Live Wade Gilbert breakouts session held on July 9, 2020, hosted by Coaches Insider and Human Kinetics. In this session, Dr. Gilbert discusses two main topics surrounding trust and building relationships: Topic 1: Building athlete […]
Developing a Pitching IQ with Rachel Lawson – Univ. of Kentucky
Watch as Coach explains that when it comes to pitchers, the first thing she teaches them is how to pitch to a count. She would then start to develop a changeup and work on getting […]
The Basics Really Work with Alan Stein, Jr.
Watch as Alan explains that in today’s world, it is popular to keep chasing what is hot, new, flashy and to ignore what is basic. This is a mistake, as the basics do work and […]
Biggest Roadblocks to Success
By: Jeff Zannetti While there isn’t a magical formula to guarantee or control success, there are certainly elements within our control that will lead to increasing the probability of achieving success in all aspects of […]
Power, Control, Deception with Kirk Walker – UCLA
Watch as Coach explains that in power, control, and deception, there are three measures of the pitch. Every good pitcher can throw hard, throw strikes, and can deceive the hitters. For ‘power’, you want the […]
Identifying Which Cues to Use for Each Athlete with Nick Winkelman – The Language of Coaching
Watch as Nick discusses identifying which cues to use for each individual athlete. Before you can influence an athlete, you must try to understand them, and it is important to be flexible and adaptable with […]
Improving Self-Confidence and Self-Worth
By: Cindy Bristow Provided by: Softball Excellence While managing this new world of COVID-19 is challenging, oftentimes confusing, stressful, and even boring, we can also use this time for good and for personal development. To […]
Developing Team Culture with Jennifer Williams – Dartmouth College
Watch as Coach explains how her team meets every week to discuss culture-emphasizing topics such as trust, vulnerability, hard work, competitiveness, grit, and how these all relate to their values as a team. Every day […]
Understanding Mental Health Stressors for Athletes with Steve Young – New Rochelle HS (NY)
It is important to recognize and understand some of the reasons your athletes may be experiencing stress. Mr. Young will explain in detail, with examples, the following causes of stress: time demands, athletic performance, injury […]
Using Assessments to Facilitate Learning
By: Rachel Lawson Originally Published in: Practice Perfect Softball – NFCA Provided by: Human Kinetics The consistent use of players’ and coaches’ assessments serves as a powerful learning instrument that can help counsel the athletes […]
Pre-Throwing Band Work with Myndie Berka – BreakThrew Fastpitch
Watch as Coach explains, and pitchers demonstrate these pre-throwing routine band exercises that incorporate band work for both upper and lower body. The assisted ankle band works on getting loosened up and mechanics. The resisted […]
Accept It or Correct It with Alan Stein, Jr.
Alan Stein, Jr. explains that every single behavior that goes on in your program, on or off the field, is either something you accept or correct. He also explains how eliminating some behaviors, such as […]
How to Bounce Back From a Loss
By: Jeff Zannetti You are a human, you make mistakes. There is a simple but effective way to deal with ALL losses, errors, mistakes, etc: extract the lesson, commit the lesson to memory, forgive yourself, […]
Infield Reaction Drill with Bob Ligouri – DMACC
Watch as Coach explains, and infielders demonstrate this reaction drill. One player will be in the middle with her glove facing a thrower with a ball. The player must get in a good defensive stance […]
Levels of Commitment with Jeff Janssen – Janssen Sports Leadership Center
Is your program comprised of people who see the work they put in as an investment or a sacrifice? Watch as Jeff Janssen discusses seven levels of commitment that exist within every program and how […]
Six Steps in Mastering Tough Conversations
Provided by: Raise Your Game Effective coaches and leaders stand firm in telling their people what they need to hear, not necessarily what they want to hear. Trust and truth go hand in hand and […]
Tiered Line-Up Development with Danielle Zymkowitz – Univ. of Wisconsin
Watch as Coach explains how the most important factor in line-up development is understanding what each player can bring to the table. She spends the time learning about her players by asking questions about their […]
Defensive Checklists with Lisa Navas – Univ. of South Carolina
Watch as Coach discusses team defense and the checklists she uses for her squad. It is important to cover all possible game situations in practice and constantly make adjustments. There are 8 different base situations […]
How We Lifted Up Our Team This Week
And how you can give your team what they need, when they need it most… Hope you’re staying healthy and sane in this crazy environment! Wanted to share something pretty cool with you today. So, […]
Foul Ball Pop Fly Catcher’s Drill with Kelly Inouye-Perez – UCLA
Watch as Coach explains that catching foul fly ball pop-ups is a skill that needs to be practiced. The catcher must turn their back to the infield on a foul ball behind the plate because […]
Slapping Keys with Karen Weekly – Univ. of Tennessee
Watch as Coach explains the keys for slapping which include: the hands should be inside the ball with a short compact firm swing, use a level swing and do not chop down on the ball […]
“Kids These Days” – Are the Ones You’re Coaching
By: Cindy Bristow Provided by: Softball Excellence If you’ve found it challenging to coach this generation, these tips might be just in time! Discover how understanding kids these days will make coaching them so much […]
Hit and Run Roles for a Baserunner and Hitter with Chris Malveaux – Univ. of Missouri
Watch as Coach discusses the different roles for a baserunner and hitter in a hit and run situation. The most important responsibility for the runner is not to leave early and be called out. Always […]
Resistive Swings Slapping Drill with Donna Papa – Univ. of North Carolina
Watch as Coach explains, and a slapper demonstrates this resistive swings drill. The drill works on getting stronger through contact and strengthening the hand path. The batter should only take five swings at the bag […]
Mindfulness for Sport: Capture the Most Important Moment, the Present Moment
By: Danny Ourian Provided by: www.hoopsminded.com What is the most important play in any game? We often say “the next play.” Miss a lay-up, fumble the football, get out on a pop fly ball. As […]
The Pitcher’s Role with Rachel Lawson – Univ. of Kentucky
Watch as Coach discusses a pitcher’s role and responsibilities. The pitcher must take ownership of pitch calling as they have probably grown up with coaches calling their pitches and this hampers the development of game […]
SB to SS Fundamentals on a Double Play with Travis Wilson – Florida State Univ.
Watch as Coach explains, and a second baseman demonstrates footwork for a double play on a ball coming from a short stop or third baseman. The second baseman should cheat a couple of steps to […]
Custom Communication
Provided by: Raise Your Game We don’t know what we’re saying until we know how someone hears it. Communication is also about feedback – making sure there is a two-way exchange of ideas, perceptions, and […]
Catcher IQ – Know Your Pitcher with Kelly Inouye-Perez – UCLA
Watch as Coach explains the importance of catchers understanding a pitcher’s routine, mechanics, spins, movement, and key words. Having your catchers study film of the pitchers allows them to understand the base and then to […]
Outfielder’s Robbing Drill with Caitlin Lowe – Univ. of AZ
Watch as Coach explains, and players demonstrate this robbing drill. The purpose of this drill is to get the timing down, get used to hitting the fence, and get used to reaching the glove hand […]