5 Tool Academy - Baseball Trainging in Naperville, IL

5 Tool Academy pitching instructors, Mark Sheehan, Todd Riley and Lou Solarte have been trained and certified by Dr. Tom House, widely regarded as “The Father of Modern Day Pitching Mechanics”. of the National Pitching Association (NPA). The National Pitching Association was formed by leading coaches, athletes, and management teams to help pitchers of all ages safely develop to their fullest potential. In today's non-professional baseball programs, (Little League, High School, College, etc.), too many pitchers get injured thus limiting their opportunity to continue playing baseball. Many times the desire to win has superseded what is best for a young athlete's development and future potential. This combined with general misinformation about what is good, better, or best for the development of young pitchers has seriously impaired or injured pitchers beyond rehabilitation.

For the most part, arm injuries are largely preventable if;
• pitch totals are managed properly
• the player utilizes correct throwing mechanics
• has the necessary core strength base established

The 5 Tool Academy will not only introduce the essentials of proper arm care and show participants how to effectively improve each player’s game performance by throwing consistent strikes with all three pitches safely!

We focus on teaching:
• the mechanics of pitching
• strength and conditioning requirements
• nutritional necessities
• mental and emotional elements of the sport.
We aspire to provide our athletes with the essential tools of becoming more successful in order to attain their peak athletic ability.

We take enormous pride in our work and in return expect firm commitments from our students. Whether the athlete is eight or eighteen years of age, we treat every athlete with the same respect regardless of their abilities and talents. In order to become successful and benefit from our program, it will take a firm commitment, positive attitude, and a consistent routine."

5 Tool Academy pitching instructors, Todd Riley, Lou Solarte and Ron Simek have been trained by world renowned Hitting Guru Mike Epstein who has the ONLY written Letter of Recommendation for hitting instruction from the legendary Ted Williams.

Mike Epstein Hitting, Inc. is the acknowledged world leader in the instruction and dissemination of hitting information of rotational mechanics. He literally wrote "The Book" on rotational hitting ("The Epstein Teaching System: How To Hit Your Potential In Just 7 Days!").

Rotational hitting has been — and continues to be — the technique used by baseball's most PRODUCTIVE hitters and 95% of baseball's Hall-of-Fame hitters. Are YOU being taught rotational mechanics?

Too often we analyze one swing of a hitter. Hitters are continually making adjusts to the pitch, and therefore location, pitch velocity, and count (2-0? or 0-2?) come into play. Because of these variables, swing planes, weight transfer, et al, come into play and the swings may not look exactly alike on each swing. It is why we say that "the perfect swing is the adjustment you make to the pitch you get."

Make no mistake here: emulation has always been hitting's greatest teacher. However, not every hitter can effectively emulate technique. Often it's a hitter's "style" that is emulated instead. For the many that are challenged by emulating the hitter's "technique" - not the "style" - good instruction is the only remedy; they must be put into the proper positions. If we taught hitters what we continually see good hitters doing, we would have significantly more hitters in this country having success - and fewer quitting early and taking up soccer.

Hitting is the toughest thing to do in ALL sports. Learning correct hitting movements early lays the framework for future success!

Have you been taught to ...?
• Keep your front elbow down
• Keep the barrel above your hands
• Don't dip your back shoulder
• Hit the "top-half" of the ball
• Keep your head down
• Swing down for backspin

If so, then why do the "big leaguers" do something completely different?
You (should) have a choice!!

The 5 Tool Academy is accepting applications for their Fall Pitching League utilizing the revolutionary K-Zone Virtual Pitching Machine in our new facility at 1743 Quincy in Naperville. Stop by 5 Tool for a demonstration of the K-Zone or go to www.5toolschool.com to view video. Teams will consist of 4 pitchers pitching against MLB teams in four age groups, 9 and 10 year old, 11 and 12 year olds, 13 and 14 year olds and 15 and up.

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

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

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