Professional Baseball Instruction of Illinois

"Taking Players to the Next Level"

High School Winter Training Program - Softball
Current 8th Grade & High School Players ONLY!!

Professional Baseball Instruction of Illinois' High School Winter Training program one is the most intense and thorough off-season training programs available for high school softball players. PBI-IL will prepare you for the upcoming high school season just as the college and pros do through our "spring training" approach. The program consists of ten 1.5 hour workouts over a 3 month span.

Our program is constantly being cultivated by PBI-IL hand in hand with current and former professional managers, coaches and players. The PBI-IL staff works on a regular basis to keep the HSWTP on the cutting edge of softball training methods. Each aspect of the program is developed and currently updated by PBI-IL staff and college coaches.

Position Specific Workouts

Position	Description
Pitchers	All pitchers will be put on a progressive throwing program consisting of long toss, short range, and mound work. They will learn to develop "command" of their fastball (4-seam & 2-seam) regardless of how hard they throw. We will develop a change-up that feels good to them and a screwball they are capable of throwing consistently. In February, pitchers will compete in live innings and live game situations. Pitchers will learn how to throw bullpens properly as a starter and a reliever as well as developing an in-season throwing routine. Pitching strategy will be a main focus as well. The pitchers will be put on a full shoulder and elbow maintenance program and learn how to care for their arm throughout the season. Defensively, we will improve quickness and assist them in learning to field their position as overall pitchers fielding practice (PFP). Offensively, pitchers will hit.
Catchers	All catchers will be put on a progressive throwing program. The health and strength of a catchers' arm is just as important as the pitchers'. Catchers will work on all the physical and mental skills required to be proficient behind the plate. Areas of concentration are: Receiving, blocking, throwing to all bases, pick-off throws, fielding bunts, fielding pop-ups, "plays at the plate," tags, double plays, 1st & 3rd responsibilities, and run-downs. Throughout the program catchers will be working very closely with the pitchers. Classifying hitters, understanding pitchers, and calling a game will be discussed. Catchers will not only learn and develop the physical skills needed to be a good catcher, but the mental aspects of how to control the game, the team, and how to be a leader on the field. As a catcher, your priority is defense. Making your pitcher look good and keeping your team "in the game" is your job. There are many aspects to the position that need to be mastered. Offensively, catchers will work with our hitting instructors & practice their base running.
Infielders	All infielders will be put on a progressive throwing program to develop arm strength and health. During the course of a game infielders need to execute throws from a wide variety of arm angles and body positions. Each position on the infield will work on the proper mechanics of these throws and learn how to treat every throw "with a purpose". 1st & 3rd basemen, and middle infielders will work on their position specific skills throughout the program. This includes routine, backhand, glove side, slow-rollers, high-choppers, short-hops, hard hit balls, and line drives. Proper footwork, double plays, making tags, relay throws, 1st and 3rd responsibilities, run-downs, and bunt defenses will all be taught according to position. Offensively, all infielders will work with our hitting instructors & practice their base-running.
Outfielders	Outfielders will be put on a progressive throwing program to develop arm strength and health. As an outfielder, footwork is KEY. Footwork on all ground and fly-balls must be highly developed. All outfielders will work on routine ground-balls, angles of approach to ground and fly balls, and getting a strong and accurate throw to the infield quickly. Offensively, outfielders will work with our hitting instructors & practice their base running.
Hitting	In December, hitters will learn and develop hitting skills through tee work, drills that focus on mechanics and proper fundamentals for each individual hitter and batting practice (BP). Live BP will be the norm in January, and in February, hitters will compete in live situations against the pitchers and catchers. This program will reinforce the absolutes of hitting.

Live Competition

Throughout the program, there will be live game situations with a IHSA patched umpire. Players will be split into two teams and rotated defensively. These scrimmages will be live games with live at bats and live pitching.

Each hitter will take live at-bats
Each pitcher will throw live innings.
Catchers will catch during live situations and throw full distances to all bases
Infielders will take live ground balls and make full-distance throws
Position players will base-run in live game situations
All player will work on live defensive situations, such as 1st and 3rd defense, bunt defenses, run-downs and pick off plays

Program Dates & Times

HSWTP begins on December 5th and continues through February 20th. (15 Hours)
Sundays - 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Please note, there are no workouts on 12/26 or 2/6

Player Commitment

All Players are Expected to...
1. Be Present at All Workouts
2. Arrive on-time For All Workouts
3. Dress in proper softball attire, i.e. softball pants or shorts, jersey or t-shirt, belt, socks, and turfs or molded spikes

Costs & Registration

$330.00 per player

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE