Instagram story viewer> @jenn_salling> Posts

Jenn Salling, OLY

@jenn_salling

15.5K

followers

1515

following

The Salling Academy
2x Olympian • 2008 Beijing Olympic Games • Tokyo 2020ne Olympic Bronze Medalist • NCAA Division 1 National Champion •

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Download All

The Salling Academy

The Salling Academy exists to develop elite defenders through high-pertormance Softball training, intentional coaching and proven defensive systems that prepare athletes to compete with confidence at the highest level.

Can’t wait to see you all again soon @nwbulletssoftball 🔥

sallingacademysb@gmail.com taken in Sherwood, Oregon by @jenn_salling

78

5

9 hours ago

Sneak peek into Day 1 of the @nwbulletssoftball time with The Salling Academy! Our first Academy together was centered around creating intentional, sustainable development for both athletes and coaches.

A few areas we focused on:

• Beginning to build a database of overhand throwing velocities to track VLO over time.

• Establishing sustainable, daily defensive routines that athletes can consistently execute on their own.

• Providing coaches with routines, concepts and tools they can implement within their respective teams.

• Creating a shared language and understanding around defensive development - helping athletes understand not just WHAT they’re doing, but WHY they’re doing it.

One of my biggest messages was INTENT.

Be an ACTIVE PARTICIPANT in your development.

These days, we see a TON of athletes taking reps and “getting their work in.” But how much of that work is actually being done with intent and an understanding of WHY you’re doing what you’re doing?

Are you beginning to understand how to take ownership of your development—or are you simply checking boxes?

Do you understand what you’re trying to accomplish with each rep?

Are you asking the necessary questions so you truly understand what is being asked of you and why?

Taking reps is one thing. Understanding the purpose behind those reps is where development really begins.

Get curious. Ask questions. The more you understand the WHY, the better you can understand what you’re trying to feel, execute and ultimately own.

#SallingAcademy #defense #intent #ownership taken in Sherwood, Oregon by @jenn_salling

348

5

a day ago

I’m excited for the opportunity The Salling Academy gets to make an impact in the Pacific Northwest 🤩

When collaborating with organizations, my vision is to:

1. Help softball programs become more intentional, efficient and confident defensively.

2. Empower athletes to take ownership of their development and better understand the processes required to become elite-level softball players.

3. Equip coaches with quality information, practical tools and proven defensive concepts they can implement within their own teams to continue elevating player development.

I’m looking forward to being an additional defensive resource for the athletes and coaches throughout the Northwest Bullets Organization.
Thank you @nwbulletssoftball for the opportunity to get after it. Can’t wait to meet you all and see you very soon! by @jenn_salling

222

9

12 days ago

A little more from the @theauslofficial dump 🥰

Thank you @jadehewittmedia for capturing so many special moments for everyone involved in the league. Watching your hustle, seeing your passion for photography, and witnessing how much pride you take in your work is absolutely incredible.

Not to mention, there’s a pretty unreal human behind the camera, too. 😉

Thank you, Jade! taken in Ballpark at Rosemont by @jenn_salling

171

7

18 days ago

🎙️ SOUND ON — Shortstop Footwork Around Second Base.

Won’t lie — as a former shortstop, this was one of my all-time favorite plays to make in the game!

Hear from @kenleigh_cahalan as she walks us through what her feet look like when receiving a double-play feed from the second baseman. I hope you all enjoy Cahalan’s accent, too 😉 what a gal.

Three different feeds. Three different situations.

1. GB taking the second baseman up the middle.
2. GB hit directly at the second baseman.
3. GB hit in the 3/4 hole.

Key Coaching Concepts:

1. Clear & Concise Communication — “TWO! TWO!” Eliminate unnecessary words — “yeah, yeah,” “uh-huh,” etc. Too many words can make it sound like you’re speaking with a mouth full of marbles.
Say what needs to be said, say it loud and make it clear.

2. Read the feed before choosing the footwork. Read the speed, direction, and location of the feed, and avoid “pre-scripting” your footwork before the play develops. Let the feed tell your feet where to go.

3. Create direction through the bag—not just to the bag. The goal isn’t simply to touch second base. Your footwork should carry your momentum toward first base and into the throw.

4. Give the second baseman a clear target. Show your hands and chest as the play develops. Let the feeder see where you are and where you’re going.

5. Work from behind the Softball when possible. Position your body so you can receive the ball in front and allow your momentum to continue toward first rather than catching it beside or behind you. If you’re catching it beside or behind you, your feet are likely too early to the bag.

6. Separate the catch from the transfer as little as possible. Soft hands, quick exchange. Catching the ball in the right position allows the hands and feet to work together instead of having to recover.

7. Know when you have time—and when you don’t. Runner speed, ball speed, and quality of the feed all influence the footwork. Sometimes you can work through the bag; sometimes the priority is simply secure the lead out.

#SallingAcademy #Defense #DefenseWins #DefenseWinsChampionships

GB taking the second baseman up the middle. Underhand feed from the second baseman.

