As a pitching instructor now, I’m constantly trying to help young players discover that link much earlier than I did. Parents often ask how to get their daughters to practice on their own without nagging, and I smile because I remember being that kid who needed to be pushed. I didn’t become self-initiated until college. Growing up, I practiced only when I was told to, and even then, not with much purpose
Read More*As published in Fastpitch Magazine February 2020
I stood on the mound my sophomore year in college as the opposing team cheered in the dugout. The hitter looked confident strutting up to the batter's box. She took extra time to knock the dirt off of her cleats before she put the bat up to her shoulder. Then she settled in and stared me in the eye. I stood up taller, followed my pre-pitch routine, and delivered my blazing fast curve ball right towards the - “BALL ONE!” Okay, no problem. I beared down, focused on my catcher’s mitt and fired again. “BALL TWO!” Although two balls in a row were not ideal, it is nothing that any good pitcher can not handle. When the next two pitches buzzed in as “BALL THREE!” and “BALL FOUR!” the cheers from the opposing dugout resounded even louder. As the good Brian Cain says, “So what, next pitch,” that saying formulated then in my brain.
Read MoreIn our lives, there are very few things that can fit everyone’s definition of fun.
Some people LOVE amusement parks while others loathe the thought of steep drops and fast coasters. Some people love risky adventures like sky diving, bungee jumping, parasailing, and zip lining while others think these activities are horrifying. Some people think an evening snuggled in front of the TV with a bag of popcorn is the perfect Friday night while others would call that kind of weekend boring.
Are “things” just fun or not fun? Or is personal perspective the denominator? I would argue that a person’s mindset determines fun more than any other predictor. So how does this apply to practicing pitching and performing during pressure filled games? I believe: Everything.
Read MorePitching can get expensive fast — between lessons and all the gear your instructor recommends (sorry about that), it can feel like you’re constantly swiping your card. But here’s the good news: you can get creative, save a ton of money, and still have all the tools you need to become a great pitcher.
Below is a list of the most common pitching tools we use at Practice Pro — and my favorite tips for how to make, find, or substitute them without breaking the bank.
Read MoreEvery fall, softball comes back to life after a late summer break — it’s that in-between season where players dust off their gloves, coaches shuffle lineups, and everyone gets a little extra time on the field before winter hits. But there’s one question I hear every year: Is fall ball actually making pitchers better… or worse?
People often look back fondly on the “glory days,” when kids played different sports each season instead of one sport year-round. Back then, there was no fall ball — the season didn’t start until January or later — and you could still be considered a committed team member while giving your full attention to each sport in its turn. But times have changed. Now, it can feel like if you skip fall ball, you’re seen as uncommitted or risk falling behind.
Read MoreThis fall at Practice Pro, we’re leveling up in every way — new programs, new ways to get your practice in, and new opportunities for players to learn, and compete together. Whether you’ve been with us for years or you’re thinking about joining, here’s a look at all the exciting things happening right now across our locations.
This week, our Coach Erica Hanrahan — a 13-year college coaching veteran who guided her teams to nine NCAA Division III postseason appearances as a head coach, kicked off our College Recruiting Cohort.
This program helps families navigate the recruiting process with confidence — from understanding timelines and communication rules to building player profiles and identifying the right-fit schools. It’s real-world insight from someone who’s coached at the highest levels of the game.
Read MoreDo you ever notice when a pitcher sometimes falls over forward after she pitches? She looks like she’s off balance. You’ll hear a coach yell out after every few balls, “Stand tall!”
This has to do with her stride and how she is failing to harness all of the power she created through her drive off of the mound. Harnessing your power with your stride is equally as important as gaining momentum. Strides are for resistance, balance, and accuracy. If, you want to gain velocity, you must practice a great stride.
Read MoreEvery great journey changes you—and my most recent one was 500 miles across Spain with nothing but a backpack, sore feet, and faith to guide me.
For the past five weeks, I stepped away from summer lessons to walk the Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrimage stretching from St. Jean Pied de Port in France to the tomb of St. James the Apostle in Santiago, Spain. So as we step into this offseason together, I challenge you to ask yourself: What is your potential in softball?
Read MoreHere is a short story that I'm sure you can relate to, especially if it's after the end of your first season as a softball parent/coach. If you read through to the end of this story you will find out how to avoid some big mistakes in the future.
It's your daughters first kid-pitch game. She's seen her friends pitch a few times and has maybe tried it with you in the backyard once. Today is a big game with the rival team: Reliable Auto vs. Rose Salon. The inning starts and she nervously creeps out of the dugout and dawdles up to the mound. All eyes are on her as she feels small out there on the big field. She throws her first pitch - a grounder.
Read MoreIf your pitchers keep accidentally throwing inside and hitting batters, the real problem might not be control—it might be the arm circle.
Poor accuracy often stems from an arm circle that is off-line or inconsistent from pitch to pitch. To be a consistent pitcher, mechanics must be identical—every single time. That starts with building a simple, repeatable motion (lessons help here) and then duplicating it relentlessly outside of games. The more times a pitcher executes a perfect arm circle, the more likely she is to repeat it under pressure. Unfortunately, the same is true for a flawed one.
Read MoreWe train for a long time—10 weeks in the offseason, 10 more in preseason. The winter days get shorter, and the drills start to feel longer. Pitchers throw again and again, while a parent or catcher squats endlessly behind the plate. It can feel like a never-ending road.
But eventually, we get to Game Day.
At Practice Pro, we know pitching isn’t just about drills and mechanics. It’s about handling pressure. And the only way to really train for that is to simulate it. So on the last day of every session, instead of more drills, we draw games from a hat and compete.
