Summer Session: June 14 - July 27

How does it work?

Andrea Starr started pitching when she was 6 years old and never stopped. She played for the Schaumburg Sluggers, who took 2nd place at NSA nationals when she was 16 and Elk Grove High School, who made 2 trips to the 4A State Tournament during her time there. She pitched at North Central College in Naperville, IL for 4 years. During those 4 years she became top 3 in her schools history in the categories of game wins, innings pitched, shutouts, and strikeouts! 💪🏻 She also threw 2 college no-hitters, and was awarded conference pitcher of the year as well as regional MVP during her 2015 season as her team made a top 16 run for the year.

During the day, Andrea works as a Physical Therapist in a nursing home. In her spare time she loves to paint, work out, and spend time with family and friends. We are happy to have her with our coaching staff!

Michelle Knight, Head Pitching Instructor

Michelle has been an instructor with Practice Pro since 2018. She was born and raised in Elmwood Park, graduated in 2009 and was hired by her alma mater as a special education teacher and softball coach on May 28, 2019. After teaching and building a softball program from scratch at Jose de Diego Community Academy in Humboldt Park, she returned back to her “home.”

She grew up training as a pitcher with John Hanrahan, just like Abby Hanrahan and Sarah Dec and has carried her education with her to teach her current students at Practice Pro.

Cat Klosterman, Assistant Pitching Instructor

Cat Klostermann has been with Practice Pro since October 2016. She has been pitching for 14 years and was coached by John Hanrahan. Graduating in May 2020 from Dominican University, Cat majored in Neuroscience and minored in music. She is planning on going to graduate school to practice medicine as a Physician Assistant.

At Nazareth Academy during her junior year she led her team to the Elite 8 for the first time in school history and did it again her senior year. At Nazareth she was nominated all-conference her Junior and Senior year and was awarded “All-Area Player” by the Tribune her senior year. She was the starting pitcher all 4 years in high school and continued that trend into her college career at Dominican. At Dominican in 2017 she was recognized as "Female Athlete of the Year" and "Freshman of the Year" by Dominican University. Additionally in 2017 she was selected by conference coaches as “First Team all-Conference” and “Second team all-Region”. She loves playing and coaching this sport which has given her so much both on and off the field.

• Who is pitching school for?

  • Players aged 7-18 grouped players in classes based on age and ability level.

  • From beginners to college-bound athletes.

• Who is the “beginner program” for?

  • For true beginners (never pitched) and experienced beginners (have pitched but never had ongoing formal instruction) who have come to pitching school 0 - 1 sessions before. Girls will be grouped with pitcher of a similar age. We do this program as a progression because it’s best if beginners learn in order, building upon the week before.

• Who is the “flex program” for?

  • For Practice Pro Veterans who have come to 1+ sessions within the last year - They are familiar with the “how” of Practice Pro classes and can move quickly through our drills and competitions. We do this as a flex schedule in the spring & summer because most of our experienced pitchers play on a travel teams with busy schedules. Parents may purchase extra classes beyond the 4.

• Locations

  • Oak Park - Varsity Club Sports

  • Chicago - Chicago Mudcats Sports & Social Club

  • Evanston - Quad Indoor Sports

• Class Times/Dates - Printable Schedule

  • Chicago
    Tuesdays 4:30 p.m. (Flex) , 5:30 p.m. (Flex) , 6:30 p.m. (Flex)
    Thursdays 4:30 p.m. (Flex), 5:30 p.m. (Beginner) , 6:30 p.m. (Beginner)

  • Oak Park
    Mondays 4:30 p.m. (Beginner) , 5:30 p.m. (Flex), 6:30 p.m. (Flex)
    Wednesdays 4:30 p.m. (Flex), 5:30 p.m. (Beginner), 6:30 p.m. (Flex)

  • Evanston
    Mondays 6 p.m. (Beginner), 7 p.m. (Flex), 8 p.m. (Flex)
    Wednesdays 6 p.m. (Beginner), 7 p.m. (Flex), 8 p.m. (Flex)

• Cost

  • Beginner Program $280 ($296 after May 16th)

  • Veteran Flex Program $240 ($255 after May 16th)

  • Extra Veteran Flex Single Class $45

• Frequency

  • Beginner Program - Once per week for 6 weeks at the same time.

