The FungoMan Softball Blog

Coaches are drawn to players who have that little edge—that softball instinct. It’s just like speed—you can’t teach it, but when players have it, it makes a HUGE difference.

That softball instinct is sometimes called softball IQ. Some players just have a natural instinct and understanding of the game and situations, and some players don’t. If we can’t “teach” IQ, what are some ways we can assist or create an environment where players can test out their softball knowledge in order to improve their overall understanding of the game?

Every player wants to get better, but not all athletes will put in the extra time and effort it takes to get there. The best of the best continue to work hard in their off-the-field training.

Strength and conditioning is a pivotal part of softball as we know it today. Players are increasingly stronger, quicker, and more powerful due to more effective use of the weight room and conditioning. So if you want to gain an extra boost in your softball performance, a great place to start would be with these three exercises sure to get you one step closer to your softball goals.

When asked about the differences between softball and baseball, what are the first disparities that come to mind? For most, the common answers would be the field dimensions, style of pitching, and ball size. Let’s look even further. What are those terms that you would only hear walking around a softball complex but never at a Major League ballpark?

Every softball coach wants to make winners out of his or her players. Coach Candrea just happens to be a seasoned college and Olympic coach in the business of making champions.

With 1,500+ collegiate wins, 24 appearances in the NCAA College World Series, 8 NCAA National Championships, and Gold and Silver Olympic Medals under his belt, we think Coach Mike Candrea is pretty much golden through and through.

And it's NOT just because he's a winner. Coach Candrea epitomizes what it means to be an excellent coach on the field and in life.