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The OGX Podcast is your go-to source for all things softball player development and beyond! Hosted by a dynamic panel of experts, including Krista Stoker, Ashley Sunshine, Laura McDonald, and special guests, the team dives deep into the world of softball performance. Whether you're a seasoned coach or just getting started in the sport, the OGX Podcast has something for everyone.Learn more about OGX at www.ogxsoftball.com.
108 Episodes
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In this episode, Krista Swip and Coach Kealia break down hitting development during the transition from preseason to in season competition.They discuss performance metrics, vertical and horizontal adjustability, foul balls as timing indicators, and the importance of maintaining a developmental mindset throughout the season. The conversation emphasizes educating athletes to understand what good looks like beyond outcomes and helping them build a long term roadmap for success.Development should not stop once games begin. It should evolve.Nationwide Biomechanics AssessmentsOGX provides nationwide biomechanics assessments for hitters and pitchers to support athlete development with clear data and structured training plans.Learn more here:https://go.ogxsoftball.com/ogx-softball-biomechanics-assessmentFollow the OGX Podcast to stay up to date with new episodes.
In this episode of the OGX Podcast, Krista Swip and Laura McDonald break down the critical transition from preseason into in season training for softball athletes.They discuss how workload spikes once games begin, why soft tissue soreness is often the first warning sign, and how strength and conditioning programs must adapt to support high intensity skill work. The conversation covers overhand throwing volume, injury prevention strategies, nutrition considerations, and the importance of continuing athlete development even when the season is underway.Krista and Laura also emphasize the role of performance data in guiding decisions and why communication between athletes, coaches, and trainers is essential for managing in season demands.This episode is a must listen for coaches, parents, and athletes navigating the challenges of keeping players healthy, prepared, and developing throughout the season.Nationwide Biomechanics AssessmentsOGX offers nationwide biomechanics assessments for pitchers and hitters to help athletes understand movement patterns, manage workload, and train with clarity throughout the season.Learn more and book an assessment here:https://go.ogxsoftball.com/ogx-softball-biomechanics-assessment
In this episode, Ashley Tobar Sunshine and Laura McDonald dive into pitching during the transition from preseason to in season competition.They discuss pitching as a craft, how in game data informs better decisions, and the importance of managing workload to avoid both acute and chronic fatigue. The conversation highlights why communication matters in coaching, how training must adapt in season, and the challenges youth pitchers face as workload increases.This episode provides practical insight for coaches, parents, and athletes who want to balance performance, development, and long term health.Nationwide Biomechanics Assessmentshttps://go.ogxsoftball.com/ogx-softball-biomechanics-assessmentJoin the OGX Communityhttps://ogxsoftball.myshopify.com/products/ogx-community-membership?_pos=1&_sid=f9bae4c8e&_ss=r
Episode 84 of the OGX PodcastIn this episode, Jamnes steps in as host and is joined by certified sports nutritionist Stefanie Rock to unpack the role nutrition plays in youth athlete performance, health, and long term development.The conversation focuses on fueling as part of training, not an afterthought. Stefanie breaks down common nutrition myths, hydration misconceptions, and the influence of social media on young athletes. They discuss why timing matters, how sleep impacts performance, and why female athletes need individualized nutrition strategies during puberty and hormonal changes.This episode offers practical guidance for parents, coaches, and athletes who want simple, sustainable approaches to fueling that support performance, recovery, and injury prevention.Guest informationStefanie Rock is a certified sports nutritionist working with youth and collegiate athletes.Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/rock_performance/?hl=enWebsitehttps://www.rockperformance.netListen in for actionable insights that help athletes fuel better, recover smarter, and perform with confidence.
Block training may look good, but it rarely prepares hitters for real games.In this episode, Krista Swip and Kealia Wysocki unpack why variable training is essential for true skill acquisition in hitting. They discuss how adaptability is built, why training environments matter, and how coaches can rethink drills to better match game demands.If hitters look great in practice but struggle in competition, this episode explains why and what to do differently.Interested in learning more about your movement and performance profile?Nationwide biomechanics assessments available here:https://go.ogxsoftball.com/ogx-softball-biomechanics-assessmentJoin the OGX Community and save 10 percent with code OGXPOD:https://ogxsoftball.myshopify.com/products/ogx-community-membership?_pos=4&_sid=e85122d13&_ss=rListen now on Spotify.
