About The Camp
Are you ready to elevate your game to the next level? The Summer Skills Camp, powered by Bethel University is designed to refine and strengthen your defensive abilities, with a focus on precision, mechanics, and mindset. This camp will also provide expert instruction to help you develop elite-level skills both in the batters box and on the field. Each session emphasizes proven techniques used by top-level players, ensuring you leave with the tools to excel in every situation.
Bethel has led the M.I.A.C. in fielding percentage in each of the last three seasons and finished #1 in the nation for fewest errors and #2 in fieldling percentage for 2024. Head coach Brian Raabe, along with assistant coach Chad Richards and Lovdahl Pitching Academy founder Erik Lovdahl, will take players through the routines and techniques used by one of the top Division III teams in the Midwest.
Each day will conclude with a coach-pitch game to showcase the defensive skills we have been working on. During this time, coaches will also be evaluating each player’s hitting and base running skills and giving feedback.
Hitting
Hitters will receive focused instruction on the core fundamentals of a successful swing. Clinicians will guide athletes through a variety of drills and progressions designed to build proper mechanics, timing, and confidence at the plate. Instruction will include:
- Tee Work – Emphasizing swing path, balance, and consistency through controlled reps.
- Front Toss – Developing rhythm, timing, and hand-eye coordination in a live setting.
- Machine Work – Training to recognize pitch speed and location while reinforcing solid contact.
- Bunting – Learning proper technique, bat control, and situational awareness for team success.
Pitching
Pitchers will receive intensive training to enhance control, mechanics, and defensive awareness. Our pitching program covers:
- Partner Pitching and Flat Ground Work: Improve consistency and feel through focused practice.
- Windup, Stretch, and Pickoff Program: Refine your delivery and learn to control the running game.
- PFP (Pitcher’s Fielding Practice) and Fireball Defense: Become a complete defensive pitcher with elite fielding skills.
- Power Pitching and Bullpens: Boost your velocity and command through structured bullpen sessions.
- Cool Down and Mental Talks: Learn to recover and build a strong, focused mindset.
Throwing Program
Our throwing sessions focus on developing arm strength, care, and accuracy through specialized routines and drills. Key areas include:
- Arm Care and Strengthening Routine: Build durability and resilience for long-term success.
- In-Depth Mechanics Throwing Program: Master the proper mechanics for consistent, powerful throws.
- Pro-Style Long Toss: Develop arm strength and range with professional long-toss techniques.
- Drills for Arm Accuracy: Hone your precision to make every throw count.
Outfield
Outfielders will enhance their tracking, throwing, and positioning skills to become reliable defensive assets. Focus areas include:
- Ready Position Setup: Start every play with optimal positioning and focus.
- Ball Tracking Drills: Improve your ability to read and track fly balls with precision.
- Elongated Throwing Motion: Develop power and distance in your throws.
- Momentum Throwing: Learn to generate maximum strength and accuracy through momentum.
- Fly Ball and Ground Ball Routine: Master fielding techniques for various plays.
- Throws to Cuts and Bases: Deliver accurate throws to relay men and bases to stop runners in their tracks.
Infield
Infielders will work on the fundamentals and advanced techniques essential for stellar defense. Focus areas include:
- Daily Infield Routine: Develop consistency and sharpness through structured daily drills.
- Pre-Pitch Routine: Stay ready and responsive on every pitch.
- Correct Footwork and Follow-Through: Master movement patterns to improve fielding efficiency.
- Proper Fielding Mechanics: Learn the foundational techniques for clean, reliable fielding.
- Arm Slot Throwing for Each Position: Tailor your throwing technique based on position-specific needs.
- Throwing on the Run and Wrong-Foot Plays: Handle tough plays with confidence and precision.
- Double Play Feed and Turn Mechanics: Execute smooth and efficient double plays.
- Backhands and Step-Backs: Make difficult plays look routine with advanced skills.
Camp Clinicians
Brian Rabbe
The 2025 season will mark Coach Raabe’s 15th season at Bethel. In that time, he has led the Royals to a 324-174 record, including 4 NCAA DIII tournament appearances. He is a 2-time MIAC coach of the year and under coach Raabe the Royals have been in the national top 10 in fielding six times, including the second highest FLD% in NCAA DIII history in 2017.
Chad Richards
Chad joined the Royals as an Assistant Coach and Director of Operations in the summer of 2022. Coach Richards has over 20 years of experience coaching baseball including travel ball, high school and college. Chad was an assistant coach for 2018 state champion Heritage Christian Academy as well as an assistant for Bethel’s MIAC Playoff Titles in 2023 and 2024.
Erik Lovdahl
Erik, owner of Lovdahl Pitching Academy, serves as LPA’s Player Development Director. Erik has spent almost 20 years working with the Minnesota Twins as their Youth Player Development Director and batting practice pitcher as well as field staff for rehab and Target Field events. Erik’s impressive career, includes serving as MYAS-Rising Stars Camp Director and as a Pitching consultant locally and nationally.
Camp Details
Dates: June 8th-11th, 2026 (Monday-Thursday)
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location:
Hargis Park – Bethel University
3900 Bethel Dr
Arden Hills, MN 55112
Age Level: 9u-14u
Cost: $290
*Note: If there are any weather issues, camp will be moved indoors to the Bethel Sports & Recreation Center.
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