The IMG Full Time High School Baseball - Academic Program and Post Grad Baseball Program

The cornerstone of the IMG Baseball Academy is the full-time program. Boys live, train and attend private school (with a customized curriculum) on our luxurious 600-acre campus. The program runs concurrent with the State of Florida regular school year schedule (September to May). Boys attend school in the mornings and train in the afternoons.

This program includes student/athletes from 26 states and 11 foreign countries. 98% of our graduates have attended college.

Periodization Overview

Training is efficient, precise and goal oriented. The athlete reaches peak performance at selected times. Training is arranged to reach a collective peak in technical, tactical, physical, mental and nutritional components. Specific work/rest plans are established. Variety in practice avoids boredom and burnout. Over-training and injuries are prevented. While the primary objective is individual improvement, emphasis is placed on making the process fun and enjoyable. For the IMG Baseball Academy, "good" isn't good enough. The IMG Baseball Academy offers a demanding program and equally demanding schedule for those who want to unleash their full potential.

Athletic Development Plans (ADP's)

The IMG Performance Institute offers Athletic Development Plans that provide a customized plan that focuses on individual unique needs. Imagine having your own personal total athletic development team. The world's best athletes do, and so can you.

The IMGA Difference

IMG Academies is committed to providing an inspiring, dynamic and multi-cultured environment where our students have the potential to flourish, expand their horizons, learn life lessons, and attain their goals. We cultivate young athletes so they are confident and prepared for the challenges that their sport, and more importantly what life, has in store.  Our students are equipped to handle success as well as adversity and taught the skills to be leaders and positive role models.  To accomplish this, it takes a team of well-qualified individuals in multiple areas and disciplines all working together with the best interests of the students as their primary focus. It is this combined effort that is the difference between IMGA and our competition throughout the world.

- On-Campus Health & Medical Services
- On-Campus Sports Medicine Clinic
- Athletic Training Staff and Facilities
- World Class Performance Center
- Cutting-edge Technology
- Safe and Secure Campus
- Advanced ESOL Programs
- Meals Designed by a Dr. of Nutrition
- Mental Conditioning Staff
- Multitude of Student Services
- K-12 Academics and Post Graduate Program
- Champion Level Golf Course
- Wellness Center
- Meet the Champion Speaker Series
And So Much More ...

Contact Us to get more details and info on IMG Academy Baseball

Scientific research suggests that it takes eight to twelve years of training for an athlete to reach elite levels. Unfortunately, too many coaches approach training with an attitude best characterized as the "win early and win often". At the IMG Baseball Academy, our approach, because we have the science to prove it, is a commitment to long-term athletic development, incorporating all aspects of training, development and management, which is the only proven route to elite status.

A specific and well planned training regime will ensure optimum development throughout a baseball player's career and control the stress recovery cycle that leads to over training, major injuries and burnout. Ultimately, success is tied to training and performing well over the long-term rather than winning in the short-term. There are no short cuts to success in athletic preparation. Rushing development always results in shortcomings in physical, technical, tactical and mental abilities.

Below is an example of the IMG Baseball Academy's full-time Annual Plan.

The uniqueness of the IMG Baseball Academy's junior program can be defined in its periodization approach to the technical, tactical, mental and physical elements of training. Major emphasis is placed on developing individual baseball fundamentals both offensively and defensively.  All students are required to participate in strength conditioning, flexibility, endurance, mental efficiency, nutritional performance programs conducted by the International Performance Institute (IPI) and IMG Academies Mental Conditioning. Developing confident, athletic individuals who thrive within a team environment and love to compete is the core goal of The Baseball Academy. Competition will be scheduled locally and regionally as warranted by the ability levels present within the program.

Program Breakdown

Instructors with extensive professional playing, scouting and coaching experience conduct all coaching. Specific coaches are responsible for particular areas of expertise (e.g., infield, outfield, pitching, catching, base running and hitting). All areas of the game are thoroughly addressed on the field, in the classroom and in game situations. Video analysis is utilized to break down pitching and hitting mechanics. A variety of drills, practice sessions and situational games are part of each week's schedule.

Since players develop differently, customized training is established to meet each player's needs. Each player will be evaluated, assessed and tested to determine strengths and weaknesses. The physical and mental aspects of the game are introduced and adapted to every player's program. The nutritional requirements for athletic development are incorporated into all training table meals. Daily IMG Performance Institute (IPI) sessions include speed/agility conditioning and in-season weight training. IMG Academies Mental Conditioning provides baseball specific mental conditioning in a variety of formats.

