Who would benefit from the Diamondawgs School of Baseball?
The School of Baseball program caters to student athletes who are striving to play baseball at the next level. Our Junior High athletes might be looking to make an Alberta Zones team or move up a division within the organization where they currently play. For many of our grade 10's this might be Midget AAA or a Canada Cup Team. For our grade 11's and 12's the next level often stems from aspirations of playing at the college / university level. Regardless of the next goal, all of our players have to be passionate about learning to lead the lifestyle of a student athlete in order to get the most from this program.
What is the application process?
There are four parts to the application process. The first part is the completion of the School of Baseball Application Package by the student athlete and parents. Once this application package is received, we will contact you to coordinate a skill assessment and to set up an in person meeting. The meeting consists of a 1-on-1 interview with the student athlete and a meeting with the parents to ensure all questions are answered about the Diamondawgs experience. Once this is complete the full application will be reviewed and it will be determined if the applicant will be accepted into the program.
Step 1: Submit Application Package
Step 2: Skill Assessment
Step 3: In-person Meeting and Student Athlete Interview
Step 4: Review of Application by Diamondawgs Staff
Step 1: Submit Application Package
Step 2: Skill Assessment
Step 3: In-person Meeting and Student Athlete Interview
Step 4: Review of Application by Diamondawgs Staff
Is every applicant accepted?
No, not all applicants are successful. An unsuccessful application may be the result of a student athlete's skill level, academic standing, character and work ethic, or a combination of all three areas.
Is there a limit on the number of student athletes who are accepted?
Yes. To ensure the best quality of instruction we do like to limit the size of our training group to include no more than 24 student-athletes in each training session. Diamondawgs would look at the possibility of adding an additional training group in period 3 when numbers necessitate this expansion.
What high school do I need to attend to be part of the School of Baseball?
Students can attend any high school or junior high and be part of the School of Baseball. Student-athletes simply need to work with their designated school to coordinate a period 4 flex class (high school) or flexible learning schedule starting at 2:00pm (junior high).
How does the School of Baseball training impact the student athlete’s academic classes?
Student athletes are regular students within their designated school. High school students will take three other core classes or options in each semester and they will train during period 4 with the School of Baseball. Junior high students will attend regular classes until approximately 2:00pm before going to the Diamondawgs Training Centre to finish the school day. It is recommended that junior high students coordinate with the school administration to miss phys ed and options, but this decision is up to each individual family.
When does the National Sport Academy training take place during the day?
HIGH SCHOOL
The High School Program trains during the school day in period 4 (see sample timetable above).
In order to maximize our training time, our sessions finish later than the regular school day on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. We are also able to use the lunch hour on Thursdays to accommodate pre- and post-session needs such as changing, showering and having lunch.
In order to maximize our training time, our sessions finish later than the regular school day on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. We are also able to use the lunch hour on Thursdays to accommodate pre- and post-session needs such as changing, showering and having lunch.
JUNIOR HIGH
Are there games included with the School of Baseball schedule?
Yes, as a group the Diamondawgs School of Baseball aims to play games each fall and 4-6 games in the spring (weather dependent). Games are a mix of weekday afternoons and weekends (Saturday OR Sunday, but usually not both). Every effort is made to ensure the games do not interfere with any of the club schedules. School of Baseball coaches use the games to determine a development plan for each player.
How does transportation work for School of Baseball sessions?
HIGH SCHOOL: When student athletes end their day at a School of Baseball training facility (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) parents are responsible for transportation home from the training facility.
When student athletes train within the school timetable, transportation is provided if the training facility is not within walking distance (Tuesday, Thursday).
JUNIOR HIGH: All transportation for Junior High students is the responsibility of the family. In many cases we have seen carpooling with rotating drivers work extremely well when there are multiple student-athletes at the same school.
When student athletes train within the school timetable, transportation is provided if the training facility is not within walking distance (Tuesday, Thursday).
JUNIOR HIGH: All transportation for Junior High students is the responsibility of the family. In many cases we have seen carpooling with rotating drivers work extremely well when there are multiple student-athletes at the same school.
What training facilities are used for School of Baseball sessions?
Glenmore Athletic Park - Fall & Spring outdoor sessions
Diamondawgs Training Centre - Winter indoor skill sessions and strength & conditioning
Diamondawgs Training Centre - Winter indoor skill sessions and strength & conditioning
Do student athletes have to apply and have a skills assessment each year?
No, student athletes do not have to complete a skills assessment each year. During the first year in the program, we will obviously get to know the student athlete very well. If we have any issues or concerns, we will have a conversation with the student athlete and their parents well before re-applications are due. Re-applications are typically due by July 1st for families to confirm they will be returning to the School of Baseball and to provide us with any new contact information.
How many training hours do the student athletes have throughout the year?
Target number of fall hours on-field:
*We recognize that the weather can be a limiting factor in addition to non-instructional days (school field trips, professional development days, etc.) that may result in adjustments to our total number of on-field hours.
High School = 30 hours
Junior High = 20 hours
Target number of winter hours indoors:
High School = 150 hours
Junior High = 120 hours
Target number of spring hours on-field:
*We recognize that the weather can be a limiting factor in addition to non-instructional days (school field trips, professional development days, etc.) that may result in adjustments to our total number of on-field hours.
High School = 35 hours
Junior High = 20 hours
TOTAL NUMBER OF TRAINING HOURS:
High School = 215 hours
Junior High = 160 hours
For high school students, the School of Baseball training sessions continue through the January exam break.
*We recognize that the weather can be a limiting factor in addition to non-instructional days (school field trips, professional development days, etc.) that may result in adjustments to our total number of on-field hours.
