PBL Fall Ball

In September and October, the UBC Thunder will run an intensive Fall Ball program to get players back on track and on the field competing again.

Thunder coaches will work alongside players to create a safe environment to train and play. While following strict Covid-related restrictions, our emphasis will be on in-game development, baseball knowledge and individual skill development.

We are currently seeking to play games throughout the fall with local teams and adding additional split-squad competition to provide more live at-bats for players than usual at this time of year. We are prioritizing scheduling exhibition games within the designated bubble of teams we have been assigned. Those games will be supplemented with live situational intersquads, at-bats and split squad games during the week.

This program is for players who are searching for an opportunity to play baseball this fall and learn. Players will develop their in-game approach, learn the Thunder’s developmental philosophies and must be open to advancing conversations about their potential adjustments and future goals. Players who will benefit greatly during the fall are those determined to develop their skills at practice, demonstrate competitive tendencies during games and look to critically think about how they can improve between competitions. 

We will continue to stand by the motto of “Practices are for the coaches, games are for the players.” We will give players every opportunity we can to finally enjoy competition. Coaches will teach during the games, provide valuable input and help handle adversity. However, we encourage you to remember that players play and win the game, coaches do not. Game days will be fun, collaborative and player-driven, while practices will be designed to be challenging, competitive and detailed. 

After a long break from games, it is essential that players have their throwing and physical workloads monitored by coaches. Players who haven’t consistently thrown leading up to the fall will be put through on a on-ramp throwing program and will need to communicate to coaches before and throughout the fall.

The Bantam Prep program will be accepting eligible players in Grade 8 and Grade 9. There will be 3 sessions per week. The weekend session on Saturday will be designated as a competition day for exhibition games if possible, or as an intersquad opportunity if exhibition games are not possible. Participation in the Fall Ball program is strongly recommended for players looking to tryout for the 2021 UBC Thunder Bantam Prep team.

The Junior/Senior program will be accepting eligible players in Grade 10, 11 and 12. There will be 4 sessions per week. With COVID restrictions, strength and conditioning will not be offered at this time and changes to our dynamic warmup will look to address this need.

All sessions will have a maximum of 24 players and will be held on the stadium field.

Participants will be required to follow safe distancing protocols and hand washing procedures before, throughout and following each session.

https://www.athleticsandrecreation.ubc.ca/baseball/programs/fall/

The Fall Ball program begins September 8th.