Softball Facility / Younger Sibling / Body Language / Trap of coaching every player the same
December 16, 2020 21:00 - 1 hour - 43.4 MBThis weeks lineup: Shoutout segment Listener Question: The school administration may build us a softball facility. What advice do you have? (@8:17) Paige's Power Play (@18:00) Impact of being the younger sibling. (@22:55) Body Language (@46:02) Trap of coaching every player the same. (@54:13) Support the show
Building a Softball Facility / Younger Sibling / Body Language / Trap of coaching every player the same
December 16, 2020 21:00 - 1 hour - 43.4 MBThis weeks lineup: Shoutout segment Listener Question: The school administration may build us a softball facility. What advice do you have? (@8:17) Paige's Power Play (@18:00) Impact of being the younger sibling. (@22:55) Body Language (@46:02) Trap of coaching every player the same. (@54:13) Support the Show.
Coach Prep - Dad coaches can be too hard on their own daughters.
December 11, 2020 21:00 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MBIn this weeks episode we discuss the issue of dad coaches being too hard on their own daughters. First of all we acknowledge that softball would not be as big a sport without dad coaches. For a large part dad coaches are unfairly criticized for playing daddy ball. But we have the flip side where dad coaches are unfair to their own daughters trying to prove that they are not playing daddy ball. Listen to the adjustments we think need to be made. Support the Show.
2021 College Softball Update / Home to First Time / Celebrating Small Victories
December 09, 2020 21:00 - 57 minutes - 39.3 MBThis weeks lineup: Shoutout Segment Listener question: How to make a pitching mat (@13:14) Paige's Power Play (@17:46) 2021 College Softball Update (@21:59) Home to First Time (@35:27) Celebrating small victories (@46:07) Support the Show.
Coach Prep - Ready Position and Glove Positioning
December 04, 2020 21:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MBThis episode is based on a listener question of how should a player position their glove in the ready position. We discuss what a player needs to be ready for and the optimal position to have the best chance on all types of hit balls. Support the Show.
Inappropriate Walk-up Music / Peaks and Valleys of softball calendar / Percentage HS to College / Teach our players to backup
December 02, 2020 21:00 - 1 hour - 42.1 MBThis weeks lineup: Shoutout Segment Listener Question: What to do about inappropriate walk-up music? (@8:54) Paige's Power Play (@15:42) Peaks and Valleys of the softball calendar (@21:14) Percentages of High School players that play in college. (@39:18) Teach our players to backup. (@51:49) Support the Show.
Coach Prep - Pitching Instruction: It's not the label but the mechanics
November 27, 2020 21:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MBThis weeks episode is prompted by a listener question regarding looking for a pitching instructor. There are buzz words that describe an instructors method. We break that down and suggest to not be concerned with what the method is called but does it make sense for the body to perform the repetitions required of a pitcher. Support the Show.
Impact of COVID on softball / Teach apologizing won't correct a problem / Teaching controlled aggression
November 25, 2020 21:00 - 53 minutes - 36.5 MBThis Weeks Lineup: Shoutout Segment Listener Question: How to handle the distraction of other teams trying to recruit my daughter? (@9:07) Paige's Power Play @(15:48) Latest impact of COVID on softball (@20:40) We need to change players thinking that apologizing will correct a problem. (@37:26) Teaching controlled aggression (@44:08) Support the Show.
Coach Prep - Training players to understand their capabilities
November 20, 2020 21:00 - 17 minutes - 11.7 MBIn this weeks episode we continue the discussion from last week of coaches getting frustrated when players just don't get what the coach is trying to teach them. Sometimes we don't realize what the players don't know. Last week we talked about outfielders not understanding that they shouldn't make a throw when they have no chance of making a play on the runner. In this case we have to have some drills that gives them a measuring stick of what their capabilities are. Support the Show.
Coach Prep - Training players on their capabilities
November 20, 2020 21:00 - 17 minutes - 11.7 MBIn this weeks episode we continue the discussion from last week of coaches getting frustrated when players just don't get what the coach is trying to teach them. Sometimes we don't realize what the players don't know. Last week we talked about outfielders not understanding that they shouldn't make a throw when they have no chance of making a play on the runner. In this case we have to have some drills that gives them a measuring stick of what their capabilities are. Support the show (https:...