  • Veteran Flex Program - Purchase 4 classes to use over six weeks, anytime. Purchase more classes a la carte.

• Classes

  • Parents are asked to come and catch/learn for every class.

  • Small groups - Veteran Flex program student to teacher ratio is max 3:1, Beginner program max 4:1.

• Lead Instructors

  • Oak Park & Chicago - Abby Hanrahan

  • Evanston - Sarah Dec

• Covid

  • In-class Practice Pro Guidelines as of April 2021 - Here

• Refunds/Credits

  • Because we have a class-size limit, refunds and credits will not be available for players or parents who contract COVID-19.

  • Missed classes cannot be rolled over into another session or used for any other clinic, lesson, pitching school session, or product.

How does it work?

In-season session 2021

• Class Times/Dates

  • After you register you will be able to schedule your classes in our system April 1st.

  • Inseason - April 10 - May 28

  • Chicago
    Sundays 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m.
    Tuesdays 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m.
    Thursdays 4 p.m., 5 p.m.

  • Oak Park
    Sundays 2 p.m., 3 p.m.
    Mondays 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m.
    Wednesdays 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m.

  • Skokie
    Sundays 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m.
    Mondays 6 p.m., 7 p.m.How are you dealing with COVID and our new restrictions?

  • In-Class Practice Pro Covid Guidelines as of October 2020 - HERE

• Who is pitching school for?

  • Players aged 7-18 grouped players in classes based on age and ability level.

  • Players who have never pitched through college-bound athletes.

• Locations

  • Oak Park - Varsity Club Sports

  • Chicago - American Islamic College

  • Skokie - Weber Center

• Cost

  • $360 ($375 after March 7th, 2021)

• Frequency

  • 6 hours of pitching instruction

  • Flex schedule - come to any class times at your level over a 7 week period.

  Classes

  • Parents are asked to come and catch/learn for every class.

  • Small groups - student to teacher ratio is max 4:1.

• Refunds/Credits

  • Because we have a class-size limit, refunds and credits will not be available for players or parents who contract COVID-19.

  • Missed classes cannot be rolled over into another session or used for any other clinic, lesson, pitching school session, or product.

• 
  

Do you do private lessons?
No. We do not do private lessons while pitching school sessions are in progress unless you are enrolled in the program.

How long do I need to take lessons before I know how to do it?

Throughout your entire career. Although you should be able to understand the 5 fundamentals after one or two sessions, being able to execute is another story. Pitching is a year-round career-long effort. Constant adjustments must be made to increase speed, accuracy, and movement to both improve and fight off bad habits that inevitably creep in.

How does pitching school registration work?

For the new Summer (June-August) session, the Offseason (October-December) and Preseason (January - March) sessions, when registering you will be prompted to choose your top three choices for class times. After all registrations are collected we will assign classes based on age, ability level, experience with pitching school, and your suggested times. We will send you a personal email with your class 5-7 days after the end of registration.

For the Inseason Session (April- May) you will be directed to the scheduling website where you will purchase your 6-lesson package. Then you will schedule yourself for dates and times convenient for you. Registration is rolling, meaning if you do not register during the “regular registration” time period, you will be able to register up until the last two weeks of the session. However, you will still be required to purchase the full 6-lesson package.

How do I know which level my daughter is in?
Levels are used to help you in rescheduling classes once enrolled. If this is your daugther’s first time in Pitching School she is a “New Recruit” regardless of age. When you register you will be asked about her experience. We will decide which level your daughter is in and communicate that to you based on your class assignment.

