A lesson with Janelle Lindvall

Recently, I found out that Janelle Lindvall (Oregon, US National Team, NPF) was offering private lessons in my area. Being that Maddie has been a huge fan of Janelle's since she was 9yo, I jumped on the opportunity for Maddie to have a private session with one of her softball heroes, and hopefully learn a few details that will further improve her game behind the plate.

The lesson was great! Janelle is warm, friendly, and passionate about teaching the game she loves. It became evident very quickly that she has put a lot of thought into what she does behind the plate, how she does it, and is able to communicate those things very well.

Maddie's session with Janelle was primarily focused on throwing mechanics, and fine-tuning her arm pattern, which tends to get too long and loopy for an effective catcher. The instruction and drills were really good, and are definitely things I can continue to use with Maddie going forward. Maddie had a very good time, and is looking forward to another session next month.

I was very happy to see that Janelle wasn't immediately intent on making fundamental changes to Maddie's receiving stances, which is something we have experienced in the past with other catching instructors.



For anyone in the LA-Ventura area (she teaches in Westlake Village) looking for guidance from a top-level player, Janelle is worth contacting.

Man, that's pretty awesome. Looks like she's soaking it all in. I know both our DD's are huge Oregon fans. Mine would freak out with the opportunity to work with anybody associated with Oregon softball lol.

mudrunner said:

Man, that's pretty awesome. Looks like she's soaking it all in. I know both our DD's are huge Oregon fans. Mine would freak out with the opportunity to work with anybody associated with Oregon softball lol.

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Maddie was definitely twitchy with excited anticipation as we rolled up to the facility, but as soon as the work started, she was all focus for the whole time we were there (over an hour, total). Janelle's personality helped make things comfortable very quickly.

Eric - that is awesome and I recognize the facility as BYA, DD has practiced hitting there many times. By the way, several years ago DD attended a UCLA softball camp and one of her group's camp instructors was Devon Lindvall (Janelle's sister). She couldn't have been nicer and was an inspiration to DD. Nice to see the college player's giving back to the fastpitch community.