Left Handed Players / Keeping Score / Base Running
November 18, 2020 21:00 - 59 minutes - 40.9 MBThis weeks lineup: Shoutout segment Paige's Power Play (@ 14:14) Left Handed Players - Can the play infield positions? (@ 19:34) Keeping Score in the real time app world. How to score. Can you make everyone happy? (@ 30:55) Base Running - You have to work on it. (@ 49:00) Support the Show.
Left Handed Players / Keeping Score / Base Running
November 18, 2020 21:00 - 59 minutes - 40.9 MBThis weeks lineup: Shoutout segment Paige's Power Play (@ 14:14) Left Handed Players - Can the play infield positions? (@ 19:34) Keeping Score in the real time app world. How to score. Can you make everyone happy? (@ 30:55) Base Running - You have to work on it. (@ 49:00) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/everythingfastpitch)
Coach Prep - Frustration trying to push players to the next level of play.
November 13, 2020 21:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBCoach Tory shares some of his frustration in trying to get players to be game aware and make the right decisions rather than have the mindset of if this is the situation I always do this. Support the Show.
Coach Recruiting Responsibilities / Strikeout is just an out / Yoda Logic / Gamechanger Society
November 11, 2020 21:00 - 55 minutes - 38.2 MBThis weeks lineup: Shoutout segment Listener question: Who should be taking the lead on college recruiting from the team? (@ 7:05) Paige's Power Play (@ 14:00) A strikeout is just an out @(18:43) Yoda Logic (You must unlearn what you have learned) (@ 30:40) Gamechanger Society (@42:50) Support the Show.
Coach Prep - Pitching to Contact
November 06, 2020 21:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBIn this weeks episode we discuss the difference between a pitcher trying to strike out every batter and pitching to contact. Support the Show.
Player Motivation / Princess Bride Hitting / What Outfielders Don't Do Well
November 04, 2020 21:00 - 1 hour - 41.9 MBThis weeks lineup: Shoutout segment Listener question: My daughter is not as motivated as I would like her to be. (@ 11:13) Paige's Power Play (@ 17:33) Princess Bride Hitting (@ 22:56) Covid Impact Update (@ 31:28) 5 Things outfielders don't do well (@ 46:33) Support the Show.
Coach Prep - Managing Player Potential
October 30, 2020 20:00 - 15 minutes - 11 MBIn this weeks episode we discuss player potential versus their actual performance. We have all seen players who have a lot of potential but they don't perform. How do we manage that and when do we move on. Support the Show.
Favorite Fields / Hitters determine what you can hit / Womb U / Pitchers Fielding
October 28, 2020 20:00 - 54 minutes - 37.3 MBThis weeks lineup: Shoutout Listener Question: What are your favorite fields and complexes that you have coached at. (@ 10:46) Paige's Power Play (@ 15:27) Hitters should not be pre-occupied with what the umpire's strike zone is but what they can hit. (@ 20:30) A different take on the idea of letting an unborn child listen to classical music. Let them listen to sport lessons. (@ 35:05) Coaches: Emphasize pitcher's fielding. (@ 40:09) Support the Show.
Coach Prep - Appropriate Practice
October 23, 2020 20:00 - 17 minutes - 12 MBIn this weeks episode, we talk about what is appropriate practice based upon where the team is in their season. Practices from pre-season to the beginning are intense and a lot is covered. As the season progresses, practice needs to change based on how much the team is playing, how long they have been playing, physical condition, etc. Listen to get the coaches opinion on how to manage practice time. Support the Show.
Coach Prep - Appropriate Practice
October 23, 2020 20:00 - 17 minutes - 12 MBIn this weeks episode, we talk about what is appropriate practice based upon where the team is in their season. Practices from pre-season to the beginning are intense and a lot is covered. As the season progresses, practice needs to change based on how much the team is playing, how long they have been playing, physical condition, etc. Listen to get the coaches opinion on how to manage practice time. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/everythingfastpitch)
One Handed Drills / Hitting Coach Attributes / Team Culture / Accountability
October 21, 2020 20:00 - 1 hour - 44.7 MBThis Weeks Lineup: Shoutout Segment (@ 3:10) Listener Question: What is you opinion of one handed hitting drills? (@ 9:13) Paige's Power Play (@ 13:24) Hitting coach has to be a psychologist, therapist and counselor. (@ 19:25) 10 things that can kill team culture. (@ 34:14) The same level of accountability has to be applied to everyone connected with the team. (@ 59:00) Support the Show.
