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WILL GILBERT, Oakland Athletics
Training with Dan Kopitzke has been paramount to my success as a baseball player. I began training at the K-Zone in the summer of 2009. Many things have changed at the K-Zone over the last 9 years. It has moved locations twice. It has been rearranged and reconfigured countless times. The weight lifting and throwing programs have been altered and improved many times over. Athletes have come and gone. The constants have been the passion that drives Dan Kopitzke to become a better coach and the competitive spirit of the athletes. Dan has created an environment where the players can objectively evaluate their performance with cutting-edge baseball technologies (i.e. Hittrax, Motus Sleeve, Velocity-Based Training, Rapsodo, etc.). The players compete in weight lifting, movement quality, throwing velocity, pitch development, and hitting in an effort to improve their skills as baseball players. Dan is passionate about providing all the resources necessary for the players to reach their full potential. It's an atmosphere that breeds better players and better people.
While training with Dan, I have grown from a 100-lb JV high school baseball player to a 4-year player at NC State and then a Minor Leaguer with Oakland Athletics. My plan is to continue training at the K-Zone until I make it to the Big Leagues. I have no doubt that Dan is up to the task of helping me (and everyone who is willing to put forth the effort) make it there. |
TYLER DAVIS, Texas Rangers
I started training with Dan after my 2016 professional season. I was a transplant from the west coast and researched about a few places in the Raleigh area. I wanted a place that would help push me to try new things, get myself out of my comfort zone, and have a group of guys that were willing to compete with and against each other, even if we weren’t from the same college or professional organization. A place that has a sense of community, where I would be able to go in every day and talk with others about what works for them, or what they’ve been trying and seeing results with. I saw all of this at K Zone with Dan and I knew it was the perfect fit for me.
Dan has helped me to grow as a professional because it has helped me to have a better understanding of how my body works best as a baseball player, as well as collecting data about how I perform to optimize my skill set on the field of play. This is not a place for those who want to just come in and go through the motions. It’s a place where people who truly desire to improve every day will thrive. If this person is you, then working with Dan Kopitzke is the right thing for you to do. |
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BRIGHTON HUDSON, U of Mount Olive
The past two Summers with Dan Kopitzke have changed my baseball career astronomically. While having had success with baseball prior to starting the training process with Dan I was at what felt like my limit of potential for the knowledge I had at the time. That was not the case. From day one I was evaluated and my limits began to be pushed and tested each and everyday. Within one Summer I went from being a “Soft Lefty (82-84)” into a legitimate “Upper 80’s LHP” even touching my first 90-91’s. None of this would of been possible without Coach Dan. From the throwing and lifting protocols, to the video analysis, and to the competitive environment driven by Coach Dan and the other athletes who are serious about taking their game to a new level.
This training protocol is unmatched by any other facility I've ever been too or heard of and I wouldn’t trade the past two Summers training with him for anything. Some of the guys I trained with are now some of my best friends to this day and its all because of K-Zone. Thank you for everything, Coach Dan. I wouldn’t be the person or baseball player I am today without you. |
TRENT FENNELL, Barton College
I began training with Dan following my sophomore season in college. It has changed my life as a baseball player. Because of Coach Dan and his program, I have increased my velocity and movement quality, I have become stronger, more powerful, more knowledgeable, and an all-around better pitcher. Looking back, I am so glad I made the decision to train at K-Zone. I am currently a senior and plan to continue playing baseball after my collegiate career is over. Without coach Dan this would not be achievable. During the off season when I am training with Dan I look forward to going in every day. It is a competitive environment with athletes who want to get better. Coach Dan is very knowledgeable and has the best equipment out there. I cannot thank Coach Dan enough for everything he has done for me. I would strongly recommend.
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CHRIS RODRIGUEZ, Wright State University
Holly Springs Salamanders 
"I would like to thank Coach Dan Kopitzke for his teachings. He has helped and demonstrated what it takes to train at a high level with the newest technology in the game. The atmosphere that K-Zone provides is a competitive, fun, family environment that has drawn the best out of me and players I have trained with. He understands how to get the most out of players physically and mentally. You are able to measure and evaluate performance daily with the throwing, lifting, and movement programs provided. During my time in this program I was able to see increases in velocity, strength, power, movement on pitches, and am a better overall athlete because of it. It is an investment that I encourage players of all ages that are serious about their baseball careers to make. I am forever thankful for Dan as a coach, but more importantly a friend and look forward to what the future holds." |
DAMIAN HENDERSON, Salt Lake CC
Dan Kopitzke has been the cornerstone in developing me as a baseball player! I started training with Coach Dan at the age of 13 at a small, cinderblock building that I’ll never forget. I was a chunky un-athletic 13 year old with only two things going for me; a slightly above average arm, and a hunger to become great. I wasn’t a very good hitter at all, and to be honest, that’s really what I wanted to do in baseball. We worked together day in and day out, 24/7, for 6 years - me giving it my all, Coach Dan putting in countless hours of research to understand how best to teach and train the athletes. We worked on becoming more explosive, developing efficient movement patterns, becoming repeatable, becoming stronger... You name it, we worked on it.