What if we miss a class?

If you are going to miss a class you signed up for, please cancel yourself through your online account you created at registration. This way, other players can fill your spot. If you miss without cancelling you may lose the ability to reschedule. Your ability to reschedule into another class is not guaranteed and is based on availability.

Will there be additional dates/times added to the schedule?  

No. The summer schedule is set.

What if my child is injured and can't attend the rest of the sessions?

You will receive a prorated amount back with a doctor's note if she is going to miss the remainder of the sessions.  If she is only going to miss a handful of classes we will try to get her into make-up classes. We still encourage injured players to attend class and either learn or do drills they are able to complete. For example, if you have a sprained ankle you can still perform the arm circle. This way you won’t lose time in your development.

Who are the teachers?

There will be two coaches per class, unless the class is 4 or less players. One lead instructor and one assistant. Abby Hanrahan is the lead instructor 80% of the time and other instructors fill in as the lead the other 20% of the time.  The lead instructor is always an experienced professional and a former NCAA or IHSA pitcher trained by Abby Hanrahan. The assistant coach is either a professional coach or experienced current pitcher. Assistant coaches are there to teach and become leaders. 

Why do you ask that parents come to class?

Behind every great pitcher is an involved parent. When I asked my friend, Kelly Ostler, a two-time DIII All-American, current coach of UIC, and OBYBS coach, about her practice habits as a young player she said, "My dad and I recently tried to go back and count the hours I probably pitched growing up. Ugh! It was so many!!"  I asked if she practiced by herself and she said, "My dad caught for me. He'd say 'Let's go." and I'd grab my mitt and head out the yard. It wasn't an argument. It was a habit. As a kid I didn't give it much thought I just went." I found the same sentiment with the countless other pitchers who went on to play in college.

What if there are some lessons when I can't come because of work, a physical limitation, or I am not good at catching?

Parents are asked to come for only for the offseason and preseason sessions. If you cannot catch, don’t worry! Have your daughters team catcher or sibling catch for her. Or in last minute situations when you can't make it just let me know. Many times parents catch for girls that aren't their daughters as part of normal class structure. We all work together to give the "team" the best learning experience possible. It's so great to have the help and support of two coaches, five other parents, catchers, and their own parent!  We are all a team. 

If I miss the summer session may I still come to the offseason or preseason session?

Yes, you may. You do not need one to attend sessions in consecutive order; however, I recommend attending for best results. 

Who will my daughter be with in class with?

She will be in class with girls at a similar maturity level, age and skill level.

What does she need to bring to class?

Gym shoes, mitt, water bottle, binder with paper I provide on the first class.

Who is going to catch for her?

For the Inseason and Summer session, only New Recruits are required to bring a catcher. Other levels of pitchers are not required to bring a catcher or parent but they are always more than welcome to come. Parents who come to inseason session classes will only catch for their daughter. Players without catchers will pitch to nets.

For the Offseason and Preseason session, parents are asked to catch and learn.
 

What kind of homework will she get?

 I believe in a little bit of work every day in order to form a habit. Some homework will be an hour of pitching with detailed instructions, meaning you will have to find/rent and indoor spot to practice. Other times it will be as simple as pitching a fake ball into a mirror for five minutes. Homework will be different based on age, ability level, strength and skill development. It will follow pitch count numbers as documented by Dr. Sherry Warren, Cheri Kempf, and Cindy Bristow. This program will not help you improve unless you do the homework.

Do you teach hitting or other defensive positions?

No. I only teach pitching.

Email Abby a new question.
abby@practice-pro.com

Cost $270

• Locations

  • Oak Park - Oak Park Varsity Club, 809 S. Oak Park Ave.

  • Chicago - 2128 N. Halsted, across from Oz Park

• Class Times/Dates

  • Oak Park - Mondays, Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m.

  • Chicago - Tuesdays, Thursdays, 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.