Coach Prep - Coach and player umpire relationship
October 16, 2020 20:00 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MBDiscussion of how the relationship between umpires and coaches and players and umpires. Support the Show.
Derail recruiting / Lists and rankings / End of Season Tournament / Coaches handling criticism
October 14, 2020 20:00 - 55 minutes - 38.1 MBThis weeks episode: Shoutout Segment Listener Question - The worst things that a prospective athlete can do that can derail recruiting. (@ 8:07) Paige's Power Play (@ 13:25) Lists and rankings. Making sense of them. ( 20:13) Where should I take my team for a end of season tournament? (@ 37:47) How coaches should handle criticism. (@ 47:55) Support the Show.
Coach Prep - Coach - Player Communication.
October 09, 2020 20:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBEvery player deserves to have a consistent dialog with their coach as to their strengths and weaknesses. They need to have a clear understanding of what they specifically need to work on to become the best that they can become. As we are heading into the off-season, a conversation with each player should be mandatory to give them goals and objectives to work on. Support the Show.
What is a ball player? / Travel Ball costs / Transitioning from coaching baseball to softball
October 07, 2020 20:00 - 59 minutes - 41.2 MBThis weeks lineup: Shoutout Paige's Power Play (@ 9:00) Discussion of the difference between a "ball player" and someone who just wants to play ball. (@ 17:45) A listener asks - What am I paying for when I pay my travel ball dues/payments? We discuss the basics and the types of things that could be in the costs. (@ 35:03) Another listener question - I have coached 3 sons through their baseball careers and now going to coach my daughter's softball team. What differences can I expect? (@ ...
Coach Prep - Coach your catchers UP
October 02, 2020 20:00 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MBCatching is a very important position. What are you doing in practice to make your catchers better? What drills are you giving them? How much of practice time is designed to make them better? We often see catchers spend most of their time catching balls thrown in and then tossing them to the coach to hit another one to the infield. Your catcher will handle many more balls in a game than the infielder, they need practice as much as the infielders. Coach them UP! Support the Show.
Pitcher's warm up / Coaching Style / Coachable vs Un-coachable / Play better for some pitchers
September 30, 2020 20:00 - 1 hour - 47.6 MBThis weeks lineup: Shoutout Segment Paige's Power Play How long should pitcher's warm-up? Discussion of coaching styles Coachable and un-coachable players Why do teams play better behind some pitchers? Support the Show.
Coach Prep - Each player needs a Player Development Plan
September 25, 2020 20:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBAll players are not the same athletically and as they grow and get older their bodies are continuously changing. Your practices shouldn't be a one size fits all, but drills and stations need to be individualized to the capabilities of each player. Your goal is for each one of them to become the best that they can become. Support the Show.
Hitting better in practice than in a game / Junior colleges / Coaches set the tone
September 23, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 44.5 MBThis weeks lineup: Shoutout segment Paige's Power Play Listener Question: Why does my daughter hit so much better in practice than in a game? Interview with Danielle Rubin a pitching instructor that not only does in person lessons but has mastered giving instruction online. Discussion on why players should consider junior colleges. Coaches set the tone for the team. As the coach goes so does the team. Support the Show.
Coach Prep - Little things make a great difference
September 18, 2020 20:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MBMost games are lost because we do little things poorly. What are little things? Listen as the coaches talk about just a fraction of the little things and you realize there is no end to the little things that a player can do to improve the odds of winning. Support the Show.
Knee Savers / Not Enough Practice / Team Conflict / Cutoffs vs Relays
September 16, 2020 20:00 - 1 hour - 43.3 MBThis weeks lineup: The shoutout segment Paige's Power Play Listener question - the pros and cons of knee savers How to handle discontent on a team and a mutiny is not the way to go. Know the differences between cut-offs and relays. Support the Show.