I went from hitting a ball 74 MPH off of live pitch to consistently hitting 105+ MPH in the air, with the occasional 110+MPH line drive. He shaped me into the ball player I am today and that is why K-zone is the best place to become better - Coach Dan. The man, the legend......... |
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GRIFFIN BAKER, Belmont Abbey
After getting a lot of innings as a true freshman Belmont Abbey in 2017, I got a great first taste of high level college baseball. I also realized that to achieve my sophomore goal of becoming a fixture in our 2018 starting rotation, I had to get much better in the offseason. I worked with Coach Dan several years ago as I was rehabbing through a shoulder injury and knew firsthand that he had a great reputation of getting the best out of his students. When I first stepped back into the K-Zone last summer, I knew this is where I had to be to achieve my sophomore goals. It was great to compete with other similarly minded pitchers who were also extremely dedicated to improving all aspects of their pitching performance. The improvements made in the K-Zone are measurable and repeatable. And Coach Dan is a master motivator. He constantly challenges you to not only perform better but to also think about pitching better and demand the best from yourself.
After a summer in the K-Zone, I entered fall practice a noticeably better pitcher. My coaches and teammates praised the significant increase in my arm strength. My fastball velocity had gone up substantially over my freshman year numbers and by the time we started our intrasquads in October, I had pushed my top end fastball velo to 90 from a previous 82 during my freshman year. This also made my other pitches significantly more effective. Though I missed the second half of fall practice due to an injury, I had shown more than enough improvement to earn my goal of a regular spot in our starting rotation in what has been a historically good season for us this spring. There is no doubt that my time with Coach Dan and the K-Zone played a critical role in achieving this goal. Heading into my junior year, I know my baseball goals and expectations for my junior season will be much more aggressive and ambitious than last summer. Needless to say, I will be back in the K-Zone this summer working hard again with Coach Dan and the guys. |
CHRIS PERRY, RHP, A St. Louis Cardinals
"Working out at the K Zone Academy with Dan Kopitzke has been an absolutely beneficial experience to my professional baseball career.
Dan provides highly athletic workout programs specifically tailored to each individuals personal physical assessments. My first day at the academy; areas of weakness in my functional strength were evaluated and corrective exercises were provided to help me fix these weaknesses. My workout program was then created specifically designed to improve my physical capabilities on the field. The high intensity, core targeted workouts improved my athleticism immediately. I noticed greater core strength, speed, agility, mobility, and gained overall muscle with a month of hard work at the K-Zone Academy. I've also gained new insight of the true bio mechanics of throwing a baseball. Video technology, deceleration drills, weighted balls, and the concept of staying connected helped me understand and fine-tune my pitching mechanics. Dan provides workout programs and mechanical evaluations that many professional baseball teams have yet to discover. Every hour spent with Dan has directly benefited to gained velocity and mechanical efficiency on the mound." |
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SETH BEARD, Methodist University
Training at K-Zone Academy has been the best baseball decision I’ve ever made. When I first started in the summer of 2016 I was upper 80s to low 90s. After evaluating my weakness and coming up with a plan that would increase my strength, power, and becoming a more efficient mover I entered the fall sitting at 92-94 topping 95. After the fall I returned and worked my butt off getting ready for the spring. When returning to school in spring I tore my UCL within the first game. Coach dan was there for me through the recovery process and helped me come back even stronger and ultimately compete back in a game in under 11 months. I will continue to train at K-zone and strive to play past college and ultimately playing in the majors. I couldn’t thank Coach Dan enough and the friends I’ve made there are some of my best friends to this day. He truly knows what he is preaching and gets results.