Krista Swip, Laura McDonald, and Ashley Sunshine wrap up 2025 by reflecting on the biggest changes in softball athlete development and what lies ahead.They discuss how partnerships and assessment innovations reshaped their work, why in game data became such a critical tool, and how timing, accountability, and power production influence performance. The episode also covers the complexities of body weight, force generation, and multi sport participation in female athletes.This conversation offers insight into where the game is headed and why the future of softball is bright going into 2026.
In the final episode of the year, Ashley Sunshine and Laura McDonald explore the challenges surrounding pitching, pain, and return to play.They discuss why pitching requires sport specific understanding, how pain is often mishandled in athlete environments, and why return to throw protocols must reflect real training demands. The conversation highlights the importance of communication between coaches and medical staff, the evolving education of athletic trainers, and the need for better collaboration to support athlete recovery and long term performance.This episode closes the year with an honest and practical discussion for anyone working with pitchers at the youth, high school, or college level.
Pitchers face unique demands that require more than traditional strength training.In Episode 80 of The OGX Podcast, Ashley Sunshine, Laura McDonald, and Jamnes Cameron explore how movement quality, fatigue, and strength conditioning shape pitching performance. They discuss why strength coaches play a critical role in both performance and injury prevention and how tracking resilience can help pitchers stay healthy over the course of a season.This conversation highlights the importance of specificity, collaboration between coaches, and interventions that restore movement quality before injuries occur.
Krista Swip and Laura McDonald break down the science behind force plates, pressure mats, and the biomechanics that shape hitting performance. They discuss what these tools measure, how to interpret the data, and why understanding impulse, stability, and posture matters for athlete development.Key ideas covered:• Differences between force plates and pressure mats• How ground reaction forces influence hitting• Why more force into the ground is not always better• The role of stability and posture in performance• How to apply these metrics in coachingMeet OGX at NFCA 2025 with Driveline BaseballStop by booths 224 and 226 to connect with the team and learn more about player development strategies and tools.Learn more here: https://go.ogxsoftball.com/nfca2025-7092
In Episode 78 of the OGX Podcast, Krista Swip, Ashley Sunshine, and Laura McDonald tackle one of the most misunderstood topics in sports: the balance between mental and physical challenges in performance. They explore how athletes are often labeled as having “mental blocks,” when in reality, physical patterns and mechanics are at the root of the issue.The discussion dives into how perception, decision-making, and movement all work together in skill acquisition. The hosts highlight why coaches must address physical execution, provide context-driven feedback, and train athletes under realistic conditions. This episode is a deep look into the relationship between biomechanics, psychology, and coaching helping both athletes and coaches rethink how performance is developed and supported.
Pitching success starts with arm adjustability.In Episode 77 of the OGX Podcast, Ashley Sunshine and Laura McDonald break down how biomechanics, plyometrics, and arm action all work together to create better pitchers. They explain how rigid mechanics and traditional training can hinder development and why adaptability, movement quality, and command are essential for long-term success.Save 10% on OGX’s Shop with code OGXPOD:https://ogxsoftball.myshopify.com#softball #pitching #biomechanics #ogxpodcast
Pitchers have unique training demands, and managing them the right way can be the difference between progress and burnout.In Episode 76 of the OGX Podcast, Ashley Sunshine leads a discussion with James and Laura McDonald on the intersection of pitching and strength conditioning. They break down how to balance workload, recovery, and performance while improving communication between pitching and strength coaches.Join the OGX Community to connect with athletes and coaches focused on performance and player development:https://ogxsoftball.myshopify.com/products/ogx-community-membership#softball #pitching #strengthconditioning #ogxpodcast
Bat speed or perfect mechanics, which one truly separates great hitters?In Episode 75 of the OGX Podcast, Krista Swip and Kealia Wysocki explore hitting mechanics, strength, and bat speed, sharing insights from biomechanical data and real coaching experience. They discuss why chasing perfect form often limits performance and how balancing speed, power, and simplicity can unlock true hitting potential.Join the OGX Community to connect with the OGX team and coaches:https://ogxsoftball.myshopify.com/products/ogx-community-membership📅 Community-Only releases drop every other Wednesday at 10 AM CT.#softball #hitting #athletedevelopment #ogxpodcast
