Sticks Academy

9U-12U

Program Director

Jason Pearson

STICKS ACADEMY

  • Enhancements are small group sessions focused on specific areas of the game (fielding, catching, hitting, etc.)

    -Our Enhancement programs are an OPTIONAL ADD ON when selecting your payment plans. Enhancement programs have proven year after year to increase the level of development in the youth who participate.

    -Participants receive 20 enhancement sessions along with two lessons.

    -The enhancement sessions are led by our player development coaches. Our team has helped develop some of the best players in the state and Midwest.

    -Enhancement sessions are available in November and December and lead up to team practices beginning in January.

    -Developmental nights are led by the Sticks coaching staff. These nights focus on position and skill specific development. All players in the SBA program will be coached by a paid staff during these nights. In general, developmental nights occur one night per week during the season. For most age groups, developmental nights start in November and end in late June.

    -D1 Training (link the D1 Training Des Moines website) sessions for athletic enhancement. D1 is nationally known for training athletes in all sports to increase strength, speed and overall agility.

The Sticks Academy provides opportunities for players who were not chosen for the Sticks Select program or for full teams looking to join the Iowa Sticks Baseball Club. Both options offer access to our facilities and training programs. The Sticks Academy offers all the benefits of the Sticks Select program with a few exceptions.

Below is a detailed description of the offerings. If you are interested, please scroll down to access the cost and contract link or contact us with any questions.

Overview: 

  • Winter enhancements

  • Developmental nights 

  • D1 Training sessions 

  • Access to Sportsplex West indoor turf and outdoor practices (locations vary)

  • Games are parent coached

  • Practices and development overseen by Sticks directors, with assistance from parent coaches

  • Uniforms 

  • A track record of proven development

  • -Access to indoor and outdoor practice space—Teams train indoors at Sportsplex West in Waukee and have access to the synthetic turf infield, pitching mound, batting cages and training equipment. Additionally, SBA members are welcome to use the facility when it is not in use. Outdoor practice facilities are Holiday Park in West Des Moines or Fareway Fields in Norwalk, teams are assigned days and times.

    -Coaching—Game day coaches are parent coaches. The parent coach and assistant coach will have reduced fees for their own child/player. These positions are selected by the Iowa Sticks directors and will go through an interview process. Teams cannot play tournaments if they do not have a parent coach. 

    -Oversight and practice plans—All teams, players, coaches, and families/fans will be provided with oversight by the Director of the program. All involved will adhere to the contract and code of conduct that each family must sign prior to practice or play. Additionally, the director will provide practice plans for nights in which teams are on their own. 

    -Uniforms—All teams in the Sticks Academy will be a part of the uniform package program. The uniform package program kicks back equipment such as balls, training aids and other items. 

    -Track record of proven Development—he incredible results of the players that have been a part of the Iowa Sticks Baseball Club at the youth and high school level is widely known. View our list of alumni here.

Programs

  • TBall & Coach Pitch Development

    Our T-ball and Coach Pitch Development program is designed specifically for youth players age 3-5 (t-ball) and 5-6 (coach pitch), to help develop a love for the game and learn the core fundamentals needed to advance to higher level baseball.

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  • High School Program

    The Iowa Sticks High School baseball program is designed to help players reach the next level.

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  • Sticks Academy

    Sticks Academy offers opportunities for players not selected for the Sticks Select program or full teams interested in joining the Iowa Sticks Baseball Club.

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  • Rookie Academy

    The Iowa Sticks Rookie Academy introduces players, ages 7U and 8U to the beginning stages of comprehensive baseball training and a first touch into the competitive baseball world.

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  • Sticks Select

    Sticks Select is designed for higher level baseball players aged 9U-12U. Our goal is to develop players who love, appreciate and are committed to the game of baseball and want to continue playing through high school and beyond.

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  • High School Prep Program

    The Iowa Sticks High School prep program is tailored to 13U and 14U players that are serious about playing high school baseball and potentially beyond.

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