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DANIEL KURTZER, Denison University
"Training at K-zone is one of the best decisions I’ve made as a baseball player. Coach Dan’s expertise working with pitchers combined with cutting edge equipment, my experience at K-Zone has been second to none. By taking an analytical approach to all aspects of training, Coach Dan has cultivated an environment where daily improvement is not only possible but easily measurable. Throughout my time at K-Zone I’ve seen substantial gains in strength, power, and movement quality that have all translated towards my development into a healthier and more effective pitcher. I highly recommend that any process oriented pitcher interested in developing their skills in a competitive environment alongside top athletes in the game train at the K-Zone. Thank you Coach Dan for all the help and guidance over the last few years. I look forward to translating all the skills and knowledge I’ve acquired to the mound this season."
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CORY HARRILCHAK, Atlanta Braves,
Miami Marlins 
"I would like to thank Dan Kopitzke for allowing me to Train at the K-Zone Academy for most of my professional career. In my opinion Dan (the K-Zone Academy) is the premier training facility in the region. The K-Zone combines new age technology with an old school, work hard to get results philosophy. Many instructors rely on what they can see to help players improve. At the K-Zone everything is recorded so players have concrete data to show how they are improving when it comes to throwing velocity and ball exit speed.
I believe the K-Zone Academy is the best place to improve your baseball skills in part because of how thorough Dan is when it comes to Athletic Training. I can personally attest to the fact that he creates the workouts based on each players individual needs. He identifies where mobility deficiencies are while helping players to address and improve those areas - translating to increased athletic ability and a higher ceiling for development. If you are serious about playing baseball at a high level I recommend checking out the K-Zone Academy. The amount of skilled players that work out there help to push you to new heights with a positive and competitive vibe. " |
ANDREW WANTZ, UNCG
"The K-Zone has really helped me to develop into a Division I college baseball player.
Dan Kopitzke is extremely knowledgable in the physical as well as the mental aspects of the game of baseball. He has prepared me by constantly challenging me to always strive to improve and push myself to be the best I can be. His conditioning programs not only strengthen the whole body, but also help with the prevention of injuries. His energy and desire to help athletes is second to none. I can't thank Dan enough for what he has done for me. " Dan,
I really cannot thank you enough for your help this summer. I told my parents a few months back when I started that this was the hardest but most rewarding decision of my career thus far because I didn’t want to leave functional training. That statement stayed true. I appreciate you pushing me to my limits and challenging me to be the best. I also wanted to thank you for the greatest assets I gained this summer which are, mental toughness, competitive spirit, and confidence. Finally I wanted to thank you for the plyos and training tools, you didn’t have to do that but you did. I guess that really does make you a NICE GUY!! Have a great Fall, C |
"We cannot be more excited to partner with K-Zone and put some of the sharpest minds in the game to work improving pitching performance and reducing their injury risk."
"From our first meeting it was apparent that Dan has an in-depth understanding of baseball analytics and, more importantly, the skill set to effectively translate that data into performance enhancing instruction to each of his players.
Utilizing this unique talent, Dan has been instrumental in the continued development of the HitTrax System as he has not only helped define key metrics but he has also conceived new concepts that undoubtedly add value to the system on multiple levels – heightening instruction while at the same time providing a competitive and fun experience for his players."
I am proud to say that our association with Dan Kopitzke and the K-Zone Academy extends well beyond the typical manufacturer/customer relationship. We are truly proud to call Dan a valued member of our company."
"Dan – I appreciate your dedication to your teaching and your very obvious dedication to your students. They are indeed very fortunate to have you. I am glad to finally get to see your fantastic facility. It is indeed a Jedi training heaven. Thank you for being a big part of our dream of a network of great facilities that test/train/improve players of all levels."
"I first met Dan in Houston at the Texas Baseball Ranch, so I had a good idea he was a “think outside the box” kind of guy. Even with these expectations, Dan surprised me with the amount of innovation he incorporates into the K-Zone workout program. From the creative variations using the exercise bands on his player’s hands and feet to the innovative arm care exercises his players performed, it is without question that his students were thoroughly warmed up and prepared to throw by the time a baseball was picked up. Dan’s ability to make every activity a challenging and competitive while recording performance makes K-Zone Academy a great place to train. Players are able to constantly push themselves and break records thereby becoming better athletes. The environment, detailed measuring/recording systems, and superior throwing and training drills allow athletes at the K-Zone to make size-able gains in their baseball abilities." |
"I travel and speak all over the country. I consult for numerous Academies, MLB organizations, DI programs and literally hundreds of High School, Jr College and DI, DII and DIII Universities. I have been invited to Spring Trainings, had many of my athletes drafted and reach the 90mph plateau. You could say I see it ALL. The good, the bad and the ugly.
