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.
Ashley Sunshine and Laura McDonald recap Pitchstock 2025, highlighting the most important lessons for coaches, parents, and athletes. From addressing the physiological changes in female athletes to integrating data into coaching decisions, they outline how to close gaps in pitching education and elevate player development.You will learn:Why pitching and strength training must be more connectedHow puberty impacts performance and developmentThe value of disrupting traditional coaching methodsHow data reveals overlooked pitching strategiesWhy collaboration between coaches and medical professionals mattersHow community growth can elevate the future of pitching education
Recorded live at Pitchstock 2025, this episode brings you straight into the heart of softball’s ultimate pitching conference. The OGX team and guest speakers share candid insights on player development, coaching strategies, and the evolving role of performance data in the sport.You will hear discussions on:How to turn data into real on-field resultsBuilding individualized pitching programsThe importance of movement quality and mechanicsLessons from top coaches at Pitchstock 2025Navigating the challenges of youth and collegiate athlete developmentWhether you are a coach, athlete, or parent, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways you can apply immediately.
Krista, Ashley, and Laura are back together in this episode to break down the real reason cookie-cutter training plans fall short. From strength and conditioning to pitching and hitting development, they share what true individualization looks like and how coaches can actually apply it.Topics Covered:How individualization impacts pitching and hitting developmentWhy strength and skill need to be alignedUsing data to make informed decisionsThe difference between mechanics and patternsWhy experimentation leads to better trainingHow to take ownership of coaching outcomesThis episode is a must for coaches ready to ditch the copy-paste model and build training plans that truly fit their athletes.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VkUakrUwAJIAlso available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
In Episode 64, Ashley Sunshine and Laura McDonald take a deep dive into the off-season realities for high school athletes. They break down how to help athletes recharge, reassess, and re-enter training with purpose. This episode focuses on recovery, biomechanics assessments, and creating smarter training plans that prioritize long-term performance and athlete well-being.Whether you're a coach, parent, or athlete, this episode offers practical advice on how to make the most of the off-season without burning out.🔗 Learn more about OGX Assessments: https://go.ogxsoftball.com/ogx-softball-biomechanics-assessment🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube
Returning to the mound after injury takes more than rest. It takes a proven protocol, a strong communication loop, and a deep understanding of biomechanics.In this episode, the OGX team breaks down what that process should look like. They cover the difference between a real return to pitching protocol and just playing catch, why understanding the kinetic chain matters, and how sports medicine and coaching staff need to stay aligned.They also discuss how biomechanics and in-game data play a role in decision-making, player development, and performance longevity.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fYy1AB9Zymg#ogxpodcast #pitchingprotocols #softballpitching #playerdevelopment #rehabtraining #athletedevelopment #sportsmedicine
How much is too much for youth pitchers?In Episode 62, we’re digging into the messy middle of youth softball and baseball development. From pitch count guidelines to the physical toll of puberty, this episode is for every parent, coach, and young athlete navigating the early stages of competitive sports.We break down:Why pitch counts matter—but aren’t the full answerWhat puberty does to mechanics, mindset, and injury riskThe challenge of teaching proper pitching skills without the right resourcesWhy movement variability and power are essential for long-term developmentHow collaboration between coaches, parents, and governing bodies can help protect young athletesWhether you're raising a young pitcher or coaching one, this is the conversation that needs to happen.🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.#softball #pitchcounts #youthsports #puberty #softballcoaching #ogxpodcast #athletedevelopment
In Episode 61 of the OGX Podcast, the team explores the layered role of data in coaching and player development. From system-wide training models to individual athlete assessments, they break down how data can elevate performance when paired with experience and context. The conversation addresses the realities coaches face in adapting to the evolving sports science landscape and why data collection is just the beginning.Topics include:• The three layers of performance data• The art of decision-making in coaching• Why context and application matter• Training systems that empower athletes• Finding the balance between data and feelThis episode is a must-listen for coaches, trainers, and performance professionals who want to make sense of the metrics and create real outcomes for athletes.#ogxpodcast #playerdevelopment #sportsanalytics #athletedevelopment #coachingstrategies #biomechanics
In Episode 60, the OGX team reflects on the podcast journey and digs deep into the role of biomechanics and sports science in athlete development. They break down why actionable data matters, the disconnect between coaches and labs, and how substance always outweighs style when it comes to performance metrics.You'll hear insights on the importance of partnerships in data collection, understanding norms, and why academic research often misses the mark in practical coaching. This episode is a must-listen for coaches, trainers, and anyone navigating the performance data landscape.Key Topics:• Actionable insights vs. flashy data• Why norms matter in evaluating athletes• Bridging the gap between research and results• Authenticity in coaching and development#ogxpodcast #sportsperformance #biomechanics #athletedevelopment #datadriven #coachinginsights
In Episode 59 of the OGX Podcast, Krista Stoker, Ashley Sunshine, and Laura McDonald dive into the importance of using the right tools, assessments, and training strategies to support athlete development.They break down how strength and conditioning impacts skill acquisition, why feedback loops are essential, and what coaches can do to adapt training environments for each individual athlete. The group also explores the disconnect in how hitting and pitching are often developed and how to bridge that gap through better coaching systems.Key topics include:Designing feedback-driven environmentsWhy assessments matter (and how to use them)Navigating failure in the training processMerging skill work with physical prepAdapting hitting & pitching training for growthWhether you're working with youth athletes or advanced players, this episode offers insights you can apply right away.#ogxpodcast #softballtraining #skilldevelopment #athletedevelopment #strengthandconditioning
Pitchstock is more than an event, it’s a movement shaping the future of softball pitching. In this episode, Krista Stoker, Ashley Sunshine, and Laura McDonald take you behind the scenes to explore how it started, what makes it different, and why every coach should be paying attention. Get a glimpse of the collaborative, action-driven energy that makes Pitchstock a can't-miss opportunity for softball coaches and leaders.🎟️ Want in? Visit https://go.ogxsoftball.com/pitchstock-2025?_kx=#softballpitching #pitchstock #softballcoaching #ogxpodcast
In this episode, Krista, Ashley, and Laura dive into the momentum building behind women’s sports. From NIL expansion to MLB’s investment in the AUSL, the game is changing fast.They unpack what this growth means for athletes, coaches, and the systems surrounding women’s sports. With professional models emerging and new resources taking shape, it’s time to rethink how we support the next generation of athletes.This isn’t just a moment, it’s a movement.
