High School Prep
13U-14U
program director
Zach Mccool
HIGH SCHOOL PREP PROGRAM
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Iowa Sticks have crafted an elite high school preparatory program tailored for dedicated 13U and 14U players aspiring to excel in high school baseball. Feedback from local high school coaches indicates that freshmen players often lack readiness for high school-level competition.
Drawing from the success of our renowned high school program, the Iowa Sticks High School Prep program is meticulously structured. Over the past five years, our high school program has propelled over 100 players into collegiate baseball careers.
TRYOUT PROCESS
At the conclusion of the competition season (July-August), there will be a tryout process that must be completed in order to join the program. Existing Sticks players will receive an automatic offer; however, the offer's level may be adjusted based on the players' development and the addition of new players to the program.
THE HIGH SCHOOL PREP PROGRAM CONSISTs OF:
40 high school enhancement sessions (November-March)
7 individual lessons
2 team practices a week, beginning in late January
Unique competition experiences consisting of invite only Perfect Game and Prep Baseball tournaments and leagues (additional fees required)
Will also attend top USSSA tournaments (additional fees required)
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Competition
The Iowa Sticks High School Prep Program participates in national and regional events and leagues organized by Perfect Game and Prep Baseball. This strategic move will provide players with a competitive edge, as they will become acquainted with the format of high school games and the college recruiting process earlier than their counterparts.
Additionally, teams participate in local USSSA competitions and regional Perfect Game events tailored to their skill level.
Practices
Practice sessions begin the final week of January and occur twice a week throughout the season. One session will primarily focus on bullpens and arm care, as well as hitting, while the other will follow a traditional team-style format, covering all facets of the game.
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The High School Prep Program is distinct from the High School Fall Program, which caters to athlese aged 13-18. Participation in the High School Fall Program requires separate registration and is not automatically included in the High School Prep Program.
Enhancement Sessions/Lesson Overview
Players receive enhancement sessions to be used at their discretion throughout the season. These sessions will be placed in the athlete’s self-service account and must be used by the end of the program. Missed or unused sessions will not roll-over into lessons, fall/winter skills sessions, or personal training.
Athletes may enroll in any of the following programs at their convenience:
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These sessions consist of batting practice with heavy bats, overload bats, under-load bats, one handed bats, and weighted batting gloves. The program also incorporates med ball work to build core strength and increase power.
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Fielding sessions take place on the Sportsplex turf. Athletes are trained by our coaching staff and run through various infield and outfield drills focused on creating more confidence in their ability, while also helping them become versatile players.
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This program is designed to increase arm strength, arm health, and enhance throwing velocity. It consists of pre-throwing band exercises, long toss drills, and a post-throwing session with D1 Training.
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The catching enhancements feature various innovative catching drills that focus on all facets of catching: blocking, framing, receiving, throwing to bases etc. All Sticks staff running these enhancements have at least college-level catching experience.
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This program is facilitated by D1 Training. Athletes will receive training, strategies, and skills to cut time off their 60-yard dash.
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Lessons are an opportunity to work one-on-one on game mechanics. These lessons focus on developing muscle memory and making key adjustments that will translate to future games and can be used for hitting, pitching, and/or fielding.
Programs
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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.
