Baseball & Softball Player Development

STOP GUESSING.
START DEVELOPING.

Baseball Softball

More than lessons.

A complete player development system for baseball and softball hitters, built on coaching, accountability, feedback, and clear plans for improvement.

The Real Problem

Most Players Don't Need More Lessons. They Need More Support Between Lessons.

01 / Today

Without a PLAN

  • Random drills
  • Conflicting advice
  • No accountability
02 / The Fix

With THE Schaefer PLAYER DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM

  • Clear priorities
  • Simple practice plans
  • Consistent feedback
  • Ongoing accountability
  • Year Round Support
03 / The Result

Result

  • Greater confidence
  • Better practice habits
  • More productive training
  • Faster development
  • Better game performance
Coach Mike Schaefer holding a bat in his batting cage in front of the 1–9 strike zone target
25+Years in the cage
Meet the Coach

25+ Years Helping Athletes Reach Their Potential

I've spent nearly three decades helping players discover what they're capable of becoming.

Along the way, I've learned that a good swing is only a small piece of becoming a great hitter. Great hitters understand timing. They stay confident through failure. They're resilient in the face of adversity and committed to improving one step at a time.

The players who grow the most are the ones who know exactly what to work on, practice with a purpose, and have someone in their corner who believes in them while holding them accountable.

That's why I built the Schaefer Hitting Instruction Player Development System.

This isn't just a lesson schedule. It's a roadmap for growth.

Every player receives honest feedback, clear priorities, and a plan that can be measured, tracked, and adjusted over time. My goal is simple: help players understand what to work on, how to practice it, and how to know they're improving.

I've been fortunate to work with athletes of all ages and ability levels, and one thing has never changed: every player deserves the same attention, encouragement, and commitment from their coach.

Whether they're the star of the lineup or still working to earn an opportunity, they get everything I've got.

ExperiencePassionPlayer Development
Mike SchaeferFounder & Hitting Coach
The Schaefer Coaching System

A Clear Process. Real Progress.

Mechanics, timing, approach, mindset and accountability, working together in six repeatable steps.

01

Baseline

We start by understanding where your player is today: goals, level, strengths and gaps.

Player benefitCoaching that starts from you, not a template.
02

Prioritize

We pick the one or two changes that will make the biggest difference right now.

Player benefitFocus on what matters. Never overwhelmed.
03

Prescribe

A specific drill, a simple practice plan and a clear picture of what success looks like.

Player benefitEvery practice session has a purpose.
04

Review

Players submit swings. Coach Schaefer breaks them down with video analysis and voice commentary.

Player benefitExpert eyes on your swing between lessons.
05

Track

Progress is measured over time, side-by-side on video and with optional Blast metrics.

Player benefitProof you're getting better, not just a feeling.
06

Communicate

Families always know what to practice, what to expect and when feedback arrives.

Player benefitParents and players stay on the same page.
How the System Works

Every Player Receives A Plan

  • No guesswork.
  • No random drills.
  • No information overload.

Every member gets a living development plan that answers the question parents ask most: “What should we be working on?”

Player Development Plan

01Baseline

Understand

GoalsAgeLevelStrengthsWeaknesses

02Prioritize

Focus on

1 · Primary priority2 · Secondary priority
Never overwhelm the player.

03Prescribe

Provide

DrillPractice planSuccess criteriaWhat to submit next

04Review

Use

Video analysisOnForm feedbackVoice commentary

05Track

Measure

ProgressVideo improvementOptional Blast metrics

06Communicate

Tell families

What to practiceWhat to expectWhen feedback arrives
Schaefer Hitting Instruction · Sample

Player Development Plan

PlayerJake Morrison
Age14 · Grade 8
PositionSS / RHP · Bats R
Plan PeriodJan – Mar

01 Assessment

  • Strong hand speed, athletic base
  • Early hip rotation (losing power)
  • Late timing on fastballs 70+ mph

02 Top 3 Priorities

1Load & TimingStart the load earlier so he's on time for the fastball.
2Hip-Shoulder SeparationStay closed longer.
3Two-Strike ApproachShorten the swing and use the whole field.

03 Weekly Practice Plan

DayFocusDrills
MonTimingFront toss, rhythm load (50 swings)
WedSeparationStep-behind drill, tee work (40 swings)
FriApproachTwo-strike machine rounds (30 swings)
SatVR SessionWIN Reality pitch recognition (20 min)

04 Progress Tracking

MetricBaseline90-Day Goal
Bat Speed (Blast)58 mph63 mph
Time to Contact0.17 s0.15 s
Hard-Hit Rate35%50%
Strikeout Rate28%18%

05 Coach's Notes

“Jake has the tools. Our focus is getting him on time and trusting his swing. Video check-in every 2 weeks.”

— Coach Mike Schaefer
Next Review: April 1Sample plan · fictional player
The Tech Behind the System

Measured. Not Guessed.

Every membership from Development up includes the same pro-level tools used to train, measure and review your player's swing, so progress shows up in the data and on video.

WIN Reality virtual reality pitch recognition drill showing pitch type, location accuracy and performance rating
Approach · Timing

WIN Reality VR

Live-speed virtual at-bats that train pitch recognition, timing and plate discipline, without needing a pitcher.

Player benefitSee more pitches. Make better swing decisions.
WIN Reality VR headset with bat controller
Training at home

VR Headset & Bat

Reps that count, any day of the week, between sessions.

