The basics are a basic part of the Ultimate Rap sessions, a fixture at the annual “Be the Best You Are’’ clinic. So is the unusual which is why clinicians annually leave no stone unturned at the sessions.
   This year is no different. There are eight speakers touching on 24 topics in the dozen 25-minute sessions that carry into the night on Friday.
   The list of speakers are down-in-the-dirt type coaches who understand what it takes to win softball games, prepare players mentally and physically, and give them a list of fundamental drills that will stay with them from Little League through college.
   Ken Eriksen of South Florida, explains how to catch and set pick-off plays. He’ll also explain how he motivates teams that he coaches and offers some fun and game contests for practice sessions.
   Rachel Lawson of Kentucky offers middle infield techniques and drills as well as ways to create and develop leaders.
   Troy Acheson of Tennessee Tech is known as a builder of offense. He explains how to increase power hitters’ success and offers circuit drills for small indoor areas. Bill Edwards of Hofstra has spent a lifetime winning softball games. He’ll show how to start, and complete, run-down plays and offers a defensive sequential practice.
   Jen Croneberger brings a completely different look at her sessions. A sports psychologist, she tells how to prepare for Big Games and offers pre at-bat routines that help avoid slumps.
   Then there is Tony Rico, the coach of the USA Junior World National Team who offers the perspective of coaching travel teams and AAU squads. While he explains how to defend the speed game, his session on balancing high school and travel ball conflicts could be important as AAU continues to grow.
    Jennifer Brundage of Michigan explains how to scout an opponent, as well as how to make mental and physical in-game pitching adjustments. Beverly Smith of South Carolina has a long history of success as a pitching guru. She’ll provide a 30-minute pitching workout and how to keep your pitchers legal on their delivery.
   If you’re at the Ultimate Rap, you’ll find answers on any subject. Perhaps the signature session of the “Be the Best You Are” clinics are our Friday Ultimate Rap sessions. Coaches continually rank them as the most significant aspect of their three days at the clinic. They tell us that this is where the real grass roots of the game are examined, improved, and taught. The 25-minute, no-bull sessions take interesting topics, top speakers, and interested coaches, and combine them into a celebration of the game.