Southwest Sports is a proud affiliate of the National Amateur Fall Baseball Federation
(NAFBF). Our programs offer a holistic approach to strengthening overall athletic
performance. We focus on building the Complete Athlete.
The following information provides you with a brief summary of our programs as well as the
order in which our athletes progress through the programs. Athletes progress through our
programs in a specific order designed to produce the quality athletes coaches seek for their
organizations.
STEP 1: Register with the NAFBF
All participants must register with the NAFBF to participate in Southwest Sports/NAFBF programs. This includes
players, coaches, volunteers, and umpires. Our programs are unmatched in quality. The only exception to the
registration requirement is the BASE Athlete Assessment (see below). More information about our programs can
be found in the description below.
To register now: CLICK HERE
STEP 2: Online Virtual Athlete Training
*First, register with the NAFBF
Get started today! This package provides you with (3) different programs designed to:
1) Build character and develop leadership attributes with our online learning program.
You will have access to a 12-week program that is designed to build character and
leadership values that are highly valued by college coaches. Southwest Sports will set the
foundation for your success in athletics and in life.
Each week provides you with (5) activities to complete. Each activity only takes 10-15 minutes
to complete. You can complete them online or download the Student Athlete Program app to your
device and get started today.
2) Test your athletic mindset with our athlete athletic mindset testing.
We've partnered with Sports Mentalytics to bring the cutting edge in sports psychology!
You'll have access to the same assessments used by elite athletes and organizations from
the high school, college, and professional level.
We'll test over 20 different areas of your athletic mindset! Preparation, competition,
and teamwork make up the main assessment categories. You will be provided with a
detailed report of your overall athletic mindset as an individual and as a team-member.
Once you have your assessment scores, you will be provided with feedback on how to improve
your athletic mindset. This will make you a better player and a better teammate.
3) Perform self-assessments and gain a better self-awareness of your current athletic abilities.
We've partnered with SkillShark to bring you the best self-assessment application around.
The goal is to get an honest assessment of your knowledge, skills, and abilities. Later, during the
on-field evaluation phase, you will be able to compare your assessment with assessments
conducted by our evaluators. This will help the athlete in developing a better self-awareness of
their knowledge, skills, and abilities.
To register for the Virtual Athlete Training CLICK HERE or REGISTER for
membership first (required).
Step 3: B.A.S.E. Assessment (On-Field Assessment)
*First register for your NAFBF membership.
*The B.A.S.E. athlete assessment is an overall athletic assessment that will benefit athletes from any sport.
Here you will complete the first part of the on-field assessment activities beginning with your
B.A.S.E. evaluation. B.A.S.E. stands for Biomechanics, Athleticism, Sequence, and Endurance.
B.A.S.E. was designed by Physicians, Physical Therapists, and Sports Industry Professionals.
B.A.S.E. is an assessment of your overall athletic condition. This evaluation is designed to provide
"essential feedback in order to help maintain athlete health, and to continue developing
athletic performance".
To register for a B.A.S.E. assessment: CLICK HERE or REGISTER for membership
first (required).
Step 4: On-Field Baseball Skills Assessment
By completing the on-field assessment, the athlete qualifies to participate in the Southwest
Sports College Baseball Prospect League or the Developmental League play. Play is dependent on
number of participants and athlete performance. All athletes must have also completed the Virtual
Athlete Training and B.A.S.E. Assessment.
You will participate in a thorough on-field assessment conducted by our trained personnel.
Areas that are assessed may include hitting, bunting, fielding (infield/outfield), speed, and skills
applicable to pitchers and catchers. Each of these categories will be explored more in-depth
during the assessment. Athletes will be provided a post-assessment evaluation packet that is
accessible and downloadable on-line. Athletes will be ranked in their position at the conclusion
of the assessment process and will be eligible to participate in the College Baseball Prospect
League (CBPL) or the Southwest Sports Developmental League.
To register for an on-field assessment: CLICK HERE or REGISTER for membership
first (required).
STEP 5: College Baseball Prospect League (CBPL)
*First register for NAFBF membership. Then complete all steps above
*The CBPL is dependent on player participation. If there is not enough participation, league play cannot proceed.
Compete against the top athletes in your region and from across the country.
The league plays all games between Sept. and Oct. after evaluations take place in late Aug. The league accepts only individual player registrations and teams are formed through a draft based on the on-field evaluation process.
DIVISIONS:
Major:
This division is designed to be a showcase for players who intend to play college baseball in the very near future. Players in this division will typically fall in grades 10th-12th; with any 10th graders typically have varsity experience.
Minor:
This division is designed for the travel level player who aspires to play college baseball in the future. Typically these players fall in grades 9th-10th with advanced 8th graders also accepted. Players in this division should have an above average skill set, and the desire needed to maintain a path toward a future in college baseball.
FIELDS:
The league strives to provide our players with a professional experience, and that includes playing at the finest facilities possible.
FORMAT:
Each division is made up of 5 teams and includes an evaluation, practice, and 12-15 regular season games. The league is built around balance. Teams typically play 2-3 games per week.
ROSTERS and PLAYING TIME:
All players must attend the Evaluation. After evaluations, if a player is selected, teams are formed through a draft in an effort to create a competitive balance. Players have the opportunity to participate with players from different schools from all over the region.
NAFBF believes that in order for players to improve they must play in every game, therefore rosters in the CBPL are relatively small. Hitters will get consistent at-bats and pitchers will get consistent innings without being over-used. Our policy is "fair playing time" which means that a player who has a good attitude, is committed, gives 100% effort, and is a good teammate, will EARN a similar amount as the rest of the players. It′s about great competition, getting better, showcasing your skills, and having some fun!
COACHES:
All of our coaches are non-parents. Our coaches are focused on teaching the finer points of the game and developing a fun and competitive atmosphere. All of our coaches are carefully selected and all share our vision.
COMMITMENT:
One of the most difficult adjustments you will have to make in the CBPL is the transition to college ball type of game, and the mental game. The game will move faster and you will be expected to adjust to that speed change quickly. More will be expected from you in terms of detail and understanding.
CBPL COVERAGE:
Unlike ANYTHING of its kind, CBPL scouts will cover all games, with all games being streamed LIVE with in-game tools, multi-media, player spotlights, top performers, game recaps, player and pitcher of the week, and more. The most unprecedented and in-depth player coverage available!
CBPL is a pioneer in using technology in amateur baseball. CBPL takes pride in helping our H.S. players, turn their dreams into reality. CBPL's impact, using technology, is evident across NCAA baseball field's around this country.
College Baseball Coaches value the opportunity to see the best of the best compete. The more chances they have, to evaluate a player, the more likely they will be to recruit them. Attending these short-season leagues, can be a crucial step in your recruiting process. CBPL is designed to be an alternative or additional opportunity to baseball showcases. Almost every college baseball coach will tell you, they prefer to see their potential players in games not showcases. Baseball is a team sport and not an individual activity, like wrestling.
If you are interested in participating in the CBPL you must be an NAFBF member and be registered to the Virtual Training, B.A.S.E., and On-Field Assessment. Once registered, contact your local affiliate to play.