While attending the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Convention, I sat in on the International Softball session. I have long been interested in working with hitters from other countries, but until now, the opportunity had never materialized.
What surprised me most during the meeting was how open and welcoming a few of the national team coaches were to collaboration with American instructors. One of those coaches was Petra Čizmić Pokrajac, Chair of the Development Commission for the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Europe and a coach in the Croatian National Softball Program.
Petra led the session with passion and clarity, sharing her goal of building a competitive Croatian national team by investing in homegrown talent. After her comments, I introduced myself and shared my desire to visit Croatia to work with hitters in her program and left the meeting eager to continue our conversation.
Contrasts in Player Development
One of the most eye-opening aspects of that session was the contrast between how nations develop their softball talent.
National programs like the United States, Japan, and China focus exclusively on developing local players. Countries like Australia, Mexico, and Canada follow a similar path, but have used a limited number of American players to bolster their rosters.
In Europe, the approach can be quite different. While some teams are made up primarily of domestic players, other national squads supplement their rosters with American athletes to stay competitive. To qualify, players often only need a loose family connection and a valid passport.
Petra, however, has a different vision. Although Croatia’s tournament roster has included a handful of U.S.-based players over the years, her long-term goal is to climb the European rankings with homegrown talent. That vision—and her determination—was what drew me in.
An Invitation Takes Shape
After several email exchanges and an online call, it was clear that her national team, Softball Club Princ, would be the perfect fit for a coaching visit. I imagine Petra had a few reservations about bringing in an American coach—especially since her hitters were already producing strong results in international competition.
Still, she understood that to compete at the highest level without relying on imported players, her athletes would need a new edge. Her willingness to explore different methods and embrace new perspectives said a lot about her leadership—and her commitment to the sport’s future in Croatia.
Arrival in Zagreb
I landed in Zagreb with a suitcase full of gear and excitement—and just a few hours to shake off the jet lag before heading to the field. The national teams train at two fields within the Recreation Sports Center Jarun, a stunning park filled with sport courts, lakes, beaches, restaurants, Olympic-grade rowing facilities, and softball and baseball fields.
Petra’s father, a pioneer of Croatian softball, helped raise funds and build the softball complex. Now, Petra and her husband Nikica are continuing that legacy with pride and vision, developing the next generation of Croatian talent.
Coaching the Next Generation—And the Boys
My first session was with a spirited group of U-13 players—a mix of girls and boys. Yes, boys. In Europe, men’s fastpitch softball is not only respected but thriving.
I was initially concerned about the language barrier, but nearly every one of these young players spoke excellent English. Some were brand new to the sport, while others showed natural ability. My job was to keep things simple, fun, and focused. By the second session, the improvement was noticeable—more consistent contact, more confident swings, and more power.
One unforgettable moment came when I asked for a volunteer to explain my five hitting keys in Croatian. A tiny but fearless player stepped forward and nailed it. Even though I couldn’t understand every word, her demonstration of the new swing mechanics was perfect. That moment embodied why I came—to teach, but also to learn.
Working with the Men’s Team
Next up was the men’s team, including Coach Nikica, who also plays. As always, I began by measuring bat speeds. Three players already had elite-level speed; the rest were close, limited mostly by inexperience rather than ability.
These young men were locked in—competitive, respectful, and eager to improve. It was my first time coaching a men’s team, and I left the field with even more respect for the growing men’s softball scene in Europe.
The Highlight: Women’s National Teams
The most anticipated part of the trip for me was working with the U-18 and Senior Women’s National Teams—the level where I’ve spent most of my coaching career.
After the players warmed up by hitting off tees, I measured their baseline bat speeds. This is a crucial step in my coaching process. If hitters are being taught properly, it will show in the data. If not, it’s time to reassess whether the proposed hitting adjustments are warranted.
Most players clocked speeds in the low-to mid 60s. Two players broke the 70 mph mark and were inducted into the “70+ MPH Club” with official pins to prove it.
And we were just getting started.
Five Keys to a Better Swing
The players were focused and receptive as I introduced each of the five hitting keys—concepts designed to boost both power and consistency. Coach Čizmić Pokrajac stood by my side, reinforcing each concept in real-time with her team.
After introducing a key, the players would practice it with a partner. I could tell some were skeptical—expecting a few quick tips rather than a complete swing blueprint. But they gave the new approach a fair shot, and we all could see the positive results immediately.
Swings were faster, smoother, and more explosive. Balls jumped off their bats with a new level of authority. And best of all, the players began to smile—they could feel the difference.
The Moment of Truth
With the workout winding down as the sun set, it was time to see if the numbers backed up the progress I observed. One by one, the players stepped up to the Swing Speed Radar hanging on the fence, testing their new mechanics in front of their teammates.
Bat speeds climbed across the board—every player improved, with gains ranging from 4 to 12 mph! Every time the coaches compared the new numbers to the baseline readings only a two hours earlier, the team cheered. These were moments of validation, not just for the players, but for Petra’s vision of player development.
Several hitters joined the 70+ MPH Club, while two athletes who had started in the 70s broke into the ultra-exclusive 80+ MPH Club. The message was clear: even good hitters can become great with the right training.
Make Some Noise!
I’ve written before about the power of grunting at the moment of impact—just like a tennis player—to generate more force. Sometimes I end workouts by inviting players to try it. It’s fun, a little silly, and surprisingly effective.
One player was stuck at 69 mph, just shy of her goal to join the 70+ MPH Club. She had already gained nearly 10 mph during the session, but she wanted that final push—and the pin for her backpack to show for it.
She was eager to try grunting but too shy to go all in. So we came up with a plan.
We would grunt for her.
The team huddled around her. As she stepped up to the bat speed radar, the entire team—me included—let out a thunderous collective grunt as she swung.
The radar flashed: 71 MPH!
We erupted in celebration. High fives, cheers, and hugs followed. It was the perfect end to an unforgettable day of coaching, bonding, and growth.
Looking Back—and Ahead
My time in Croatia was about so much more than mechanics and metrics. It was about building connections, supporting a global softball community, and helping a proud program take its next step.
Petra and her team have something special brewing in Croatia—not just talent, but vision, heart, and a commitment to doing it the right way.
As I boarded my flight home, I felt inspired—not just by the players, but by the promise of what’s possible when coaches across borders come together to grow the game.
And yes, I’m already thinking about my next trip back.