Director of Baseball at DME Academy, Michael Main’s Tips for Training in the Off-Season for the Serious Baseball Athlete

Staying active is a crucial part of any baseball player’s off-season. Despite high school seasons coming to an end, athletes in Florida are fortunate enough to be able to train year-round at DME Academy! Here are the main things you should keep in mind during your summer baseball training from our Director of Baseball, Michael Main!

Strength and conditioning: Baseball student-athletes need to maintain their strength and conditioning during the summer. This can include a combination of weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, and cardiovascular activities. Emphasize exercises that target key muscle groups used in baseball, such as your core, legs, and upper body.

Skill development: At DME, we encourage our student-athletes to continue practicing their baseball skills during the summer. This includes hitting, throwing, fielding, and base-running drills. DME encourages our baseball players to practice with their teammates to boost competition and chemistry.

Flexibility and mobility: We can’t stress this enough, you NEED to stay flexible. We love seeing our athletes incorporating activities such as stretching, yoga, and mobility exercises into their routines. Flexibility and mobility can help prevent injuries, improve performance and enhance overall athleticism on the baseball diamond.

We understand many of you are in a hurry to strengthen your skills. But rest and recovery days are just as important as training days. Prioritizing rest lets your body recover to prevent burnout. With rest and recovery also comes proper nutrition, hydration, and adequate sleep (NO ALL-NIGHT VIDEO GAME SESSIONS!).

Interested in training properly this upcoming Summer? Check out our upcoming Summer Prep camp!

Here is a sample baseball summer training plan written by DME Academy’s Director of Baseball, Michael Main for student-athletes. This program incorporates strength and conditioning, skill development, flexibility and mobility:

Strength and Conditioning (3-4 times per week):

Warm-up: Begin each session with a dynamic warm-up, including exercises such as jumping jacks, high knees, butt kicks, and lunges.

Resistance Training: Include exercises that target major muscle groups used in baseball, such as squats, lunges, deadlifts, bench presses, shoulder presses, and rows. Perform 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps for each exercise, progressively increasing weight as appropriate.

Core Training: Incorporate core exercises such as planks, Russian twists, medicine ball throws, and stability ball exercises. Aim for 2-3 sets of 15-20 reps or holds.

Plyometrics: Include explosive exercises like box jumps, medicine ball slams, and lateral bounds to improve power and athleticism. Perform 2-3 sets of 8-10 reps for each exercise.

Skill Development (3-4 times per week):

Hitting: Practice various hitting drills, including tee work, soft toss and live batting practice. Focus on technique, bat speed, and pitch recognition.

Throwing: Work on throwing mechanics, accuracy, and arm strength. Incorporate long toss drills, throwing against a wall, and partner drills.

Fielding: Practice fielding ground balls, pop-ups and working on footwork. Incorporate different fielding scenarios and positions to develop versatility.

Base-running: Work on speed, agility and base-running techniques. Include drills like sprint intervals, cone drills and baserunning simulations.

Flexibility and Mobility (3-4 times per week):

Dynamic Stretching: Perform dynamic stretching exercises such as leg swings, arm circles and hip rotations before each training session.

Static Stretching: Incorporate static stretches for major muscle groups after each workout or training session. Hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds.

Yoga or Pilates: Encourage participation in yoga or Pilates classes to improve flexibility, balance and body awareness.

Foam Rolling: Teach athletes to use foam rollers to self-massage and release tight muscles, enhancing recovery and flexibility.

DME Academy 14-1 and 15-1 teams have qualified for GJNC Nationals in Chicago, Illinois June 28th-July 6th!

The 14-1 and 15-1 aged DME Academy Club Volleyball teams have shown exceptional skill and teamwork throughout the season, earning them spots in the 2023 USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship. These teams have consistently displayed a high level of play, winning crucial matches and dominating their opponents with their precise serves, powerful spikes, and exceptional defense. Their coaches and fans are immensely proud of their achievements and eagerly await their performance on the National stage.

The 14-1 and 15-1 teams have faced stiff competition throughout the season, but their determination and hard work have paid off. They have focused on improving their skills and techniques, as well as their mental and physical conditioning, allowing them to perform at their best in every game. Their dedication and discipline have not gone unnoticed, as they have inspired their teammates and coaches to work harder and strive for excellence.

The 14-1 DME Academy Club volleyball team, coached by Brooke VanBrocklin and Rodrigo Saunders, consists of Emma Cronje, Nailah Cullom, Jade Gunter, Mollie Hale, Sofia Mackin, Keri Petro, Arden Reynolds, Sarah Stegall, Grace Taylor, Sadie VanBrocklin, and Lillian VanDeusen. 

