5 Tool Academy - Baseball Training in Naperville, IL

Welcome to Northern Illinois' Ultimate Baseball Training Facility

 
     
 
 
 

 

5 Tool Winter Leagues & Clinics

The 5 Tool Academy will begin accepting applications for their Winter Mike Epstein Hitting Clinics as well as the Winter Hitting & Pitching Leagues. All three programs will kick-off during the 1st week of December and have limited slots so hurry and mail in or drop off your applications today.
The Mike Epstein Hitting Clinics will meet twice a week for 4 weeks and will be run by Mike Epstein Hitting trained instructors Todd Riley, Lou Solarte and Ron Simek. With the Epstein teaching system, any hitter can learn the time-tested hitting mechanics of Ted Williams and the game’s most productive hitters from our staff in an unequalled eight sessions! Our program is progressively taught, easy-to-learn, fun, and sure to bring you instant results. Classes are held Tuesdays and Fridays from 6:00 – 7:00. Each participant will receive an Epstein Training D-Bat. Cost, $250.

Click here to download the Mike Epstein Hitting Clinic application.
The 5 Tool Winter Pitching League will utilize the revolutionary K-Zone Virtual Pitching Machine. The K-Zone records and displays instant location and velocity of each pitch. Teams will consist of 3 or 4 pitchers (the 4th would be an alternate in the event a schedule conflict) pitching against MLB teams. The season will run for 8 weeks, 7 regular season games with a 1 week playoff. Trophies for league winners will be awarded after the playoffs.

Leagues will be limited to 8 teams each so call 5 Tool today to register your team or as a ”Free Agent” to be assigned to a team. League days and times are Wednesday from 6-8pm or Saturday from Noon-2pm. Game duration, 150 pitches per team or 1 hour. Cost, $375 per team, $125 per individual.

Click here to download your application for the 5 Tool Winter Pitching League.
The 5 Tool Winter Hitting League Teams will consist of 4 hitters with a 5th hitter as an alternate in the event of a schedule conflict. The season will run for 4 weeks, 7 regular season games (2 per week) with a 1 week playoff. Trophies for league winners will be awarded after the playoffs.

The league will be limited to 8 teams each so call 5 Tool today to register your team or as a ”Free Agent” to be assigned to a team. League days and times are Tuesday from 5-6pm and either Friday from 7-8pm or Saturday from 3-4pm. Game duration, 5 innings or 1 hour. Cost, $500 per team, $125 per individual.

Click here to download your application for the 5 Tool Winter Hitting League.

 

5 Tool Academy Grand Opening

5 Tool Academy would like to thank everyone that visited our new facility on October 18th for our grand opening. From the long lines at our new K-Zone Video Pitching Trainer, it appears that we have a new "hit" here at 5 Tool!

If you missed the grand opening we invite you to stop by today to see our new batting cages, fitness room, pitching tunnels and of course the all new K-Zone Video Trainer!


 

5 Speed Core Performance Program

The “5 Speed Core Performance Program” is an opportunity for athletes to maximize their genetic ability as it pertains to all sports that require “Striking or Throwing” a ball. Whether you’re a Little Leaguer trying to make the next level, a teenager trying to make the High School team, or prepping yourself for college, 5 Speed Core Performance can help you attain your goals. The work out regimens will be targeted at improving your;

  • Strength
  • Speed
  • Quickness
  • Explosion
  • Flexibility
  • Agility
  • Mobility
  • Stability
  • Rotational Kinetic Power
  • Joint Integrity
  • Strength and Flexibility Training

Learn how to warm up properly – not the traditional warm up that often leads to injuries! Here at 5 Tool Academy we believe in “Pre-Hab” not “Re-Hab”. Become skilled at strength training exercises to optimize “Striking & Throwing” potential. Master the exercise techniques to reduce injuries while increasing speed and power.


Functional Training
The best way to develop the entire body is through functional movements that increase strength, stamina, flexibility, mobility, stability, joint integrity, rotational-kinetic strength and recovery ability! Our athletes are put through demanding exercise regimens that produce results and increase motivation!

Throughout the duration of the "5 Speed Core Performance Program," every player will be mentored on exercise protocols that are cross-specific for baseball and any sport that requires “Striking or Throwing” a ball. We will be teaching the most up-to-date exercise protocols that target the following:

  • Increasing speed and strength in your athletic performance
  • Improving first step takeoff to get to ball before your opponents
  • Improving your ability to change directions yet maintain body control and fluidity
  • Improving top end speed to pull away from your opponent
  • Recover faster during the game & between games to keep your playing level high
  • Increase mental toughness- only the strong minds will survive. Be one of them!!

