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ELITE DEVELOPMENT

Elite Hitting, Elite Pitching and Elite Catching are master-level pitching and hitting classes for anyone looking to take their game to the next level. Elite Programs are taught and run by our “PHD Level Instructors.”

 

The Elite Programs are for ages 15+ and take place at our Brooklyn Park facility. Limited spots available in each session.

 

Elite Program Duration: November - March

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Elite Hitting Program

  • Elite Hitting and Performance training meets 3 days a week (Tuesday 2 hours, Thursday 2 hours, and Sundays 3 hours).

  • Hitting programming that is individually tailored, as well as generally focused on improving mechanics and becoming a complete hitter.

  • Strength programming that is tailored specifically towards baseball and the fundamental movements of the swing

  • Uses Blast Baseball sensors and Hittrax video capture to further accesses hitters' mechanics

  • Tuesday and Thursday: Work tailored to the individual hitters and general swing metrics. (bat speed, connection, attack angle, etc.)

  • Sunday: Game day - approach, game planning, competition, adjustment making, etc.  Transitioning to live at bats starting Sundays in January.

  • Consistent metric testing: Exit Velocity, Bat Speed, etc.

  • Limited to 3 sessions of 9 players

 

ELITE Hitting Hybrid meets Sundays only (1.5 hours) with workouts and training programs given as homework before the next session meets.

Elite Pitching Program

  • 3 days of Pitching and Performance training each week, Monday (2 hours), Wednesday (2 hours), Sunday (3 hours).

  • Starting with an emphasis on building mass and speed, our progressive, specific biomechanic exercises will help pitchers achieve an elite level of pitching performance.

  • We offer individual programming on strength, power, velocity deficiencies and force transferences of the body

  • Corrective movement patterns to promote safe and consistent arm, core and lower body transformations conducive to specific pitching motions and mechanics.  Through this process players will develop more power, velocity, and explosiveness while maintaining proper arm care and recovery methods to enhance quicker recovery times. 

  • Pitch development and sequencing -  Learn how different grips and tension can affect a pitch.  Use your different types of pitches to set up the next one and how that affects a hitters mindset.  Learn how to locate, change speeds and trust in all your pitches.

  • Pitch Approach - Learn to be aggressive and how throwing first pitch strikes sets you up for lower game pitch counts, weaker hit balls and how being ahead in the count affects the batting average of hitters.  Learn to watch for what hitters are giving you at the plate.

  • Pitching mechanics - With our 18 week progressive program, whether it’s just fine tuning or a more extensive rework of your pitching mechanics, our Elite pitching program is designed to help pitchers be the most effective and efficient as possible while combining our sports science side with our pitching mechanics side.  

  • Advanced Data Analytics (Rapsodo)- Players will learn what analytics are important when it comes to pitching by using our Rapsodo to measure many different aspects of the pitching motion and mechanics. Players will get a full comprehensive analytical breakdown of their pitching data and will work with our pitching director on what it all means and areas in which we can take their pitching performance to the next level.

  • Live at Bats-  Pitchers will face live batters beginning mid January (Sundays only)

  • Limited to 3 sessions of 10 players.

 

ELITE Pitching Hybrid meets Sundays only (1.5 hours) with workouts and training programs given as homework before the next session meets.

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Elite catching Program

  • 3 days of Catching sessions and Performance training each week, Monday (2 hours), Wednesday (2 hours), Sunday (3 hours).

  • Pine Tar Academy’s Elite Catching Program is a comprehensive, progressive training system designed to elevate catchers to their highest potential. Built upon a linear development model, this program focuses on refining core fundamentals while layering in advanced techniques through structured progression focusing on: 

    • Mobility & Athletic Movement

    • Arm Strength & Health

    • Receiving Technique

    • Blocking Technique

    • Transitional Throwing Technique

    • Game IQ, Leadership, & Position Nuances

  • Elite Catching Program specifics include: 

    • Hit Trax Technology will be used to set baseline catching metrics and to track periodic catcher testing

    • Use of catching training tools to enhance training curriculum

    • Spring Training module focuses on a 4-week pre-season ramp-up prior to the start of the season

    • Live pitcher vs hitter opportunities (Sundays only starting in January),

    • Monthly player evaluation summary and training recap

  • Limited to 3 groups of 6 players.​

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Elite Hybrid Catching meets Sundays only (1.5 hours) with workouts and training given as homework to be completed before the next session.

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