  • Weeks of 6/24, 7/8, 7/22, 7/29, 8/5, 8/12

• Frequency

  • 6 hours worth of pitching instruction

  • Class once per week

  • 6 classes spanning over 3 months

• How registration works.

  • When registration opens you will provide three of your top preferences for class times

  • After registration ends we will arrange classes based on age and ability level.

  • Within five days of the end of registration you will receive your class assignment and further information.

• Instructed by Abby Hanrahan, Sarah Dec, & Michelle Knight.

• Missed classes

  • If space is available in another class, we will try to switch you for that week although it is not guaranteed.

• Classes

  • 80% of classes are instructed by Abby Hanrahan as the lead instructor, and one professional assistant, Sarah Dec & Michelle Knight.

  • 5-6 pitchers per lesson. Student to teach ratio is 4:1 at the most.

  • Parents need not attend for the summer session but are always welcome.

• Private instruction

  • Available only if enrolled in the pitching school program

  • Outdoor lessons

• Refunds/Credits

  • Refunds available only with a doctor’s note.

  • Missed classes cannot be rolled over into another session or used for any other clinic, lesson, pitching school session, or product.

Convenient Flex Schedule

“I had a double header, then a rain out, then basketball practice on Wednesday. Then, my mom had to drive my sister to swim lessons so no one could take me to my lesson!”

We don’t want you to be punished for being ambitious and athletic! We want you to play other sports, get more athletic, commit to your travel softball team, and still be able to reach your potential as a pitcher.

The new inseason flex schedule allows you to choose when you attend your 6 classes. Just schedule yourself the appropriate level and show up! Classes are limited to 6 players just like winter pitching school and it will be the same high-energy environment

Each class will cover specific subject matter but will also help you with your individual needs of the day.

INseason flex Schedule Details 2019

Holmes Elementary School: 508 N. Kenilworth, Oak Park, IL (Mondays and Sundays, alternating hours)
Whittier Elementary School: 715 N. Harvey, Oak Park, IL (Tuesdays)
American Islamic College: 640 W. Irving, Chicago, IL (Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, alternating hours)

ROLLING REGISTRATION
Regular registration will take place March 1st - March 8th 2019. However, you may register at any point between March 9th and April, but you must still purchase the full package at a “late registration” cost, which will be higher. For example, if you sign up in April it is required that you purchase 6 lessons then attend all six before April 30th, 2019. In this case you’ll have a lot to learn by the time little league playoffs and your travel season begins. Luckily, we made it easy for you to come to two or more lessons per week.
*If you sign up during the first week of registration you’ll only pay $360. After that, the price goes up.
*You may not roll over any unused lessons to another session. We want you to get enough instruction in during this important 8-week period.

SCHEDULING
Our goal is to make scheduling easy. The inseason session takes place over 8 weeks in April and May. Once you purchase your 6-lesson package you may schedule them at your leisure through this website. Once a class reaches 6 players it will close. We suggest scheduling all six classes as soon as you register. You may reschedule up to one hour before your class begins. Any later and you will forfeit your class. We have a waiting list that allows you to place yourself in a desired class. The system will remind you to check the schedule a day and an hour before the class begins to see if anything has opened.

PARENTS
If you are at the “New Recruit” level we ask attend with your daughter to catch and learn for all classes. If you are unable to physically catch, please still join us but a teammate or sibling can catch instead.
Parents with pitchers at any other level do not need to come to catch although you are always welcome. Otherwise we will be pitching to net

Teaching Philosophy

I think that what you expect of a player, you get from a player.

• Players learn work ethic and heart from their parents.  I like to involve parents as much as possible so players can learn from their parents’ enthusiasm.  

• Players learn to throw to locations by developing neural pathways in their brains.  They do this by repeating the same motion over and over. You got it - practice!  

• I work on movement pitches are worked in as soon as possible.  Although the players may not be able to execute,  it’s fun and builds neural pathways that are more difficult to develop after the age of 12..

