We are so excited to "get back to our roots" and begin offering specialized clinics. In the early days of Dugout Dolls before there were Dolls or a house to call home, Trish and Amber traveled to teach at onsite clinics and showcases.  We met so many families and faces which led to finding a "home" to host group instruction year 'round. 

We have been blessed to add Colby to our staff who has been leading the charge with Catching Clinics. This unique opportunity to offer intense and focused teachings has created an environment of competitive learning. The DD staff is excited to expand our clinic offerings to include Defense for 2019! 

Our first cohort will begin Jan 2019 and run 10 consecutive weeks up through the opening of high school and rec season. Coach Mark will lead the 11U and under while Coach Amber will lead 12U and up.

Our older age groups will also balance leadership development teachings in addition to their skill progression. It has always been our mission to " EDUCATE, EMPOWER, and EXCEL" our athletes forward. Revamping our clinic curriculum to include leadership development will cater to developing the FULL ATHLETE. 

Stay tuned for weekly Blogs on notes and discussion points from our leadership series. 
We are proud to host Defense Cohort - Class 1 and challenge them with this year's theme! 

November drills hone in on weight transfer. Up to this point we have refreshed our foundational skills of Stance, contact, push, and balance of power. Now we will complete the package with focus on how to build power. 

Every hitter has a different push point, Depending on the size, speed, and height of athlete, our weight transfer will slightly differ. This month we will focus an individual batter ability to produce power. Each of these drills will allow the hitter to find their explosion capability by measuring weight transfer from the backside to the front the side. We do each of these tee drills slowly and controlled. 

October Drills are to focus on Balance, weight distribution, and stance stability. 
​

As we all head back to school, the Dollhouse will focus on "BACK TO BASICS" for the month of September. Sometimes the hardest things to conquer are simple tasks. As we grow in our skill sets, we need to take time to reflect on the foundations of our craft. 

September will also introduce a consistent format of teaching across all nights we offer lessons. All nights will now have assigned drills and team talk talk time. Although each hitter / pitcher may be at different levels , this focused drill approach will allow for deeper understanding, efficient, and effective skill progression. 

​

For most athletes, the pursuit to play always lies in the the shear love of the game. Well what they don't tell you is that the game playing days may end. What happens next?!?

For Trish,  there was no denying that softball would remain the foundation of her success.  The long hours in the backyard to hone her pitching craft, the pickup games at the old field to take in just a few more ground balls before the sunset, and the laughter of teammates were memories she cherished. To keep this love for the game alive, she began giving pitching lessons. It was a way for her to keep in touch with the game and inspire the next generation with the tools to go the distance. 

Fast forward a few years, her lessons had grown to the point that she didn't have enough of her to go around. This is the point at which Dugout Dolls was born! 

We congratulate Coach Trish on being recognized as one of Southwest Michigan's 40 under 40 leaders! 
Read more info here: http://www.moodyonthemarket.com/trish-gardini/
​

We're excited to bring a whole new element to the Dollhouse family! 

Launching a weekly blog will allow the coaches to share personal and professional stories as well as messaging meant to inspire, encourage, and empower our Dolls. The game is softball is more than the physicality of an athlete and the skill needed to get the job done. Mental toughness and inner confidence are aspects often looked over but equally as important. 

Our goal is to provide additional support through the use of our weekly blog. 
Do you have a suggestion for the blog entry for the week?
Be sure to give your idea to one of  the coaches during your lessons. ​