Kinetic Performance Institute (KPI), located in Morgan Hill, California, is a premier baseball and softball training facility dedicated to equipping athletes with the tools they need to perform at their best. Through comprehensive training programs, player assessments, and arm care routines, KPI ensures players are prepared for peak performance. Committed to staying at the forefront of technology, KPI provides athletes with access to the same advanced tools used by the pros. As a proud HitTrax customer for over four years, the facility utilizes the system extensively for both hitting and catching.
Recently, we had the opportunity to sit down with Coach Daniel Cabuling to discuss how KPI integrates HitTrax into their softball training programs.
When a new softball player joins your facility, what are the first steps?
“When a player comes in, they immediately begin with a physical assessment. We test their joint mobility and stability, then use our advanced technology to take a comprehensive look at each athlete. With HitTrax, we capture their batted ball data and video to build out an individualized plan to help them develop as a hitter.”
What happens after the initial assessments?
“We want our athletes to take an active role in their own development, so after we have built out their plan, we walk them through each exercise or drill, with the goal being they understand what and why behind their training. We gather data each time they come in. We then use that information to build out their next program, ensure their previous programming was effective and show them progress to build confidence and motivation to continue training.”
What does the KPI athlete development experience look like?
“Each athlete at KPI receives a personalized training experience in a small group environment. Based on their assessments, we develop a tailored four-week program that is updated and adjusted after completion. These programs include individualized workouts for hitting, pitching, strength and speed. Our approach ensures every athlete is working on what they need to improve most. We run a small group environment which enables the right amount of 1 on 1 attention and comradery of training around other motivated athletes.”
How does HitTrax play a role in KPI’s player development?
“HitTrax is a cornerstone of our training, and we use it every time an athlete comes in. The data—such as exit velocity, distance, hard-hit average, and line drive percentage—guides our drills and workouts, ensuring measurable improvement over time. We also compare videos from the athlete’s initial assessments to their latest sessions to track mechanical progress.
Our coaches excel at translating HitTrax data into actionable steps for players. Athletes not only gain insight into their mechanics but also learn how to make meaningful changes that enhance their performance on the field.
We’ve also taken a unique approach to small group training by grouping players based on HitTrax metrics rather than age. For example, we have 12u players who have high school level numbers so we group them with athletes of the same skill level and challenge them to improve. Each coach works with no more than three players per section, taking detailed notes that are logged into an internal tracking system for coaches to review later.”
What other HitTrax features do you use?
“We’ve divided our cages into specialized training zones: cage one is for bat drills, cage two focuses on movement drills, and cage three is for competition. In the competition cage, players engage in a game-like environment to challenge the mechanical changes we want them to use. This allows us to see if they “Fall back” to old habits and gives coaches the opportunity to speak about strategies to adjust so they can learn to do it on their own. This helps them simulate real game scenarios, practice hitting different pitch locations and speeds, and build confidence through gameplay.”
Why is HitTrax a game changer for KPI?
“HitTrax has transformed the way we train. It empowers athletes to take ownership of their development by visualizing their progress through data and video. The system not only provides insights into form and mechanics but also helps players make adjustments that directly translate to better performance on the field. It’s a tool that fosters growth and makes a real difference in how our athletes play.”
KPI’s innovative approach, combined with their expert use of HitTrax, continues to set the standard for elite baseball and softball training, helping athletes reach their full potential.