Competition (Full-time students only)

The Baseball Academy recognizes that individual player development cannot exist independently from the team environment. Therefore, in order to allow our players to practice, play and improve within their team position, The IMG Baseball Academy fields teams to play an independent schedule against top-quality teams from around the state during the fall and spring. The competitive schedule will include games and tournaments and will vary depending on the ability level of the individuals and their teams. As in training, teams are formed on the basis of age and ability. Spring games are regulated by the FHSAA.

Example  Full Time Baseball Training Schedule
DIRECTOR: KEN BOLEK

**Please note this schedule is subject to change**

Fall / Winter

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
1:15 PM Bus to the Workout Complex / Academy Park
1:30 PM “ 1:45 PM Stretch Program and Throwing Program
1:45 PM “ 2:45 PM Individual Offensive and Defensive Drills
2:45 PM “ 4:00 PM Group Offensive and Defensive Drills
4:15 PM IPI at IMG (Weight / Strength) or IPI at Workout Complex (Speed / Agility)

Thursday
1:15 PM Bus to the Workout Complex / Academy Park
1:30 PM “ 1:45 PM Stretch Program and Throwing Program
1:45 PM “ 2:45 PM Individual Offensive and Defensive Drills
2:45 PM “ 4:00 PM Group Offensive and Defensive Drills
4:30 PM “ 5:30 PM Mental Conditioning Session in the Sports Performance Center
Saturday and Sunday
10:00 AM “ 4:00 PM Doubleheader or Inter-squad Game at Academy Park

Spring

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
1:15 PM Bus to the Workout Complex / Academy Park
1:30 PM “ 1:45 PM Stretch Program and Throwing Program
1:45 PM “ 2:45 PM Individual Offensive and Defensive Drills
2:45 PM “ 4:00 PM Group Offensive and Defensive Drills
4:15 PM IPI at IMG (Weight / Strength) or IPI at Workout Complex (Speed / Agility)

Thursday
1:15 PM Bus to the Workout Complex / Academy Park
1:30 PM “ 1:45 PM Stretch Program and Throwing Program
1:45 PM “ 2:45 PM Individual Offensive and Defensive Drills
2:45 PM “ 4:00 PM Group Offensive and Defensive Drills
4:30 PM “ 5:30 PM Mental Conditioning Session in the Sports Performance Center

*Spring Daily Schedule will vary, as both the Varsity and Junior Varsity Teams will be
participating in games throughout the week as a part of their High School Spring Season
Maximum 25 Game Schedule

**IMG Games (Mid February “ April) - 1 or 2 per week

9th Grade Through 12th Grade

The on-campus Pendleton High School offers an accredited college preparatory program and small classes led by an experienced and highly qualified instructional team. Our teachers are dedicated to providing students a supportive, yet challenging environment that fosters academic and personal growth.

A flexible schedule allows students to mold their classes around athletic training sessions, games and/or tournaments when needed. Because it is located on the IMG Academies campus, Pendleton provides a convenient and safe location for our busy student-athletes.

The Pendleton High School program includes Advanced Placement course offerings, online course offerings, extensive college advising, National Honor Society and Leadership Council. Students can earn college credits through dual-enrollment courses at the University of Miami or Manatee Community College.

An English Language Learners (ELL) program helps international students learn how to better speak, write and understand the English language. This requires that learners use English, including written English, in their schoolwork. ELL students accept the challenge to learn and compete academically with native English speaking students.

For students with documented learning differences who may need extra academic support, the Learning Resource Center assists with study skills, parent-teacher-administration-coach collaboration, aid in completing assignments/projects, and individualized attention. A learning specialist meets with the student several times per week.

Academy Full Time Baseball Program Semester Sept.-May
Age(s) 13-19

The sole responsibility of the IMG Baseball Academy is to help every player realize his full potential, both on and off the field, by providing amateur athletes with a professional training environment. At IMG Academies students live, train, and attend private school on our 400-acre campus. The Academy Program includes players from 26 states and 11 foreign countries, 98% of whom attend college upon graduation. Our staff consists of coaches who have taught at every level of the game including the major leagues and are dedicated to a long-term athletic development program that can bring students to elite status.