• Dr. Sherry Werner of the Sherry Werner Fastpitch Academy teaches safe pitching fundamentals.  I agree with them and teach them to my students.  

• The mental game is as important as the physical.

• Golf books have the best mental game material.

• Practice makes perfect.

Cat Klosterman, College-Assistant Coach

Dominican University, Nazareth Academy High School
 

Julia Youman, Student-Assistant

Oak Park and River Forest High School
Oak Park Windmills 

Rachel Eiden, Student-Assistant Coach

Late Tech High School Class of 2021
Royal Ravens

Molly Murray, Student-Assistant Coach

Lane Tech High School Class of 2019
Sauganash Storm

Molly is the pitcher for her Junior Varsity Lane Tech High School team in Chicago. Last year she was her team's Most Valuable Player.    She has been pitching for 7 years, and started pitching when she was 8 years old. Her softball pitching goal is to pitch in college. 

One of Molly's favorite pitching memories was getting to close a game in extra innings and striking out the last batter to win the game. Her mom has always helped her to become a better pitcher and she still catchers her during practice. She likes teaching at Practice Pro Pitching School because pitching is something she enjoys as well as helping others. Teaching the subject you are trying to learn yourself also helps develops girls as pitchers.

Molly's favorite subject is science, and she is still deciding which colleges she will apply for. If she could have given her younger self some advice, it would be to not be afraid to pitch and understand that she would not struggle as much as I thought I would. Her favorite player is Jenny Finch because she was always her role model when younger and just beginning to pitch.

1. See if you like Practice Pro. Try one of these.

• Attend a Pitching School intro class. New for the 2018 season, intro classes will be required to attend before you join pitching school. You'll see what's involved, learn pitching skills, and get feedback on the main things you need to both keep and improve.

• Come to a 30 minute summer pitching lesson. Meet Abby and learn a few basics.

• Join us for a summer pitching clinic. Practice Pro led clinics are all finished for this summer, but book one for you team! We'll come out and get you ready for fall ball.

Pitching school confirmatio email

1) You will recieve your class assignment by Friday, September 21st, 2018 via email.

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• 2) Remember (in the FAQ's), we ask that a parent come to catch and learn with her daughter. The best pitchers have involved parents! If you physically cannot catch, a sibling or team catcher will do.

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• 2) Dates and locations are subject to change at which time you will be notified via the email you provided.

Private Pitching Lessons 2018

May 22 - August 22
30 Minutes, $40
Oak Park: Tuesdays
Chicago: Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
Park Ridge: Thursdays

*Times and dates subject to change.
*All lessons taught by Abby Hanrahan.
*All private lessons end in August when Pitching School begins.
*All lessons must be used this summer - by September 15th. No refunds or credits. No transfers to pitching school or clinics.
 

If you would like to be considered for any open spots register below and I will contact you within 12 hours. If I cannot find a spot for your daughter I will refund your money. Thank you!

When registering you must select THREE DIFFERENT class times in order of preference. On Friday, September 15th I will notify you which class your daughter is assigned to. She will be assigned based on age, ability level, experience with the Practice Pro program, and your time preference. 

Please be as open as possible with your requests. If you are available for more than three class times please note in the comment box on the registration form.

If you are registering siblings, you will be prompted to fill out a registration form as you place it in your "cart." You will need to fill out two registration forms, one for each sibling. When you check out you make one payment for everything in your cart.  Siblings might not be placed in the same class but I try to make it as easy as possible for you to get your pitchers to lessons.

How does registration work?

When you register you must request three class times that you and your daughter would be able to attend. On September 15th, 2017 you will receive an email notification of your class assignment.  They are divided based on age, ability, and requested times in order to create the best learning environment. 

Cost

Off Season $495
Off Season + Pre Season $940

Siblings Off Season  $940
Siblings Off Season + Pre Season $1775

Parent Participation

Catchers required for each class, preferably a parent. If a parent physically can't for their daughter, than sibling or team catcher will do!
Why do I ask that parents come? Click HERE to find out.