Yes, there are small prizes—maybe a piece of candy, maybe a few extra stars—but that’s not the point. What matters is how it feels when everyone’s watching and it’s your turn. That pause before you pitch. That moment when everything you’ve been working on shows up—or doesn’t.
After nearly a decade of testing, tweaking, and teaching thousands of pitchers, here are the three best games we’ve ever played:
Read MoreTwo years ago, one of our camps ended on a tough note. It challenged us in ways we didn’t expect—and taught us a valuable lesson we’ll never forget. With our first camp this year just a week away, I’m excited to share a blog post I wrote afterward that explains what happened, what we changed, and how it transformed our camps for the better.
Since making this shift, every camp has ended on a high note—full of energy, teamwork, and fun. What we learned might be helpful in your own coaching, parenting, or mentoring journey.
Read MoreA couple weeks ago we talked about affordable bats, this week we’re talking about gloves. When you’re grinding on the field, your glove isn’t just gear, it's your partner in crime. You deserve something durable, game-ready, and affordable. Let’s dive into the top picks!
1. Shoeless Joe or Shoeless Jane 12.5″
Price: Around $200. Very quality leather, but still budget friendly for the value.
Break‑in: Soft from the box. Many players say it’s nearly game ready out of the box due to its suede-aged leather.
Fit: Designed for smaller hands. Great for young athletes, may run snug.
Advantages:
Vintage basket web. Great feel and control for both infield and outfield.
Named for female fit. Molds very quickly.
Disadvantages:
Read MoreWhen it comes to coaching your daughter on pitching mechanics, I highly recommend it. Sometimes. As an observer of the parent-daughter relationships for a number of years, I’ve been trying to develop my philosophy on this, then somehow communicate it with a tactful touch. While debate rages about over-bearing parents or how much is too much, I still find pitching kind of an anomaly. Pitchers need their mom’s and dad’s more than every other position. Quite possibly, every other position in most sports. Is this just culture or is it absolutely necessary? I’ll leave that for another blog.
But for now, here are some helpful tips to support your daughter's success while making developing as a pitcher a great experience for you both:
Read MoreYouth softball thrives not because of fancy facilities or big-name coaches, but because of the passion and dedication of parents who care. While hiring a professional coach can be helpful, the heart of any successful league or travel organization lies in the hands of parents—those who organize, communicate, cheer, and show up every week because they genuinely want their daughters to grow, improve, and have fun. It’s not about being an expert; it’s about being invested. The most effective programs I’ve seen aren’t run like corporations—they’re run like communities, led by parents who love the game and want to build something meaningful for their kids.
Read MoreIf you're an 8th or 9th grader playing in summer travel tournaments, you're not alone in thinking, "Is this where recruiting starts?" This is the time of year when college coaches are out scouting and recruiting companies are working hard to connect with athletes. If you’ve recently handed over your email at a showcase or tournament, you may have already gotten a call from a company like NCSA (Next College Student Athlete).
These companies exist to help athletes get seen by college coaches. They are often made up of former collegiate athletes—sometimes people who’ve coached you or trained you in lessons. But when they call, it might catch you off guard. Maybe college softball hasn’t even crossed your mind yet—aside from those Practice Pro mental game sessions where we ask you to dream big and imagine what’s possible.
Suddenly, it might feel like everyone else is doing something you’re not.
Read MoreChoosing the right bat can make a world of difference. The right bat doesn't just help with performance, but it can also lend confidence. Let’s talk about composite bats specifically, affordable options from Mizuno, Anderson, and DeMarini, and how to find the right fit for your swing.
Composite bats are made with layered materials like carbon fiber, offering a more flexible and forgiving feel than traditional alloy bats. That is why many young athletes love them: they reduce sting, boost power, and often feel more balanced.
Vibration dampening: Say goodbye to that painful sting on mishits.
Larger sweet spot: More room for solid contact = more consistent results.
Lighter swing weight: Helps players build bat speed and control.
If you’ve been around softball long enough, you’ve probably heard some pretty funny complaints about pitching. Even though we can laugh about them now, these moments show us what players, parents and coaches really need to learn—both mentally and physically.
Here are some of the funniest things we’ve heard, and what they really mean—from the most experienced players to beginners just getting started.
This batting journal is here to help you grow—and make your at-bats even more fun and focused! We give this to all our hitting school athletes. Some of the questions are great to sit down and fill out after the game, once you’ve had a chance to cool down and reflect. Others are meant to stick in your head and guide you while you’re in the batter’s box, helping you stay sharp and confident in the moment. You can talk through it with a parent on the car ride home or fill it out while waiting for your food after the game. Either way, taking the time to reflect turns every at-bat into a chance to learn something new, build your game sense, and boost your confidence.
Read MoreI wanted to title this blog “Am I a Clueless Coach?”… but figured that might tank the click-through rate.
That said, I try my best to minimize my cluelessness when I head off to the ultimate coaches' clinic most every year: the NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) Convention. It’s where DI, DII, DIII, and NAIA coaches from across the country gather—basically, all the ones you see on TV—sharing what they know and what they’re still learning.
But this email isn’t just about me. It’s about you—especially those of you coaching your daughter’s team or considering stepping into that role. I want to share why you should seriously consider attending a coaches clinic, too.
After attending my first conference, I left twice as confident in my coaching and ten times more eager to learn. Whether you're a volunteer house league coach or leading a competitive travel team, you’ll find clinics more energizing—and more practical—than any YouTube rabbit hole you’ve fallen into at midnight.
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