High School = 30 hours
Junior High = 20 hours
Target number of winter hours indoors:
High School = 150 hours
Junior High = 120 hours
Target number of spring hours on-field:
*We recognize that the weather can be a limiting factor in addition to non-instructional days (school field trips, professional development days, etc.) that may result in adjustments to our total number of on-field hours.
High School = 35 hours
Junior High = 20 hours
TOTAL NUMBER OF TRAINING HOURS:
High School = 215 hours
Junior High = 160 hours
For high school students, the School of Baseball training sessions continue through the January exam break.
What type of training experiences are the student athletes exposed to in the School of Baseball?
Sport Specific Training Session
The student athlete experiences a variety of learning environments including 1-on-1 instruction and small group work. These sessions take place either on the field (Sept-Thanksgiving & April 10th-May 31st) or indoors (Thanksgiving to April 10th). We teach position specific details as well as discuss, in depth, all team systems. While indoors, players have the opportunity to make significant adjustments to their mechanics and see exponential improvements when combined with quality repetitions and work in the weight room.
Pitching
Develop a player’s knowledge of the defensive tactics used and the situations where they should be employed. Defensive alignments are taught in the classroom and a players instincts are refined during training sessions.
Video Analysis
The structure and size of our training sessions allow for consistent feedback using video analysis. Players are an active part of the analysis and implementation of adjustments.
Coaching & Leadership
To develop the complete student athlete, the requirements are more than just the sport specific training. Below are some of the topics that are included in the 3-6 year School of Baseball Coaching & Leadership curriculum.
Besides the detail of our instruction and our classroom sessions, the School of Baseball strength & conditioning program is what sets us apart from any other baseball program in this area. Our head strength coach has in depth knowledge of baseball mechanics and how to improve those skills through the weight room.
The School of Baseball strength and conditioning program is individualized and designed to maximize on-field baseball performance by focusing on injury prevention, strength, power, agility and running speed.
The student athlete experiences a variety of learning environments including 1-on-1 instruction and small group work. These sessions take place either on the field (Sept-Thanksgiving & April 10th-May 31st) or indoors (Thanksgiving to April 10th). We teach position specific details as well as discuss, in depth, all team systems. While indoors, players have the opportunity to make significant adjustments to their mechanics and see exponential improvements when combined with quality repetitions and work in the weight room.
Pitching
- Pitching specific instruction with pitching coach
- Flat ground work, bullpens, and live game situations
- Development of fastball command and secondary pitches
- Work on the psychological and emotional part of the game to manage performance
- Off-season is the most crucial time to develop arm strength
- Throwing during the fall and spring is integrated into each player's club team schedule
- Athletes can see large gains in throwing velocities
- Develop advanced offensive skills
- 1) Efficient production and transfer of power
- 2) Bat path to maximize bat speed
- 3) Offensive approach to make the most of your at bats
- Quality repetitions in diverse offensive situations
- Live at bats during semester #2
Develop a player’s knowledge of the defensive tactics used and the situations where they should be employed. Defensive alignments are taught in the classroom and a players instincts are refined during training sessions.
Video Analysis
The structure and size of our training sessions allow for consistent feedback using video analysis. Players are an active part of the analysis and implementation of adjustments.
Coaching & Leadership
To develop the complete student athlete, the requirements are more than just the sport specific training. Below are some of the topics that are included in the 3-6 year School of Baseball Coaching & Leadership curriculum.
- LEAD Program
- City of Calgary accredited course on youth leadership
- Nine modules covering topics from teamwork to communication and conflict management
- Leading a high performance lifestyle
- Time Management – producing results for the student athlete
- Organizing yourself to manage and minimize distractions in order to get into the Ideal Performance State
- Goal setting – micro and macro goals. Have a vision. Plan for success and review your goals regularly
- Failing forward – using the most important opportunities to improve and develop
- Routes, Choices & Scholarships in baseball
- Exploring the "next level" opportunity for each player and the options available in the baseball industry
- How to effectively promote yourself in the baseball market
- Developing yourself as a student athlete in order to be marketable within the baseball market. What are your future teams looking for? Can you play at the next level or not?
- Student Of The Game (all positions)
- Video clips
- Understanding how to use the skills / tactics you are learning
- Develop a baseball vocabulary to assess yourself & communicate
- Skills Testing / Analysis
Besides the detail of our instruction and our classroom sessions, the School of Baseball strength & conditioning program is what sets us apart from any other baseball program in this area. Our head strength coach has in depth knowledge of baseball mechanics and how to improve those skills through the weight room.
The School of Baseball strength and conditioning program is individualized and designed to maximize on-field baseball performance by focusing on injury prevention, strength, power, agility and running speed.
How do we receive feedback on our student athlete’s progress in the School of Baseball?
The School of Baseball coaches are available to meet throughout the year when they are not leading training sessions with student athletes. In addition, there will be times throughout the year when we have scheduled individual coach / parent meetings that we hope you will attend. We know these dates and times won’t work for everyone so we will be available to meet at a time convenient for the family.
Can School of Baseball student-athletes play school sports?
Yes. In fact, the School of Baseball coaches encourage such participation. In any given year School of Baseball players participate in the following school sports:
Cross Country
Volleyball
Basketball
Badminton
Track & Field
Cross Country
Volleyball
Basketball
Badminton
Track & Field
Are there information meetings I can attend to get more information about the School of Baseball?
In late November and early February we typically host an Open House at Diamondawgs where perspective student-athletes and their families can learn more about the benefits of training with the with the School of Baseball. Parents and student athletes are also able to request a tour of our facility and attend a training session to experience the School of Baseball first hand.
Who do I contact for more information?
Miki Kawahara is the Program Director for the School of Baseball. There are many components to our program and a conversation over the telephone or a meeting in person may be helpful. Contact Miki at 403-540-8797 or by email at [email protected]