GB h taken in Ballpark at Rosemont by @jenn_salling

225

1

23 days ago

🎙️ @ailanaagbayani of the @theauslofficial @ausl_bandits FT. @kenleigh_cahalan of the @ausl_cascade dropping some more GOLDEN NUGGETS.

Agbayani takes us through more footwork around second base when receiving a ball from the third baseman — different feeds, different footwork, different ways to navigate the bag.

Most importantly: COLLECT OUTS.

Swipe to the last video — she shares a standard of accountability she learned while at Oklahoma. And there’s A LOT to take from what she explains.

It’s not just about holding one another accountable — it’s understanding that ACCOUNTABILITY BUILDS TRUST.

It’s having the courage to communicate teammate-to-teammate when a throw isn’t to standard.

It’s being willing to give honest feedback. Being willing to receive it and understanding that the standard belongs to EVERYONE.

High standards require accountability.
Accountability requires communication.
Communication requires trust.

That’s how great defenses and great teams are built.

#defense #defensewins #defensewinschampionships taken in Ballpark at Rosemont by @jenn_salling

194

1

a month ago

Timing is truly everything.

This experience could not have come at a better time — and, in SO MANY ways, it was exactly what I needed.

Connecting with new people and building relationships. Getting to talk about life, the game, learn, laugh and simply be around elite-level humans.

I’m incredibly grateful. I continue to be amazed by everything the sport of softball has brought into my life. It’s so humbling.

I think about the little tomboy who got into this game simply because her Dad played it — and I can’t believe where this game has taken me, the people it has brought into my life, the relationships it has created, the doors it has opened, and the person it has helped me become.

What started as a game became so much more. It became a huge part of my life’s story — and somehow, it just keeps giving. 🙏

Thank you @theauslofficial for the opportunity and for allowing me to be a small part of something so special. Thank you for @aubrey_lynne10 for shooting your shot and seeing where we land. It is absolutely unreal to step back and see how far professional women’s sports have come — and even more exciting to think about all that is becoming! Especially our game. Softball.

What a time to be part of it. 🤯

Up next: The Salling Academy.

Excited to take control of my own destiny and keep saying YES to the people, opportunities and experiences that fuel my fire and ignite my soul. There’s something incredibly freeing about building what you believe in, creating your own path and trusting where it leads.

If your Travel Ball Organization or Collegiate Program is interested in hosting The Salling Academy or exploring consulting opportunities, I’d love to connect!

📩 Shoot me an email at sallingacademysb@gmail.com, and we’ll go from there!

Here we go. 🤟🏼

📸: @jadehewittmedia taken in Ballpark at Rosemont by @jenn_salling

367

42

a month ago

🎙️ SOUND ON. Agbayani can MOVE 🔥 SO good.

A very common question I get asked is philosophical beliefs around middle-infield footwork at second base when turning double plays.

Most importantly — teach the principles of the double play, not one prescribed footwork pattern. The feed dictates the feet, the feet create direction, and the athlete finds the most efficient way to record the out and deliver the ball to first base.

As they say, there are MANY ways to skin a cat — and double-play footwork is certainly not a one-size-fits-all approach. I asked @ailanaagbayani to take us through one of the footwork options available when turning a double play at second base and receiving the ball from the shortstop.

She explains an option I refer to as the “dead foot.” In some cases, her left foot stays anchored to second base; in others, it does not. The feed and angle of the play ultimately dictate how she uses the bag and where her feet need to go next.

Three scenarios:

1. GB taking the shortstop up the middle.

2. GB hit directly at the shortstop.

3. GB hit in the 5/6 hole.

The concept isn’t necessarily about where the foot starts or finishes. It’s about how she uses the bag, reads the feed, and allows her footwork to adjust to the angle of the play.

Different feeds create different angles, timing and movement solutions.

Ultimately, the goal isn’t to force one specific footwork pattern. It’s to give athletes the freedom to adjust their feet, body position and timing based on where the ball is coming from and where they need to take it next.

#defense #defensewinschampionships #slowissmoothsmoothisfast

Shortstop moving up the middle.

Ball hit directly at the shortstop.

Ball hit in the 5/6 hole. taken in The Ball Park at Rosemont, Rosemont, IL by @jenn_salling

623

8

a month ago

🚨 Pitchers: Your craft is SO MUCH MORE than just “pitching.” Pitching may be your primary skill — but you’re also a defender and, most importantly, a TEAMMATE.

On the lineup card, you’re the #1 position on the field for a reason. You’re at the center of the defense and a major contributor to your team’s overall defensive success.

Take time every day to practice fundamentals & plays that can arise in games — both with and without pressure. Don’t wait until the situation happens in competition to be prepared for it.

Examples of Practice Areas:

* Ground Balls to 1st, 2nd, 3rd & Home — incorporate different footwork patterns and throwing angles.

* Get Your Feet Underneath You — when time allows, get your feet underneath you before making the throw. Add an extra shuffle if needed to create rhythm, direction and accuracy.

* Hit a Frame (Throwing Accuracy) — how consistently can you hit the target from the receiver’s hips to their head? Train your eyes and body to throw to a consistent window.

* Let Your Backside Release — allow your backside to move freely through the throw. The farther you are from your target, the more your momentum may carry you through the throw — even allowing your feet to follow your throw.