Upon completion of this program, we expect that every player will not only have the most up-to-date education, but also the confidence to restructure their personal workouts to attain their maximum genetic potential in throwing or striking a ball.

Our one-of-a-kind individually customized programs, help athletes become faster, quicker, stronger, more explosive, more flexible, more agile, more mobile, more stable and more athletic.

 

Your First Lesson at 5 Tool Academy

What we are all about at 5 Tool:

  • Help the young person find and stay on their personal path of Mastery, they are a different person everyday.
  • Develop the young person’s awareness of what PRINCIPLES apply to their particular skill or skills.
  • Freedom for the young person to build their own personal signature around these universal principles.
  • Develop the young person’s ability to use MORE of their natural intelligence, curiosity, drive, physical ability and talents. To not try and ”fix” the student…but rather draw out the best that lies inside of them.
  • Develop the young person’s ability to enjoy the plateaus as well as the improvements…the challenges as well as the victories…the task as well as the rewards.

 

Testimonial

My son and I have worked closely with Mark Sheehan over the past two and a half years and during that time I have seen my son progress from a kid that threw the ball pretty hard to a well rounded, mechanically sound pitcher with a philosophy about how to pitch and a plan when he gets on the mound. Mark’s work with the National Pitching Association and the concern that they express for the safety of young pitchers is what drew me to Mark’s program.

Early in my son’s baseball career he suffered a repetitive motion injury from throwing too much and from poor mechanics (sad to say that I taught him). Since I wanted him to be safe I started looking for a coach that taught “safe pitching”. In my research I came across the National Pitching Association and Mr. Tom House’s philosophy matched mine exactly. Coincidentally, Mark, who is a certified NPA instructor, began working with our travel team that year and I was able to pick his brain regarding the concept of safe pitching. It didn’t take long for me to realize that Mark was exactly what my son and I were looking for and we have not been disappointed. My son can now be effective pitching late into a game or even completing a game on occasion with little to no discomfort to his arm and only normal recovery time. I attribute this to improved core strength, uncomplicated mechanics…… simple is better because there are fewer things to go wrong. This is really the biggest hurdle for most young pitchers (and their fathers) to get over…... and a philosophy that believes a one pitch out is better than a full count strike out every time.

Mark is absolutely current in his knowledge of the physiological demands that pitching makes on young arms. My most important criteria in working with Mark was, is, and always will be the fact that he puts the safety of my son as his top priority in training him to pitch. The times that I have had questions his knowledge has impressed me, but his willingness to go beyond easy answers and research with the NPA and elsewhere is even more impressive and speaks to his professionalism and commitment.


Mark was at a game that my son pitched in where he didn’t do so well. Mark did a great job of helping him put it into a positive perspective and learning opportunity. Mark’s approach to life in general is very positive. I really appreciate that in anybody, but I think it is especially important for people working with young people. My son is 14 and the more positive role models I can put in his path the better.

Mark’s individual commitment to my son’s success and his motivation for and dedication to all of his clients are the things that keep us coming back to Mark and the 5 Tool Academy.
Bruce Howell

 

 

 

Testimonial

Mark utilizes an individualized, “hands on” style in developing young pitchers. His approach combines drills and personalized video to communicate leading and bleeding edge NPA (National Pitching Association) concepts and techniques in a manner that gets results.
Dave Seremek

 

Testimonial

The instruction and knowledge my son, Michael, has gained from Mark Sheehan has been invaluable as he grows in his pitching prowess. Thanks to Mark and the concepts he espouses from the National Pitching Association, my ten-year-old has become one of the best pitchers on his team, learning to throw strikes at a rate that to me has become surprising in its efficiency.
Jim Stramaglia

 

Testimonial

Mark came highly recommended by a friend and we have never had a reason to second guess our decision or look for another option. Mark and his 5 Tool staff have been great.

My father signed a contract right out of high school with the White Sox so pitching and baseball is in the family blood. I had my own theories on pitching and was a successful pitcher myself, but by college had thrown my arm out. At first, I had questions with a couple of things my son was learning, but very quickly came to understand Mark's system and am extremely glad I did. I watch kids with their wind ups and their body is going two different directions, struggling to throw strikes. I am glad my son has developed a solid base through Mark and 5 Tool.

At a young age it is important that my son understand the fundamentals that will help as he grows. Mark's technique is a proven success and has my son throwing the ball with control and confidence.

Mark has done a great job getting to know my son and explaining the techniques needed. He makes practice sessions fun and enjoyable which makes learning easier.

Mark is a vary talented teacher and he will make sure your youngster gets off on the right track.
Bill Carlson