SwingAI app showing a swing score of 67 with a practice focus on pelvis direction
Mechanics

Swing AI

AI swing analysis from phone video, with a swing score and a clear practice focus.

Player benefitKnow exactly what to fix next.
Blast Motion bat sensor with 3D swing tracer and swing metrics app
Tracking

Blast Motion

A bat sensor that measures every swing and tracks it over time.

Player benefitProof of progress, swing after swing.
Included with
  • Development
  • Elite Hybrid
  • Complete Player

Not included in Foundation.

Compare Memberships →

* VR headset and Blast Motion Sensor sold separately.

Which Membership Is Right For My Player?

Foundation

“I need a plan.”

Development

“I want personalized coaching.”

Elite Hybrid

“I want the best combination of online and in-person support.”

Complete Player

“I want maximum accountability and attention.”

Memberships

Support At Every STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT

Choose the level that matches your goals.

All memberships require a 3-month commitment because meaningful development takes time, consistency, and accountability.

Foundation
$49/mo

For players who want a clear plan and the tools to improve independently.

  • Video library
  • Core concepts
  • Practice plans
  • Monthly Q&A

* Not eligible for discounted lessons.

Start Foundation
★ Most PopularDevelopment
$99/mo

For players who want personalized coaching, feedback, and accountability,

  • Everything in Foundation PLUS
  • Pro tech: SwingAI, Blast & WIN Reality VR
  • Personalized plans
  • Monthly video analysis
  • Targeted feedback
Start Development
Best ValueElite Hybrid
$399/mo

The complete player development experience. Personalized coaching, accountability, video feedback, and in-person instruction working together.

  • Everything in DEVELOPMENT PLUS
  • Priority access to Coach Schaefer with prompt feedback
  • Monthly virtual coaching call 
  • Includes one lesson (in person or virtual)
  • Mobility, Strength and Nutrition Plan
Join Elite Hybrid →
Complete Player PERFORMANCE PROGRAM
$599/mo

EVERYTHING IN ELITE HYBRID PLUS:

  • Includes 2 private lessons every month (in person or remote options)
  • Discounted additional lessons
  • Custom mobility and strength training program
  • Personalized nutrition plan to fuel your body properly
  • Weekly accountability check-in & motivational mentorship
Apply Now
In-Person Coaching

Premium Coaching When It Matters Most

In-person time with Coach Schaefer is used where it has the most impact, not as a weekly habit your player can't practice without.

A

Assessment

See the full picture of the swing, live and up close.

D

Diagnosis

Find the root cause, not just the symptom.

R

Skill Refinement

Hands-on work to lock in the priority before practicing at home.

The goal is not more lessons.

The goal is better development.

Lessons are where we diagnose and refine. The system is where the improvement happens.

Book a Lesson →

Premium Player Development Sessions

One-on-one or with teammates. Every session is built around assessment, diagnosis and refinement.

“Over the years I've found the greatest value occurs when there is enough time to properly assess, coach, communicate priorities, and develop an actionable plan. Beginning January 1, 2027 all private lessons will be conducted as 60-minute Player Development Sessions.”

Coach Schaefer
Player Development Session

60 Minutes

Coach Schaefer's full, one-on-one attention on one player's development.

  • StandardRate$180
  • Preferred MemberRate$150
Members receive:
  • Preferred lesson pricing
  • Video resources
  • Practice guidance
  • Progress tracking
  • Ongoing support
Book a Session →
Small Group Development Sessions

2–4 Players

Train with teammates and friends while receiving individualized coaching and feedback.

  • 2 PlayersPer player$130/player
    Preferred Member $100/player
  • 3 PlayersPer player$120/player
    Preferred Member $90/player
  • 4 PlayersPer player$110/player
    Preferred Member $80/player
Book a Group Lesson
Members Save $30 On Every in PERSON Lesson

Preferred member rates apply to all Player Development and Small Group Development Sessions.

View Memberships →

* Foundation Members are not eligible for discounted lesson rates.

REAL Stories

From Guessing To Growing

Real messages from real Schaefer Hitting families. 

Video review between lessons
Thanks for looking over all the videos we sent. Mike, I can't thank you enough for what you have already done for Brielle.
Charles B.
2 HRs in 2 weeks
Cal has hit two home runs the last two weeks. Appreciate all of your work with him!
Jared F.
College interest
Things are starting to get really real for her. Clemson just started following her on X, which is HUGE!
Jim H.
HR Derby finalists
That's a testament to your coaching! 2 of your kids made it to the home run derby finals.
Jeff C. 
Approach & confidence
Your coaching shows hands down how he approaches the plate compared to the other kids. The confidence and swagger.
Luke M.

Join the families who stopped guessing.

Join the Program →
Hitting Philosophy

Less Is More

Elite hitters remove unnecessary movement. We don't force every player into one look. We build the movements that every great swing shares.

Players may have different…

Stances Varies
Hand positions Varies
Timing mechanisms Varies

Style is personal. We keep what's yours and strip away what's costing you.

But elite hitters consistently…

  1. 1Connect to the ground
  2. 2Hinge and coil around the rear hip
  3. 3Create an efficient launch position
  4. 4GET CONNECTED
  5. 5ARE short to THE BALL and long through it

Stop Guessing.Start Developing.

Join the Schaefer Hitting Instruction player development system.

Get Started

Tell us about your player. Coach Schaefer will follow up with next steps and the right fit.

No spam. Just next steps from Coach Schaefer.