5 Tool Academy - Baseball Trainging in Naperville, IL

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. 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.

When we started working with Mark he was volunteering time with our travel team. As we got to know him better we became clients of his working in his home and in his backyard. Now he has a great facility to work out in with the 5 Tool Academy. His enthusiasm for working with young athletes has never wavered throughout. 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.

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.

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 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.

My son, Dave, has been a student of Mark’s for over a year and a half participating in pitching lessons, the conditioning program and clinics. The experience and results have been extraordinary.

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.

I highly recommend Mark Sheehan’s 5*Tool Academy because he has combined the best of the best that can be offered in pitching, hitting and conditioning under one roof.

As a high school and travel team coach I am always looking for ways to improve our players in a safe, productive manner. The Sheehan Pitching Academy is by far the best pitching instruction I have come across. Mark Sheehan loves to teach and it shows in every student that goes through his academy. The National Pitching Association, which is the foundation of the Sheehan Pitching Academy is the most scientific and researched pitching formula available in baseball. The focus is on efficient mechanics and taking care of your arm first and that will pay huge dividends in the future for any pitcher. His functional fitness training program is in my opinion a truly essential component to any athletes training routine. My son and daughter have been using the academy for the last year and their arms have never been healthier or stronger. This program is not just for pitchers, but for any athlete who throws a ball for fun or competition.

As a little league coach, the results and confidence of the player’s who have utilized Sheehan Pitching Academy have been outstanding. The drills learned have not only helped these kids in pitching, but have also increased their overall arm strength, which is essential in all defensive positions. Mark Sheehan’s love of the game has made him an essential mentor for young players in our area. The kids enjoy the lessons as much as they like playing in games. I highly recommend other coaches and parents to seriously consider Sheehan Pitching Academy for anybody interested in improving their performance on the field.

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. Anyone who is interested in developing strong pitchers without putting unnecessary stress on a young athlete's arm would be remiss if they let an opportunity to utilize Sheehan Pitching Academy go by. Mark's superior instruction has resulted in very impressive statistics compiled by the three pitchers on my son's team who are lucky enough to have Mr. Sheehan's tutelage.

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