Program Details

Designed for students in 6th grade (age 11) and above Directed by Ken Bolek, who has coached at every level of baseball from the pros to high school. Accredited on-campus school, the Pendleton School at IMG Academies, for all levels which allows our students to differentiate themselves from their peers due to the fact that college administrators understand the rigors of IMG Academies and how it prepares our students for the next level. Academic and English Orientation programs are also available for our International Students. Focus on comprehensive development of offensive and defensive skills. Regimen includes strength conditioning, flexibility, speed, mental efficiency, and nutritional performance programs. World class facilities including covered batting cages with ProBatter Sports simulator. Competitive game schedule in both the fall and spring semesters. Comprehensive video analysis software used for hitting and pitching mechanics. Well planned training regimen to control stress recovery cycle.

Program Benefits

- Dedicated staff provides students a supportive, challenging environment that fosters academic and personal growth.
- Training is arranged so athletes reach peak performance at selected times.
- Variety in training sessions avoids boredom, burnout, and reduces injury.
- No shortcut� mentality ensures each players development.


Post-Grad Semester Sept-May 

Age(s) 17-20

The IMG Baseball Academy post grad program addresses the technical, physical, mental, nutritional, and sport-specific athleticism necessary to reach maximum potential and expand college options. Students may also prepare for college entrance exams or take courses for college credit during the program.

Program Details

Focus on comprehensive development of offensive and defensive skills. Academic course offerings through the University of Miami satellite campus. Competitive game schedule in both the fall and spring semesters. Regimen includes strength conditioning, flexibility, speed, mental efficiency, and nutritional performance programs. World class facilities including covered batting cages with ProBatter Sports simulator. Comprehensive video analysis software used for hitting and pitching mechanics. Well planned training regimen to control stress recovery cycle.

Program Benefits

- Address specific developmental issues ie. technical, physical, academic, experience, exposure to reach potential, maximize college value, and increase future options.
- Structured program allows athletes to continue athletic development while working towards college degree.
- Training is arranged so athletes reach peak performance at selected times.
- Variety in training sessions avoids boredom, burnout, and reduces injury.
- No shortcut� mentality ensures each players development. Exposure opportunities.

IMG Baseball Academy College Placement

Baseball Academy alumni have attended such elite colleges and universities as:

Barry University ¢ Biola University ¢ Birmingham Southern College ¢ Davidson ¢ Duke University ¢ East Tennessee State University ¢ Eckerd College ¢ Elon University ¢ Emory University  ¢ Ferrum College ¢ Florida Southern College ¢ Georgia College & State University ¢ Jacksonville University ¢ Lipscomb University ¢ Louisiana State University ¢ Lynn University ¢ Manatee Community College Mississippi State University ¢ N.C. State ¢ Nova Southeastern University ¢ Ranger Junior College ¢ Rollins College ¢ Santa Fe Community College ¢ St. Joseph's University ¢ University of Georgia University of Indianapolis ¢ University of Louisiana “ Lafayette ¢ University of Miami ¢ University of Mississippi ¢ University of New Orleans ¢ University of Notre Dame ¢ University of Pennsylvania ¢ University of Rhode Island ¢ University of Rio Grande University of South Florida ¢ University of Tampa ¢ University of Texas “ San Antonio ¢ West Virginia University ¢ Wright State University ¢ Yale University

IMG Baseball Academy Notable Professional Alumni Include:

Derek Jeter, New York Yankees ¢ Nomar Garciaparra, LA Dodgers ¢ Jason Varitek, Boston Red Sox ¢ Gary Sheffield, Detroit Tigers ¢ Trot Nixon, Cleveland Indians ¢ Kevin Millar, Toronto Blue Jays ¢ Aaron Sele, NY Mets ¢ Joe Mays, LA Dodgers ¢ Adam Dunn, Chicago White Sox ¢ Pat Burrell, Philadelphia Phillies ¢ Vernon Wells, Toronto Blue Jays ¢ Mike Cuddyer, Minnesota Twins ¢ Scott Williamson, Baltimore Orioles ¢ Jerry Hairston Jr., Texas Rangers ¢ Rob Bell, Tampa Bay Rays ¢ Lance Carter, Orix Buffaloes ¢ Wilson Alvarez, Los Angeles Dodgers ¢ Mark Teahan, Kansas City Royals ¢ Dermal Brown, Arizona Diamondbacks ¢ Jason Marquis, Chicago Cubs ¢ Ben Sheets, Milwaukee Brewers ¢ John Van Benschoten, Pittsburgh Pirates ¢ Lance Niekro, San Francisco Giants ¢ Brad Snyder, Cleveland Indians ¢ Choo Freeman, Colorado Rockies ¢ Freddy Bynum, Baltimore Orioles ¢ Josh McKinley, Washington Nationals ¢ Bryan Bullington, Pittsburgh Pirates ¢ Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers ¢ Chris Perez, St. Louis Cardinals