At Camp Winaukee, our baseball program is designed to accommodate players of all skill levels—from beginners just starting to learn the game, to advanced and high-level athletes looking to refine their skills. With expert coaching, excellent facilities, and a focus on teamwork, sportsmanship, and fun, our baseball program provides an environment where every camper can grow, develop, and enjoy the game.

Beginner Baseball Program: Learning the Basics

Our beginner program is all about introducing campers to the fundamentals of baseball in a supportive, low-pressure environment. We focus on teaching the essential skills needed to understand the game, including hitting, fielding, and throwing, all while making sure campers have fun and build confidence on the field.

• Basic Hitting Mechanics: Campers learn the fundamentals of batting, including stance, grip, and swing technique, focusing on making solid contact and getting comfortable at the plate.
• Throwing and Catching Fundamentals: We teach proper throwing mechanics, helping campers learn to throw with accuracy and control. Catching drills focus on building confidence in the outfield and infield.
• Base Running: Learning how to run the bases effectively, including understanding the fundamentals of speed, timing, and positioning.
• Game Rules and Sportsmanship: Campers will learn the basic rules of the game, while also emphasizing the importance of good sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect for the game and others.

Throughout the program, campers will participate in fun drills, friendly scrimmages, and skill-building games designed to keep them engaged and motivated. The goal is to make baseball enjoyable while building confidence and setting the stage for future improvement.

Intermediate Baseball Program: Skill Refinement and Strategy

For campers who already have a basic understanding of baseball and want to take their skills to the next level, our intermediate program focuses on refining technique and adding more complexity to the game. This level involves a deeper dive into the mechanics of each skill, as well as an introduction to more advanced concepts such as situational baseball and team strategy.

Advanced Batting Drills: Campers focus on refining their swing for consistency and power, with drills to improve pitch recognition, timing, and hitting for contact.

• Fielding Skills: More advanced fielding techniques are introduced, with an emphasis on agility, reaction time, and infield vs. outfield positioning. Infielders work on turning double plays, while outfielders practice reading the ball off the bat and making strong throws.
• Pitching Fundamentals: For those interested in pitching, we introduce basic mechanics, focusing on the proper delivery, grip, and control. Pitchers also learn how to read batters and develop a strategy for mixing pitches.
• Base Running Strategy: Campers learn to read the pitcher and improve their speed on the basepaths. They will also practice stealing bases, taking leads, and reading defensive shifts.
• Teamwork and Game Situations: Emphasis on understanding different game situations, such as bunting, executing hit-and-runs, and making smart decisions on the field.

At this level, campers will begin to play in structured scrimmages and mini-games, giving them a chance to apply their skills in game-like situations. Through both individual and team-focused coaching, intermediate campers will continue to improve their technique while gaining a deeper understanding of the strategy behind the game.

Advanced/High-Level Baseball Program: Intensive Skill Development and Competitive Play

The advanced program is designed for campers with a high level of experience who are serious about improving their game and possibly competing at the next level. This intensive, high-energy program focuses on advanced techniques, competitive play, and individualized instruction to help athletes reach their full potential.

• Advanced Hitting Mechanics and Mental Approach: Campers will refine their swing mechanics to maximize power and consistency. The program emphasizes pitch selection, timing, and situational hitting, including how to hit in pressure situations (e.g., with two outs or in a clutch moment).
• Pitching Development: Advanced pitchers will work on pitch selection, control, velocity, and off-speed pitches (e.g., curveball, slider, changeup). Focus will also be placed on pitching to contact, location, and pitching from the stretch.
• Fielding and Defensive Mastery: Infielders and outfielders will work on advanced defensive techniques, such as reading hops, turning double plays with precision, and making strong, accurate throws under pressure. The program will also cover defensive positioning and communication.
• Base Running and Game Situations: Athletes will focus on aggressive base running, learning how to take extra bases, steal with efficiency, and master the art of reading pitchers and catchers. Campers will also be taught advanced strategies for hitting and running, tagging up, and executing team plays.
• Team Strategy and Leadership: Campers will participate in complex drills that simulate real-game situations, focusing on strategic decision-making, in-game adjustments, and leadership both on and off the field. They’ll learn to read the flow of the game and adapt their play accordingly.

This high-level program includes competitive scrimmages, drills, and mini-tournaments that challenge campers to perform under pressure, mirroring real game conditions. The goal is to push each camper to excel, while providing individualized coaching to address specific needs and areas for improvement.

Baseball at Camp Winaukee: A Complete Development Program

Whether a beginner learning the basics or an experienced athlete refining advanced techniques, the baseball program at Camp Winaukee offers something for every camper. In addition to improving skills, our program focuses on building character, teamwork, and resilience. The experience fosters a love for the game, a sense of community, and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed—not only in baseball, but in life.

Our coaches are dedicated to creating an environment where campers are challenged to reach their potential while having fun, making new friends, and embracing the joy of the game. From the fundamentals of hitting and throwing to the strategies that make great players, Camp Winaukee provides the perfect environment for growth in every aspect of baseball.

We can’t wait to see what your young athlete will achieve on the diamond this summer!