Dan Kopitzke and the K-Zone in Apex NC..is in the top 5% of all that I see in the USA in pitching instruction. Bottom line....Dan 'gets it- He understands the connection between athleticism, mechanical efficiency, mobility, flexibility, functional & skill specific strength, scapular health and strength balance...and nutrition/rest/recovery...and how it relates to enhancing or improving the performance of those in his charge. The ultimate compliment I can ever give an instructor is 1) to invite him to assist me at the Texas Baseball Ranch in our Elite Pitchers Boot Camps and 2) That if I lived in the area...my son would train there if I was away. Both are true of Dan. There are less than 20 people in the world I would allow to actually train my son. One is Brent Strom the special pitching coordinator for the St. Louis Cardinals, one is Flint Wallace the former pitching Coach at TCU and current pitching coach for JC powerhouse Weatherford College...and one is Dan Kopitzke. So Dan may not be in a class by himself...but it sure doesn't take long to call roll. On top of Dan's skills, the K-Zone and Dan are lucky to have such wonderful support as the beautiful and gracious Natalie. Her warmth and sincere desire to help and support the process was almost as impressive as Dan's teaching skills. Together they make a great team. In today's uncertain society, full of contradictions and irresponsibility, it is very important to surround your young man with good solid people. Possibly nothing could be more important than that. Dan & Natalie are wonderful in that regard. I highly reccomend, Dan, Natalie and the K-Zone."
"I have seen the program at K-Zone first hand and I am thoroughly impressed. Dan is a true teacher and he has developed a dynamic system for improving baseball ability. He is a leading authority on maintaining arm health, improving arm speed and efficiency, and increasing bat speed. If you are serious about training to gain an edge on your competition and to reach your full potential, I highly recommend the process that Dan will introduce to you at the K-Zone"
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"What beautiful successful life memories he will have because of you and the K-Zone." Javita Henderson
"I really appreciate that you are not only helping with baseball, but you’re helping him to become a better man as well. Thanks Dan."
"The difference you make to the students at K-Zone is a function of both your extensive expertise in developing baseball performance and in your authentic passion for helping these young men go beyond the limits of what they think they can do. Than you for all the work you had to do to develop it in yourself and they for sharing it."
"You have an outstanding program that is unmatched from what we have both seen and experienced. Reid is so much stronger and sure of himself, we couldn't thank you enough for his improvement and the work ethic that you seem to instill in these young men - pure magic!"
"K-Zone is not just a baseball training facility; we consider it our home away from home. It's nice to see the players get better at baseball, but even more important to see them become better young men."
"What I appreciate the most is your efficient and direct approach, while it allows the players to exceed, it only does so if they have earned it."
"You have proven to me over and over that the amount of knowledge you have is far more that I have ever seen."
"I am sure we that I don't say it enough but we appreciate your kindness, support, and commitment..."
"Kevin has improved his flexibility big time and gotten very physically strong, but the part that I'm most impressed with in the program is how he has grown mentally."
"He's gone from fairly average to one of the best players on his team in the last 8 weeks..."
"I sure wish Dr. Dan was around when I was younger..."
"His confidence at the plate is enormous; it has made a huge difference in David's whole approach..."
"I really appreciate that you are not only helping with baseball, but you’re helping him to become a better man as well. Thanks Dan."
"The difference you make to the students at K-Zone is a function of both your extensive expertise in developing baseball performance and in your authentic passion for helping these young men go beyond the limits of what they think they can do. Than you for all the work you had to do to develop it in yourself and they for sharing it."
"You have an outstanding program that is unmatched from what we have both seen and experienced. Reid is so much stronger and sure of himself, we couldn't thank you enough for his improvement and the work ethic that you seem to instill in these young men - pure magic!"
"K-Zone is not just a baseball training facility; we consider it our home away from home. It's nice to see the players get better at baseball, but even more important to see them become better young men."
"What I appreciate the most is your efficient and direct approach, while it allows the players to exceed, it only does so if they have earned it."
"You have proven to me over and over that the amount of knowledge you have is far more that I have ever seen."
"I am sure we that I don't say it enough but we appreciate your kindness, support, and commitment..."
"Kevin has improved his flexibility big time and gotten very physically strong, but the part that I'm most impressed with in the program is how he has grown mentally."
"He's gone from fairly average to one of the best players on his team in the last 8 weeks..."
"I sure wish Dr. Dan was around when I was younger..."
"His confidence at the plate is enormous; it has made a huge difference in David's whole approach..."