In this episode of the OGX Podcast, Isabella Vega shares her journey as a college softball pitcher at the University of Central Florida. From redshirting her freshman year to throwing a shutout against Florida and a no-hitter against Kansas, Isabella opens up about the ups and downs of her development. The conversation explores how OGX’s training tools, biomechanics assessments, and coaching support helped her rediscover confidence, trust her skills, and master what already made her great. It’s a powerful story of growth, resilience, and learning to play free.📺 Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@ogxsoftball/podcasts🎓 Learn more about OGX Athlete Training: https://ogxsoftball.com/get-started🎙️ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6zcUNitQrzoDzeK9x42nFi🎧 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ogx-podcast/id1669927214
In this episode of the OGX Podcast, Krista Stoker and Ashley Sunshine sit down with Raelin Chaffin to unpack the emotional and physical evolution of her journey—from LSU to Mississippi State. Raelin opens up about the highs and lows of navigating the transfer portal, learning to trust herself again, and rediscovering her identity as a pitcher. This conversation dives into how tailored training, emotional resilience, and body awareness can transform an athlete’s development.Whether you’re a coach, parent, or athlete, this episode offers deep insights into the power of personalized coaching and why every athlete’s story deserves to be reclaimed.If you're a college athlete looking to train with purpose this summer, OGX's Collegiate Summer Program is built for you. Get assessed, train with data, and take the guesswork out of your growth. 🔗: https://go.ogxsoftball.com/ogx-summer-program-2025?_kx=jFKLhfQ8qTswNuiF3AHXKg.XFCGPe
This episode dives into the heart of player development in Division I softball—how trust, collaboration, and data are reshaping how athletes grow and perform. The OGX team reflects on the in-season journeys of several standout players and the coaching environments that helped them evolve. From building strong coach-consultant relationships to leveraging performance data, this conversation explores the strategies that are helping D1 athletes unlock their potential.Chapters00:00 Celebrating Beyoncé Day and Regional Games00:58 The Essence of Player Development03:05 Building Trust in Coaching Relationships05:54 The Trisha Ford Effect at Texas A&M10:13 South Carolina’s Remarkable Journey18:04 The Importance of Data in Player Development24:08 Athlete Success Stories and Growth Mindset31:50 Isabel Vega’s Inspiring Journey37:00 The Importance of Self-Discovery in Athletics39:40 Lauren Dierkowski’s Transformation and Leadership46:46 Jordan Richwood’s Growth and Development52:19 Celebrating Coaches and Their Impact
In this episode of the OGX Podcast, we explore the critical role movement variability plays in athlete development, injury prevention, and long-term performance. Krista Stoker and the OGX team break down why rigid mechanics can hinder progress—especially for young athletes navigating puberty—and how variability in pitching and hitting fosters better adaptability and resilience.We discuss the relationship between stability and variability, what traditional drills often miss, and how to design training environments that promote exploration, problem-solving, and long-term skill acquisition. Whether you're a softball coach, strength trainer, or athlete, this episode is a must-listen.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Movement Variability01:12 Understanding Movement Variability in Training03:45 The Importance of Variability for Injury Resilience07:29 Rigid Mechanics vs. Natural Variability11:42 Stability and Variability in Young Athletes16:51 Creating Movement Solutions through Variability26:17 Navigating Puberty and Athletic Development29:32 The Flaws of Traditional Drills31:54 Creating Supportive Environments for Young Athletes35:32 Understanding Player Development Principles39:19 Stability vs. Variability in Training42:38 Implications Across Age Groups