Playing baseball during the season and going to practices will certainly build baseball skills, but going to camps and receiving instruction from college and professional players and coaches often separates great players from good ones. You can find boys baseball camps in most every locale in the country, but you will likely need to travel to a more urban area to visit the prestigious camps hosted by big names.
The Pro Swing
The Pro Swing hosts baseball camps for boys and girls ages 6 through 15 in many locations throughout Southern California and prides itself on using only pro players and coaches to do the teaching. Owner Dan Dixon, who works as a scout for the Texas Rangers, played minor league baseball, according to the organization's website. San Diego Padres pitcher Heath Bell and Anaheim Angels pitcher Brian Stokes are the most recent players to lead camps. Players will learn hitting, bunting, pitching, throwing mechanics, defensive plays, catching, base running and sliding. In addition, the camp leaders will videotape your boy's swing to help with analysis. There are daily games and discussions on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.
Ripken Camps
The appeal of the Ripken camps is playing on a major league field and taking instruction from Cal Ripken Jr., who holds the consecutive games played record. According to the program's website, former major league players and the Ripken brothers, Cal Jr. and Billy, will host a day of drills on the field at Camden Yards in Baltimore and also give a behind-the-scenes tour. Players of all ages will do all of the customary drills and have their swings videotaped for analysis. For defense, campers choose two positions they want to get better at and focus on related skills. The camp features accommodations and sightseeing activities in the Baltimore area as well.
IMG Baseball Academy
Some players look to get more extensive training, and the IMG Baseball Academy offers camps that give intense instruction. Located in Bradenton, Florida, the IMG Baseball Academy offers a five-week summer camp that teaches baseball physical and mental skills. Players do four weeks of the academy's core training program with instruction and drills plus situational practice and scrimmages. The final week is The Total Athlete baseball training program, which delves into mental preparation. IMG Academies suits players from 8 to 18.
Local Camps
Local organizations like recreation departments, Little Leagues and high schools offer local camps that do not feature the expert instruction that national camps do, but they are much more affordable and easier to get to. Most of these camps are geared more toward players who do not have extensive experience and are looking to learn the basics. The camps are suited more toward younger players, as older players seek more detailed and extensive instruction.
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