NPA and Advanced Arm Care Training

 The West Chester Dragons offers a comprehensive development program with the most advanced training tools and methods. This program has been hugely successful over the years. We have offered some version of this program in the off season for over 14 years, and the results speak for themselves. Our goal is to make this as easy as possible for as many players as possible to participate.

 First, let’s provide some context for how this program should fit into the overall player development plan for your player. First, for more mature players, this program does not replace traditional strength training. Once testosterone hits, every player looking to play baseball in college should be prioritizing strength training, preferably through a supervised program using our partners like D1, CrossFit, or other local athlete training programs. 

 The NPA Advanced Program will complement strength programs by addressing shoulder stability, torque development, and patterning for all pitchers and position players. This program is not a throwing program, nor is it a lessons-based skill building program. We have a variety of instructors that will provide pitching lessons in the offseason.

 There are other important areas of baseball development (like hitting and speed training) that should also be areas of focus depending on individual player priorities.

In addition starting in December, the Dragons will offer separate diagnostic assessments to help players identify specific areas of focus. As we have done in the past, the Dragons will leverage Armcare.com technology for strength and range of motion assessments as well at our Physical Therapists lead postural exams for certain age groups- More to come in a separate email.  

  Who is the Advanced Training for? 

Players that are serious about putting in the time to make gains during the offseason. Ages 12+.

When?

The Dragons will offer training sessions in the Malvern facility starting November. Simply sign up for the sessions that work for your schedule. 1x a week is better than nothing, but expectations should be limited, 2x a week is the minimum. Every week, this program provides a progressive workout that will build functional strength, as well as pattern movements that translate into efficient delivery.

Prerequisite

There are no prerequisites. If it is new to you, we will orient you with the routines and the equipment needed. The Dragons will use proceeds from the fees to purchase equipment that will be used in the facility. If a player would like to purchase bands, weighted balls, or full NPA membership, please follow this link…. https://www.nationalpitching.com/?aff=BRoberts

 Cost

The cost per player is $34 per session. You can schedule sessions in advance to guarantee a spot. 

We will have a 5 % cash back if you sign up for 5-9 sessions and a 10 % cash back for 10 lessons and over. There will be a max number of participants able to be taken in this class so don’t miss out.

 Registration Links

11U-13 U Thursdays 7 pm https://DragonsTraining.as.me/?appointmentType=70196429

14U -16U Wednesdays 8 PM https://DragonsTraining.as.me/?appointmentType=70196020

13U-16 U Thursdays 8:15 PM https://DragonsTraining.as.me/?appointmentType=70196547

11U-13U Sundays 6 pm https://DragonsTraining.as.me/?appointmentType=70196642

13U-16U Sunday 7":15 pm https://DragonsTraining.as.me/?appointmentType=70198235

National Pitching Association Training Methods

NPA training is built to give you a year-round training solution, no matter the season or the environment. It is designed to condition your body to reach maximum capacities, with a science based ‘health first’ approach. 

 Functional Strength: A form of exercise that focuses on developing strength cross specific to the athlete’s competing movement. It builds strength with mobility, flexibility, agility, and body awareness. It is the best type of strength training for injury prevention and ideal for rotational athletes. All the National Pitching training blocks are Functional Strength builders.

 Nerve Pathway Patterning: Our nervous system is the communication pathway from brain to muscle. For our bodies to move correctly, we must train the nerve pathways correctly. All the National Pitching training blocks are based on training proper biomechanical nerve pathways while building strength and joint integrity.

 Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF): Stimulates the neuromuscular system to produce a desired movement with the optimal health of muscle, bone, and connective tissues. PNF makes movements more efficient, safely increases range of motion, controls posture, body awareness, and improves muscle function.

 Cross Specificity: When deciding on what type of conditioning is best for an athlete, why would you choose anything not cross specific to your desired action. National Pitching training protocols are cross specific to correct biomechanical variables and the movements of an athlete in competition.

 NPA Block Training

Block 1 - Core Temperature Elevation

Block 2 - Arm Care and Recovery

Block 3- Upper Body Flexibility

Block 4- Nerve Pathway Patterning

Block 5- PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitators

Block 6 - Light Dumbbell

Block 7- Elastic Bands

Block 8- Plyo Balls 

Block 9- Velocity Bat / Weighted Balls 

 We will transition from training to skill work toward the end of the training sessions. Players will be ready to pitch for School tryouts and the President’s Day Vero tournament as well as our PBR Scout Day on Jan. 25th.

 If you have any questions, please reach out to 

 Coach Tony Laurento 610-547-4638

West Chester Dragons

NPA Certified Instructor

Licensed Physical Therapist