When should athletes start training?In Episode 74 of the OGX Podcast, Krista Swip and Laura McDonald explore the timing and readiness of athlete training. They discuss emotional and social maturity, individualized training, and how athletes can take ownership of their development journey.This episode offers valuable insight for coaches, parents, and athletes navigating the path from team-based to individualized training.Resources mentioned in this episode:Plyo Program Course: https://ogxsoftball.myshopify.com/products/building-an-individualized-plyo-program-for-softball-pitchersSave 10% with code OGXPOD at: https://ogxsoftball.myshopify.com
What does September 1st really mean for athletes?In Episode 73 of the OGX Podcast, Krista Swip, Ashley Sunshine, and Laura McDonald discuss the misconceptions around September 1st and the pressure young athletes face during recruiting. They share how data, development timelines, and communication can help reshape how coaches and players approach the recruiting process.Watch here: https://youtu.be/CReg6U9_Yf4Or listen wherever you listen to your podcasts each week.Save 10% on OGX’s Shop with code OGXPOD: https://ogxsoftball.myshopify.com
How much can force plates really tell us about pitching?In Episode 72 of the OGX Podcast, Krista Swip and Laura McDonald explore how data from force plates is changing the way pitchers train and perform. They discuss stride foot dynamics, energy transfer, timing, and the effects of recent rule changes on softball pitching.Learn how understanding impulse and biomechanics can help athletes move more efficiently and reduce injury risk.Watch here: https://youtu.be/MZlM0UAjvAwListeners can save 10% on OGX’s Shop with code OGXPOD: https://ogxsoftball.myshopify.com
In Episode 71 of the OGX Podcast, Krista Stoker, Ashley Sunshine, and Laura McDonald share insights from their recent college road tour and explore how data is shaping the future of athlete development. They dig into the nuances of performance metrics, the differences between youth and college athlete training, and the role of coaches in interpreting data.The conversation highlights the importance of balancing data-driven analysis with the personal connection required to guide athletes effectively. From recognizing biases in coaching to using variability in training methods, the hosts emphasize that growth comes from both numbers and relationships. Looking ahead, they discuss how the evolution of coaching will increasingly rely on data without losing sight of the athlete as a whole person.
In Episode 70 of the OGX Podcast, Krista Stoker, Ashley Sunshine, and Laura McDonald take a deep dive into pitching and hitting assessments, focusing on the concept of inefficiencies. They unpack how biomechanical assessments can identify areas for growth while also warning against boxing athletes into rigid categories. The conversation emphasizes the importance of athlete goals, context, and the unique challenges of youth development where physical changes are constant.From exit velocity and bat speed in hitting assessments to the nuances of pitching mechanics, the hosts explain why chasing metrics without understanding their implications can create more problems than solutions. They highlight how compensations in movement patterns can be misunderstood and why coaches must weigh the risk-reward balance in training. Finally, the episode addresses the gap between youth and college-level training and calls for a holistic approach that prioritizes long-term athlete development.
In this episode of the OGX Podcast, Krista Swip and Laura McDonald dive into the evolution of OGX’s college partnerships and how they are transforming athlete development. They discuss how self-sufficiency is being built within programs, the integration of advanced technology for training, and the role of data-driven coaching in player development. The conversation emphasizes that while technology and assessments provide powerful insights, the true goal is simple: making athletes better through informed training practices.
In this episode of the OGX Podcast, Laura McDonald and Jamnes Cameron dive into the role of strength and conditioning in softball and how it directly connects to pitching performance. They highlight the importance of collaboration between coaches and strength trainers, the challenges within college athletics, and the role of the "Big Five" movement qualities in maintaining athlete performance. The conversation emphasizes how communication, consistency, and smart adaptations can improve training programs, prevent injuries, and unlock a higher level of development for pitchers and athletes.
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