Rick Pauly returns for a no-holds-barred breakdown of the 2025 NFCA Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada—the largest in convention history.
As both attendees and presenters, Rob and Rick share their unfiltered observations about what they saw, what surprised them, and what concerns them about the current state of softball coaching and player development.
Topics covered:
If you're a coach, administrator, or parent trying to navigate the evolving landscape of softball, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and give you plenty to think about.
Rick Pauly returns to Transcending Sport for another fan-favorite conversation where we contrast our perspectives on softball—me as a hitting coach, Rick as a pitching coach.
In this episode, we tackle the current state of travel ball softball and ask the hard questions: Is velocity everything, or are we missing something more important? How has the transfer portal reshaped recruiting and the travel ball landscape? Why do the rich keep getting richer in travel ball, college softball, and pro sports?
We also share what you can expect from us at the upcoming NFCA Softball Convention this December in Las Vegas.
Whether you're a player, parent, or coach navigating today's softball landscape, this conversation will give you plenty to think about.
Go beyond surface-level coaching in this powerful excerpt from Rob Crews' Monthly Master Class series, part of his exclusive Coaches Certification program.
Episode Description:In this transformative episode, Rob Crews pulls back the curtain on one of the most critical aspects of master coaching - understanding and reshaping the belief systems that hold athletes back. Drawing from his Coaches Certification curriculum, Rob demonstrates why great coaches must become students of the mind, learning to identify and dismantle the limiting beliefs and outdated teachings that create invisible barriers to performance.
Key Takeaways:
Whether you're a coach looking to deepen your impact, an athlete seeking breakthrough performance, or someone interested in the psychology of excellence, this episode delivers actionable insights that transcend sport and apply to any arena of life.
Perfect for: Coaches, trainers, athletes, parents of young athletes, and anyone committed to unlocking human potential through the power of mindset transformation.
This episode features exclusive content from the Rob Crews Coaches Certification program.
Learn more about becoming a certified coach at https://www.complete.game/certified-coaches
Podcast Episode: Unlocking Human Potential Through Improv with Lainie Hodges
Guest: Lainie Hodges, Owner and Founder of Improv AlchemyIn this engaging episode, we dive deep into the transformative world of improvisation with human development specialist Lainie Hodges.
As the founder of Improv Alchemy, Lainie has discovered how the spontaneous, collaborative nature of improv can unlock extraordinary growth in individuals and teams across diverse settings.
From athletic programs to corporate boardrooms, Lainie shares how improv games and exercises create powerful learning environments where people don't just participate—they thrive. We explore her unique approach to harnessing everyone's individual talents and abilities, transforming them into enhanced innovation, agility, and responsiveness.
In this episode, Rob Crews shares knowledge on how recognition affects movement, timing and chase rates.
Rob Crews breaks down mind-body connection with a young hitter from Kentucky in her first 1:1 virtual session. Rob used this session as the introduction to her transformation in how she sees herself as a hitter.
Be a fly on the wall during this phone call with Rob and Dave as they discuss how to overcome some of the challenges for in-game success for hitters.
Join Rob Crews for an in-depth conversation with Neil McConnell, CEO and founder of MaxBP, as we explore the evolution of portable hitting technology and the science behind reaction training.In this episode, we dive into:
Neil shares the story behind MaxBP's innovative approach to hitting development, including the research and iterations that led to a machine that's revolutionizing how coaches and players approach vision training. We discuss why portability matters, how to close the "visual gap" in hitters, and why the best players aren't always who you think they are.Whether you're a coach, player, or parent, this conversation will change how you think about hitting development.
In this remixed episode, Rob Crews & Jordan Bledsoe drop jewels on modern mindsets and their approach to coaching in today's sports performance culture.
Check out Jordan Bledsoe:Jordan BledsoeVelocity Sports Performance - Westchester & Dutchess5 training facilities:
HAWTHORNE | ARMONK | YORKTOWN | MAMARONECK | FISHKILL
@velocity_NewYork
@coachjordan_velocity
@thebetterathletes_podcast
Jordon is also dropping a podcast on Spotify
click here to check it out.
Rob Crews shares his thoughts on pre-game routines, high chase-rates, travel vs. college pitching, how technology can inform custom hitting approaches, & more.
Rob Crews shares insight into Vision, Perception, tracking, recognition and decision-making -the things that make high-level hitters hittters. Check out this episode to learn how the predictive brain creates reality.
Whether you coach a team or you are a hitting instructor, hitters are different and have different needs. Rob Crews shares the best parts of a conversation about the evolution of hitting approaches and how to manage team hitting culture at the college level.
Be a fly on the wall in an honest conversation about hitting with Rob Crews and a CG Certified Hitting coach.
The two talk about the why hips can be a problem for some and solutions to resolve this problem. Take a listen.
In this episode Rob Crews and Rick Pauly reveal:
Here is the link to the video I referenced in the this podcast:
This WEBINAR is from our 80-20 Club. The group meets twice per month to discuss topics and solutions for a solid mental-emotional game plan. For more information on how you can become a part of the 80-20 Club email: Rob Crews @ info@complete.game
- How visualization creates neural pathways similar to physical practice
- Research showing improved performance through mental rehearsal
- Why elite hitters emphasize mental preparation
The power of visualization lies in how it activates many of the same neural pathways as physical practice. When athletes mentally rehearse movements, their brains fire motor neurons in patterns nearly identical to actual performance, strengthening those neural connections. This phenomenon is called "functional equivalence" - the brain doesn't fully distinguish between vivid mental practice and physical execution.
Master Coach, Alli McKnight Joins Rob Crews to talk pitching, her calling, and pitching science. Her transition from Cali to the South, the strict culture in her gym, coach-player accountability, multiple paths to success, sequencing, rotation, deceleration and more.
In this Episode, Dr. Rick Pauly & Rob Crews discuss the State of College Recruiting, How they Project Talent in Young Hitters and Pitchers, The Importance of Spine Stability in Hitting and Pitching & more.
In part 2 of this podcast, Rob and Rick discuss why NiJaree Canady and Karlyn Pickens throw so hard, the state of the pro game, the power of the portal & who benefits from it, the new pitching rules, leap and drag vs crowhopping, and more.
In part 1 of this softball talk, Dr. Rick Pauly joins Rob Crews to share his insight into World Series pitchers as Rob Crews counters with hitting adjustments to riseballers, drops, and change-ups. Rick goes deep into his standard on rise ball variability, why pitching staffs are more important than having a number one and the effectiveness of the change-up. Rob Crews talks about the mindset necessary for approaching the change-up as a hitter.
Contact Rick Pauly
Jacquie Reiser, one of Rob's former students, Michigan State Softball, Chiropractic Kinesiologist, joins the podcast to share her story.
Jacquie talks about her recruiting experience, how and why she ended up in Austin, Texas, Alternative Medical Services, The Gift of Healing, and more.
IG: @DrJacquiereiser