COLLEGE SHOWCASE TRAINING

Headfirst offers tremendous opportunity for young players to perform in front of college coaches and we want them to be prepared for that stage.  The concept of “College Showcase Training” is a creation of Headfirst Baseball in an effort to prepare players to thrive in front of college coaches.  Headfirst hosts and participates in many College Showcase events each year.  Though the Headfirst players and “style of play” is noted by college coaches as being different in terms of hustle and fast tempo, we feel we can get more out of our players in order for them to gain more interest.  “College Showcase Training” is our way of pouring into our players so they can stand out when being evaluated on the bigger stage!

            Players typically try hard to prepare for their high school program’s culture to the detriment of preparing for the next level.  While understandable, it is short sighted and we have seen players under perform when they are looking for exposure and approval from college coaches.  Players may be prepared in terms of being healthy or functional but not necessarily trained in terms of showcasing.  Our goal is to dissect and teach very small but important ways to stand out.  This will be done with respect to showcasing in different positions, batting practice, showcase pitcher-batter matchups and all aspects of being in this environment.

Read below for an overview of what is included in College Showcase Training…

1. General “Style of Play”– this is a faster, up tempo style that MUST be practiced in order for a player to elevate their game
2. Taking the Field– This transition allows a player to be liked or disliked very quickly and is an important first impression to coaches
3. Between Innings Routine– This is the only chance some have to shine on defense and players need to be on point with their defensive routine
4. Moving the Ball Around After an Out– Again, this is an effort to bring the better movements of a player to coaches even if the ball was not hit to them during the game
5. Pitchers– Tempo, mound presence, arm maintenance, velocity increase, “Attack Mode” and more
6. INF/OF– Footwork, arm strength, speed and athleticism
7. Catchers– Footwork, tempo, demands, transfer, pop time, skills
8. Showcase Batting– Players need to work on a very precise style of batting practice in order to stand out among many hitters.  This also translates to very aggressive approaches in showcase matchups with pitchers who are trying to attack the zone.
9. Communication and Personality– Coaches have a small window to “like” a player so players need to know how to present themselves in a way to be liked by coaches
10. Showcase Education – What position do I profile for?  Do I go to multiple positions?  Am I a Pitcher Only?  Is there risk in not showing well?  How can I know if I am doing well?  Does success in a showcase equate to being recruited?  What are college coaches looking for?