Top Dog Academy Program
The Top Dog Academy Program was created in 2022 in an effort to get participation numbers back up, in the game of softball, after COVID. The Top Dog Academy Program was introduced to give girls a quality opportunity to learn the game of softball that had been lost during COVID.
​
In 2024, we introduced the Top Dog Academy Program into our baseball program in an effort to give boys a more structured developmental program.
THE PROBLEM
Since COVID we have seen a major philosophical and organizational shift in youth baseball and softball programs.
1. In Softball Rec Leagues are becoming a thing of the past. Participation numbers in Rec Leagues are declining as teams and organizations are moving into the "travel ball" sector of a competition platform.
2. Tournaments are replacing the traditional "league" format that has been known for generations.
3. WINNING tournaments has become a priority, creating a philosophy that winning equals development. If a team is winning they must be doing something correct in terms of development; which is not necessarily the truth.
As teams and organizations shift into "travel ball" teams and clubs, and the focus points or emphasis revolve around tournaments and winning the platform for beginners is going away. Teams and organizations that used to provide opportunities for beginners, and mixed beginners in with varying levels of athletes, are now looking for athletes with more experience. The platform for beginners is going away. The opportunities for athletes to gain exposure to the game, and learn the fundamentals in order to gain an understanding if they truly like the game and want to continue playing is going away.
​
WHERE IS THE PLACE IN YOUTH BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL
FOR BEGINNGERS TO BE BEGINNERS?
THE SOLUTION
Top Dog Academy Program
Vision
Continue the growth of baseball and softball in the United States by providing a platform that introduces the youth to the game while giving them a quality opportunity to find success and love for the game.
Mission
To provide opportunities for participation through skill development, game education and experiences, and relationship building with a commitment to promote growth and development of individuals in the sports of baseball and softball.
Values
-
Teaching Fundamental Skills
-
Teaching Rules of The Game & Skill Implementation
-
Teamwork and Sportsmanship
-
Relationship Building
-
Self-Reflection & Growth
1. TEACH THE SKILL
3. USE GAME TO ASSESS WHAT HAS BEEN LEARNED & PROGRESS MADE
2. TEACH GAME IMPLEMENTATION & RULES
Goals
-
Create an environment that allows for beginners, or those with minimal experience, that fosters quality opportunities to learn the fundamental skills and concepts of the game.
-
Increase opportunities and resources for individuals to advance in the game of baseball or softball.
-
Foster an environment where safety, physical well-being, and emotional/mental well-being are top priorities of all Top Dog participants
-
Utilize industry leading technology to track growth and development, while increasing the ability for individualized growth and development plans.
-
Promote an atmosphere that reflects the Top Dog standard and expectation for teamwork, work ethic, and characteristics that make up a good teammate.
-
Create a developmental path that allows for athletes to progress out of the Top Dog Academy Program and into Top Dog Competitive Teams.
-
NO CUTS!
-
12 to 14 Players per Team (some exceptions may be made depending on the number of athletes enrolled). ​
-
Parent & Non-Parent coaches. All teams have oversight from a Non-Parent.
-
Baseball
-
9u
-
10u
-
11u​​
-
-
Softball
-
8u
-
10u
-
12u
-
-
Baseball
-
Fall (September to November): Fall League with 1 Game per Week
-
Spring (March to May): Spring League with 1 Game per Week & 1 Tournament per Month
-
Summer (June to August): Summer League with 1 Game per Week & 1-2 Tournaments per Month
-
Local Events/Games ONLY
-
-
Softball
-
Fall (September to November): 1 Tournament per Month
-
Spring (March to May): 1 Tournament per Month
-
Summer (June & July): 2 Tournaments per Month
-
Local Events/Games ONLY
-
-
Fall (September to November)
-
Establish Baselines with Baseline Assessment
-
Academy Sessions at Top Dog Performance Center (flexible scheduling to fit athlete schedule)
-
Weekend field practice (if there is not a tournament)
-
-
Winter (December, January, February)
-
Check-In Assessment
-
Academy Sessions at Top Dog Performance Center (flexible scheduling to fit athlete schedule)
-
Winter Break: Week of Christmas and New Year
-
Starting In January: Week Night Team Practice @ Top Dog Performance Center, Saturday Field Practice, Sunday Live Hitting @ Top Dog Performance Center
-
There are NO GAMES played during this time
-
-
Spring (March & April | Baseball also Includes May)
-
(1) Week Night Practice at Top Dog Performance Center
-
(1) Week Night Field Practice (once Daylight Savings occurs)
-
(1) Weekend Practice (on weekends there is no tournament)
-
Week night academies at Top Dog Performance Center (optional)
-
-
Summer (June & July | Baseball also Includes August)
-
(1) Week Night Practice at Top Dog Performance Center
-
(1) Week Night Field Practice (once Daylight Savings occurs)
-
(1) Weekend Practice (on weekends there is no tournament)
-
End of Year Assessment
-
Summer Vacation morning academies at Top Dog Performance Center (optional)
-