Practice Isn’t Optional. It’s Foundational.
At Extra Inning Softball, we know the best insight often comes from the people who are in the trenches—coaches who show up every day to help shape the next generation. That’s why we launched our Coach Influencer Series, spotlighting dedicated leaders across the country who are using their platforms to educate, empower, and elevate the game.
Coach Craig Stinson of Hops Red 13U in Rhode Island was recently selected as one of our featured Coach Influencers. When invited to share his expertise on a topic he’s most passionate about, he chose to focus on a message he believes every player, parent, and coach needs to hear: Why practice is as important as games for softball IQ.
In the editorial that follows, Coach Stinson breaks down what makes practice so foundational—not just for physical skill-building, but for developing the mental edge that separates good players from great ones. His perspective is real, relatable, and rooted in experience. If you care about growing the game the right way, this is a must-read.
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