Crystal Lake is about 69 minutes from our Naperville facility, a bit over an hour each way. For families that far out, the smartest way to train with Coach Cinz usually starts at home. Online Baseball Lessons in Crystal Lake, IL give players one-on-one coaching without the weekly drive, with trips to Naperville saved for the sessions that need to be in person.
You can explore every remote option on our online baseball lessons and swing analysis page.
Online Baseball Lessons in Crystal Lake, IL: three ways to start
- Zoom Lesson ($65, 30 minutes): live, one-on-one coaching over video, starting with a short consultation. Hitting, pitching, fielding and catching all work.
- Video Analysis ($35): submit a video of a skill and get drills back.
- Full Scouting Analysis ($390, 3 hours): an in-depth evaluation of hitting, pitching, fielding and base running, with a detailed report.
Coach Cinz teaches through movements, mechanics and timing, and he explains the “why” behind every change. That clarity matters online, where the player carries the drills forward alone.
A common path for Crystal Lake athletes is to begin with a Zoom Lesson so Coach Cinz can see how the player moves, then send short clips through Video Analysis every week or two. Players preparing for a big season, or families who want a full picture of strengths and gaps, may choose the Full Scouting Analysis. Whichever route you take, the plan is built around the athlete’s own goals rather than a one-size-fits-all program, and it can change as the player grows.
Do online lessons work as well as in-person training?
For many skills, online coaching works well, especially mechanics you can see on video. Some work, like live pitching off a mound or a hands-on assessment, is better in person. That is why we suggest occasional trips to The Play & Thrive Club Naperville for a Personal Assessment ($195) or a 1.5-hour clinic, then online work in between.
Crystal Lake is north of Naperville in McHenry County, roughly 39 miles away. We also work with families in nearby Algonquin and players from Huntley.
Setting up for a Zoom session at home
- Find a safe space with room to swing or throw into a net.
- Place the phone or laptop so the full body is in frame.
- Have a parent or teammate nearby to adjust the camera.
- Keep a notebook for drills and cues.
Coach Cinz has over 25 years in baseball, including five years before the pandemic as an instructor with the Chicago White Sox organization. He holds 4.9 stars from 66 Google reviews.
The first step is free. Answer goal questions on the Benchmark Step 1 form, and Coach Cinz replies within 48 hours with times to measure your athlete’s metrics. To compare formats, see our guide to online lessons and video analysis.
Crystal Lake families ask
Do Crystal Lake players ever need to come to Naperville?
Occasionally. Most training can happen through Zoom Lessons and Video Analysis, but a trip of about 69 minutes to Naperville is worthwhile for a Personal Assessment, a clinic or live mound work. Many Crystal Lake families plan those visits every so often and train online in between.
What equipment does a Crystal Lake athlete need for a Zoom Lesson?
A phone, tablet or laptop with a camera, enough space to swing or throw safely into a net, and the athlete's usual gear. A helper to adjust the camera is useful. Coach Cinz starts with a short consultation so he understands the setup and goals.