Chicago
BASH Academy
2617 W. Fletcher
Saturdays
9:00 a.m.
October 7, 14, 21, 28
November 4, 11, 18, 25
December 2, 9

Sundays
5 p.m., 6:15 p.m.
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
November 5, 12, 19, 26
December 3

Chicago
ESAA Thunder Facility
5555 N. Lynch
Mondays
6 p.m., 7:15 p.m.
October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
November 6, 13, 20, 27
December 4

Monday, July 19 & Tuesday, July 20
3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Bradley Sports Center, Chicago

When you register you must choose THREE different classes you'd be able to attend. After all of the registrations are collected on September 12th, I assign classes based on your requests, player age level, ability level, and experience with the program.

Dates in bold: Holidays -  We will have class on Columbus Day, Thanksgiving weekend, Halloween, Veteran's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Valentines Day, and President's Day. 

*Day & date change due to facility not being available.
*All dates & locations subject to change.

Oak Park
Holmes Elementary
508 N. Kenilworth Ave.
Sundays
8:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10: 45 a.m.
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
November 5, 12, 19, 26*
December 3

Thursdays
5 p.m., 6:15 p.m, 7:30 p.m.
October 5, 12, 19, 26
November 2, 9, 16, 21, 30  
December 7

Harwood Heights
Union Ridge Elementary
4600 N. Oak Park
Wednesdays
5 p.m., 6:15 p.m.
October 4, 11, 18, 25  
November 1, 8, 15, 20*, 29  
December 6

Lead Instructor: Abby Hanrahan
Mechanics clinic is for all ages.  Players will be divided based on age and experience level.
*Clinic is a two-day event and may not be purchased separately.
 

You have been given the option to purchase both sessions at a discount. Because pre season session days are tentative, you many decide you can't attend once they are announced. If this happens, you will be allowed a refund of 50% of your original payment.  You must first complete the off season session, then email abby@practice-pro.com by December 26th, 2017.  Refunds or prorated amounts will not be given after this date.  Permanent dates and locations will be announced at the beginning of December, 2017. 

Is Pitching School for me?

All ages and experience-levels are encouraged to sign up.  Each class will be divided into skill level, so there is both comfort and accelerated learning that can take place. Just sign up and I will place you in the appropriate class. Preparation = Performance. 

Do you need to learn stride, arm circle, and body coordination? Is this your first year pitching and you've never really tried it before? This is for you!

Do you need to improve your mechanics like posture, arm speed, and leg drive? Are you an experienced pitcher but haven't had any formal instruction? If you are proficient at coordination and mechanics are your focus, this is for you!

Do you need to learn additional movement pitches? Do you need to perfect your mechanics? Have you had consistent formal instruction for a number of years? Would you benefit from improving your mental game? Would you like to play in college? If yes, Pitching School is for you!

Do you need to perfect your mental game? Would your pitches benefit from later break? Are you in search of innovative and competitive workouts to push you to the next level of your game? Are you in the process of finding a college to attend?  If you are, then Pitching School is for you!

Players will develop or perfect their pitching mechanics to develop a repetitive, safe motion: 

Five Basic Fundamentals: Essentials every pitcher needs to work on throughout her career.
Mechanics for Accuracy: Create perfect alignment and grove release point.
Creating Power: Understanding the lower body.
Change of Speed: Key for controlling the batter at any age.
Drills and Tools: Develop "feel" and learn how to practice at home.
Mechanics for a Safe Motion: Have a long career with a reduced risk of injury.

Pitchers WILL physically be able to complete 3 hours of clinics in one day due to the high amount of technique education and reasonable pitch count.  No catchers necessary.

*6:1 Maximum Student/Instructor Ratio

*All participants receive a Practice Pro headband, in-session video analysis, written instructor evaluation, and supplementary study materials.