The FungoMan Softball Blog

In most parts of the country, the term “Travel Ball” refers to softball clubs and organizations playing year-round softball games and tournaments. This is different than recreational softball (or Rec Ball) because teams and players are considered to be more committed to the sport, more competitive, and playing more often.  

When picking a travel ball team, there are many factors that should be weighed into the decision.  Ultimatally, there is no blank statement that is true for every family. However, here are some helpful factors to consider when choosing which travel ball team would be right for you and your daughter.

We all have those players who have the athletic ability to be top notch players, but they just need the extra repetitions to improve that glove work. Having quick drills that are done with minimal space and equipment can often be a key factor in getting the reps your players need to move their infield skills to the next level.

Here are a few drills (all found on Instagram!) that require very little setup and can be implemented into your practices and workouts today!

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?

If you asked all the tee ball players in the world which position is the most boring to play, I’m fairly certain ninety-nine percent of them would say, “OUTFIELD.”

At a young age, many players do not value the significance of the outfield. However, as players get older and hitters become more powerful, having quality outfielders becomes more and more important. The outfield should be a place of focus so that your last line of defense is equipped for battle.

But how can we get our outfielders better? What should we have them focus on during pop fly drills?

Here are two simple adjustments that every outfielder can make today to make them turn balls hit in the gaps into outs.

Let’s face it. We all love spending time scrolling through Instagram. We can connect with others, see beautiful pictures, and watch funny videos. A wealth of softball knowledge and information awaits discovery as well!

Here's our list of the best Instagram accounts to follow for the softball lovers out there.

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.

As the Women’s college softball season comes to an epic conclusion at the Women’s College World Series this week, coaching staffs for each school have prepared their teams to play at the highest level. While all of the coaches have done something extremely significant to lead their teams to fantastic seasons, the four head coaches of the final four teams in the tournament, in particular, created lasting impacts for each player on their team.

Every player and coach has an offensive game plan. Offensive strategies, in particular, are constantly used throughout a game: when to lay down a bunt, how to best hit against an opposing pitcher, where to hit it with runners on base.

Strategies are all around the plate. But do you have a mental strategy? Do your players know how to think correctly while playing or know how to coach themselves while at the plate?

Here are three mental strategies every hitter can put into play today:

How do you make a hitting swing more powerful? Is it quicker hands or better balance? Or maybe it’s having stronger muscles or the type of bat you use?

While all of these factors are vitally important, the biggest way to gain power in a swing is utilizing one thing: your legs. Once a player is able to recognize and feel how to properly use their legs while they swing, the ball will start popping off the bat. So where do you start?

Here are three great hitting drills you can put into practice today to help gain some pop.