Elite Player Development Journey

Elite provides a long tradition of optimizing player development through leveraging technologies and creating processes to turn those technologies into usable player development programs. We take pride in helping our coaches to be equipped with developing skills for both on and off the field.

Your Elite Development Journey Starts Here

The Elite Journey is centered around the player that wants to take control of their own process.  We will provide a clear timeline, structure,  and development path that will eliminate all the guesswork.  If you are ready to take your game to the next level, your journey starts now.  We’ll leave no STONE unturned when it comes to making this your best baseball experience.

These are the core aspects of baseball development that will improve your son over the course of the year.

  • Team Practices
  • Small Group Hitting
  • Strength & Conditioning 

Elite Baseball Training offers tiered ala carte assessments. Players have the option to upgrade their experience using state-of-the-art technology to identify key performance gaps with a custom improvement plan.

  • Hitting (Blast, Trackman, Rapsodo, K-Motion, Force Plates, Movement Screens)
  • Pitching (Grip Strength, Trackman, Rapsodo, Edgertronic Video, Force Plates, Movement Screens)

Elite offers a wide range of additional instruction at all of our locations with a curriculum designed by our world class player development team.

  • Private Lessons
  • Classes
  • Camps/Clinics

Elite Baseball Player Development Culture

At EBT, we know that amateur players and their supporters want three things with the first priority being development. Elite fosters a Fail Aggressively mindset, challenging players in practice and in game to learn how to be GREAT, and not simply just avoid mistakes. Our coaching staff promotes aggressive and intentional baseball plays in all facets of the game.

The second thing amateur players want is to WIN. We pride ourselves on not only pushing the boundaries of individual development, but also teaching players how to play the game the right way. While we use metrics as a guide, our ultimate goal is to develop great teammates and complete baseball players.

Why Choose Elite Baseball

The last thing is exposure. As players get older they want to be noticed by college coaches and recruiting companies. By developing individual skills, honing them into a team setting to win more, our players will have more opportunities to play in the right tournaments at the right time to maximize exposure. Coupled with our National Team opportunities and the Cubs Scout team, Elite is your one stop shop for development and exposure.

No more “org jumping” when you’re ready for the next level. 

Player Development Calendar

Take the guess work out of what the year looks like. Know the next steps for your development and your time commitment.

Player Development Calendar Coming Soon For 2026 – 2027 Season

Stay connected to the team.

The Elite Baseball community on Discord (similar to Slack, or Microsoft Teams) is for coaches, players, and parents to learn more about Elite, participate in consistent video calls with our PD team and special guest speakers, stay up to date in all things player development for every position, mental skills, video review with your coaches and more.

Advanced Training Technology

Our facilities feature professional-grade technology used by college and professional programs nationwide. We integrate multiple systems to provide comprehensive player development feedback.

Motion Capture Analysis

Force Plate Technology

Video Analysis Systems

Sensor Technology

An Offseason at Elite

Phase 1 Individual Player Testing

Each player starts the training calendar with an individual assessment. This gives us a baseline of hitting, throwing, and strength metrics for each player in the program. With this data our team provides recommendations on development programming for players to attack during their individual practice time.

Position Specific Skill Training

The start of our winter training is our Position Specific Skill Training. During these organized team practices, coaches dive into position specific skills that allow players to excel on the diamond. These aren’t your typical team oriented practices, but fine tuned development programs that cover each unique position group on the field. These are great ways for youth players to develop and explore new positions and for high school players to fine tune details of their chosen position.

Small Group Hitting & Pitching

The core of our offseason is our Small Group training programs. These are overseen and developed by our Player Development Directors. Each week players are introduced to new drills and challenges to keep the training environment rigorous and exciting. Our location staffs have weekly meetings with our Player Development team to discuss the program and collaborate on development initiatives.

Scout Team Opportunities

Elite Baseball Training hosts identifier events during the year for opportunities to play on the Chicago Cubs Scout Team, Cubs Scout Team Underclass, and the Elite Baseball Training Scout Team. These teams combine some of the country’s top players and compete in exclusive end of year exposure events.

College Preparation

Complete guidance through the college recruitment process, from showcase preparation to coach communication. Your pathway to playing at the collegiate level.

Elite Baseball Training Travel Director Matt Van Mill and Recruiting Coordinator, Anthony Giffe, oversee a robust recruiting program that educates and guides families through the college recruiting process. Families have access to information leading up to each athletes recruiting window and then individualized meetings during the prime recruiting season for each player.

Age Group Pathways

Complete Age Group Development Pathway

Our progressive training system guides players from fundamental skills to college recruitment through three specialized stages: Youth Foundation (8-12 years) building baseball basics with engaging, age-appropriate training; Middle School Development (13-14 years) focusing on technical refinement and position-specific training; and High School Performance (15-18 years) optimizing advanced skills with college preparation and leadership development.

MEET OUR ELITE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Overseeing Player Development Across
All Elite Baseball Training's Locations

Matt Van Mill

Director of Travel Teams

Provides leadership and oversight for EBT travel teams and competitive programming.

Travis Kerber

Director of Player Development, Pitching

Leads pitching development across EBT programs with a focus on long-term performance.

Ryan Johansen

Director of Player Development, Hitting

Oversees hitting development and offensive training within EBT’s player pathway.

Christian Poulsen

Coordinator of Player Development, EBT North

Supports player development through hands-on instruction.

Kevin Ayeski

Coordinator of Player Development

Works with athletes on foundational skill development and overall movement quality.

What The Parents Say

Building Trust, One Success Story at a Time

Michael TParent
My son went from JV to varsity starter after just 6 months at EBT. The technology and personalized coaching made all the difference. His batting average improved by .200 points!
Jake R Class of 2024
EBT helped me get recruited by a D1 program. The showcase events and video analysis gave me the exposure I needed. Justin's approach to swing mechanics completely transformed my game.
Sarah LMother of 14U Player
The Aurora facility is incredible - batting cages, pitching lanes, and all the latest tech. My son looks forward to every session. Worth every penny for the quality of instruction.
Coach DavisTravel Ball Parent
As a former college player, I'm impressed with EBT's approach. The force plate data and motion capture helped fix my daughter's pitching mechanics in ways visual coaching alone couldn't.
Robert KFather
Unlike other programs that just run drills, EBT actually teaches the why behind each movement. My son understands his swing now, not just repeating motions. The mental game coaching is exceptional.
Tyler MHigh School Pitcher
In one season with EBT, my velocity increased from 78mph to 85mph. The pitching program's focus on mechanics and strength training delivered real, measurable results.
Jennifer W.Parent
The coaches at the Mundelein location are phenomenal. They remember every player's name and specific goals. It feels like a family environment with professional-level training.
Mark SCollege Commit Parent
From private lessons to team training, EBT covers everything. The college prep program helped navigate the recruitment process. My son committed to his dream school thanks to their guidance.

Alumni Success & Outcomes

Developing players who achieve their dreams at the highest levels of baseball

College Commits
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