* Plays to Home — Tag & Force Plays — understand the difference and train your brain and body to throw to the appropriate target area.

* Double-Play Feeds — develop efficient footwork, timing and throwing angles while delivering a clean, catchable feed.

* Bunts & Squeeze Plays — work different angles, speeds and fielding situations.

* Pop-Ups — practice communication, reads and coverage responsibilities.

* Communication — create eye contact and connection with your defenders before the play. Use clear verbal communication when needed.

@8megank @lexikilfoyl & @katsandercock — BEASTS. Strong, durable and extremely athletic. So cool to see how much they genuinely enjoy and love taking ground balls and working on their defense 🔥

Be around the TEAM as much as your time allows. Don’t get caught on your own little island — stay connected to your teammates and the defense.

Double-Play Feeds — understand your footwork, timing, throwing angle and where taken in Rosemont, Illinois by @jenn_salling

2k

14

a month ago

Cuts & Relays — Infield Footwork

* Know your outfielder’s arm strength — understand whether they need you to create more distance or give them more room to make the throw.

* Keep your feet in motion — stay athletic and create rhythm through the catch.

* Keep the ball in front of your eyes — maintain vision of the ball and your throwing target.

* Let the ball travel past your midline — avoid reaching out and cutting the ball off too early, allowing your hands and feet to stay on time.

* Time your right foot with the catch — right foot and ball arrive together, creating an efficient transition into the throw.

* Know yourself and the next destination — if you’re close enough, deliver the ball on a line. If not, be efficient and intentional with a long hop.

* Create quality spin on your throw — good 12-to-6 rotation makes the ball easier to track and receive. Avoid sideways spin that makes the ball run or tail.

* Build it into your Functional Catch Play routine — even when you’re not throwing to a target, create the footwork and throwing motion. Train the pattern consistently so it becomes instinctive.

Thank you to @bayleekling and @sydsyd2 for being the best defensive model citizens 🔥 taken in Rosemont, Illinois by @jenn_salling

2k

7

a month ago

Never seen this done better — WOW. @ailanaagbayani putting on an Masterclass in footwork around second base. Absolute baller defender.

Coaching Cues:

Communicate — clear and concise. Let the play develop; be timely with your voice. Communicate when you have the information needed to give clear direction.

Get to the base on time — establish your positioning before the throw arrives.

Know the throwing angle — anticipate the ball coming from LF/L-CF and position your body accordingly.

Stay Athletic — maintain a dynamic, balanced position that keeps you ready to move and adjust in any direction. Hinge at the hips, knees slightly flexed, weight on the balls of the feet.

Eyes Behind the Glove — keep your eyes behind glove to give yourself the best vision of speed and direction of throw.

Let the ball travel — avoid reaching too far away from your body unless the throw takes you there.

Vertical Tag — glove travels directly down in front of the base, eliminate unnecessary sweeping.

Work around the bag — adjust your feet based on the location of the throw rather than getting stuck in one position.

Protect yourself/eliminate obstruction — keep your body out of the runner’s direct path while maintaining access to the base.

Finish the play — complete the tag, then get your eyes up immediately and find the next play.

Big concept: The throw dictates the footwork. Teach the athlete to read the trajectory and adjust around the base.

Second baseman working around second base on a long-hop throw from LF.

Second baseman receiving a throw all the way in the air from LF.

Second baseman working around second base on a long-hop throw from the left-center gap.

Second baseman working around second base on a long-hop throw from the left-center gap.

Second baseman receiving a throw all the way in the air from the left-center gap. taken in Rosemont, Illinois by @jenn_salling

645

2

a month ago

A few coaching cues for some of the skills shown 👇

Defensive Skill: Throwing on the Run

Coaching Cues:

* Hip angle: Keep the hips angled toward the 3B line.
* Fielding position: Field the ball with two hands, working on the inside of the left foot.
* Head + arm connection: Keep the head connected to the throwing arm — the body is simply throwing from a different angle.
* Glove-side action: Pull the glove arm toward the left hip to create space for the throwing arm and allow the arm path to work through the center of the body.
* Eyes: Get the eyes up and locked onto the throwing target.
* Finish: Allow the body’s momentum to carry through the throw — stay athletic, fluid, and connected.

Movement Skill: Hinge

What is hinging?
A hinge is a movement pattern where the body bends primarily at the hips, rather than dropping vertically by bending heavily through the knees like a squat.

Why does it matter?

* Loads the right things: Engages the posterior chain — hamstrings and glutes — rather than sitting straight down into a squat.
* Creates better posture: Keeps the body athletic and the chest in a position that allows you to see and read the ball clearly.
* Creates space: Proper hip hinge gives the hands and feet room to work freely instead of getting trapped underneath the body.
* Keeps you ready to move: You’re loaded and prepared to adjust, react, and move in any direction.
* Builds confidence: Better positioning leads to better reads, helping athletes develop trust in their eyes, hands, and body.

And as a result… you don’t need a mask. 😜

Teach the fundamentals correctly so athletes have the belief to play freely and confidently. taken in Rosemont, Illinois by @jenn_salling

317

6

a month ago