The 15-1 DME Academy Club volleyball team, coached by Alvaro Sanchez and Rodrigo Saunders consists of Riley Bennet, Isabella Bosinki, Taylor Fonseca, Annabelle Gentry, Emma Jandrew, Teagun Lux, Jasmine Mahoney, Logan Milan, Syramil Quinones, Ava Scott, Tori Stoltzfus, and Paige Taylor. 

As they prepare for the national tournament, the 14-1 and 15-1 teams are determined to give their best and leave everything on the court. They know that the competition will be tough, but they are ready for the challenge. Their goal is not only to win but to showcase their skills and sportsmanship, representing their team and community with pride. They are confident in their abilities, and their fans are confident in them. We wish them the best of luck at the GJNC National tournament At McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago Illinois, June 28th-July 6th!  We are wishing them the best of luck!

DME Academy is hosting its annual Volleyball Summer Prep Camp July 16th-29th in Daytona Beach, FL!

Back for another year, DME Academy is hosting its annual sleepaway Summer Prep Volleyball Camp from July 16th to July 29th. The camp is designed to help volleyball players of all levels develop and refine their skills in a high-intensity training environment. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the camp will provide a challenging and rewarding experience that will help you take your game to the next level.

The camp will be led by a team of experienced and qualified coaches who have a proven track record of success in developing players. They will provide individualized instruction and feedback to each player, focusing on all aspects of the game, including passing, serving, hitting, blocking, and defense. The training will be structured around a combination of drills, team play, and game situations (some on the beach!) giving players the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in a competitive setting.

In addition to the intense training, the camp will also provide players with the opportunity to develop mental toughness and resilience, which are essential skills for success on and off the court. The camp will be held in a supportive and encouraging environment, where players will be challenged to push themselves to their limits while receiving the guidance and support they need to succeed. If you’re looking to take your volleyball skills to the next level and prepare for the upcoming season, the intense Summer Prep Volleyball Camp is the perfect opportunity for you!

DME Academy Baseball Summer Prep Camp Schedule Has Been Posted! July 16th-29th!

DME Academy is set to host an intense sleepaway baseball Summer Prep camp July 16th-29th, providing players with the perfect opportunity to improve their skills and take their game to the next level. The camp will run for several weeks and is aimed at serious players looking to hone their skills during the off-season.

DME Academy is renowned for its high-quality training programs and state-of-the-art facilities, and this camp will be no different. The camp will feature top-level coaches and trainers who will work with players to improve their hitting, pitching, fielding, and overall game strategy. In addition to the technical training, players will also benefit from strength and conditioning sessions led by Alex Richard, DME Academy’s licensed personal trainer, to help them build the physical stamina required for peak performance on the field.

One of the standout features of the DME Academy Summer Prep camp is the emphasis on personalized instruction. Coaches will work with players individually to identify areas for improvement, and tailor their training to address specific weaknesses. This personalized approach ensures that each player receives the attention they need to reach their full potential.

The camp is open to players of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players, and is designed to challenge players to push beyond their limits. In addition to the rigorous training, players also will also compete in live games and scrimmages.

DME Academy Summer Prep camp is an excellent opportunity for baseball players to elevate their skills, and take their game to the next level. With top-level coaching, personalized instruction, and a focus on developing both technical skills and physical stamina, players can expect to see significant improvements in their game. 
If you’re serious about baseball and want to take your skills to the next level, be sure to sign up for the DME Academy Summer Prep camp in July.

DME Academy to Host Defensive Academy’s Lacrosse Camp June 19th-June 22nd

DME Academy, the premier basketball, soccer, volleyball, and baseball Academy in Daytona, Florida, is expanding its horizons by hosting a lacrosse camp this summer in partnership with Defensive Academy.

DME has gained a reputation for excellence in high school athletics and academics, with top-level coaches, state-of-the-art facilities, and records to match. With the addition of the lacrosse camp, the school aims to provide young athletes with a new and exciting opportunity to develop their skills.

The lacrosse camp will take place over a four-day period, from June 19th to June 22nd, 2023. The camp will be open to boys aged 12-18 who want to excel in the defensive positions of lacrosse. These include long-stick midfielders and defensemen. Participants will receive top-level coaching from professional lacrosse coaches including Kyle Hartzell, who currently plays for the Redwoods Lacrosse Club, is the head coach for the University of Texas and is a USA Gold Medalist. They’ll also utilize DME Academy’s world-class training facilities, dormitory, and cafeteria, and have the opportunity to experience surrounding attractions, like Daytona Beach.

“We’re excited to be branching out into lacrosse,” said Dan Panaggio, Owner and Founder of DME Academy. “We’re always looking for ways to provide our athletes with new opportunities to grow and develop, and lacrosse is a natural fit here in Florida. We’re confident that the camp will be a great success, and we look forward to welcoming young athletes from across the country.”

Registration for the lacrosse camp is now open, and interested athletes can sign up on the DME Academy website. Spaces are limited, so interested parties are encouraged to register as soon as possible.