About The Sports Farm
The Sports Farm Mission Statement
At The Sports Farm, our mission is to cultivate young athletes' skills, character, and love for sports through innovative training programs and a supportive community. We strive to provide top-tier facilities, experienced coaching, and a positive environment that fosters growth, teamwork, and a lifelong passion for athletic excellence. Our goal is to empower every athlete to reach their full potential both on and off the field.
What we do at The Sports Farm - Elite Sports Training
Individualization
The human body is highly complex, and each person's bony anatomy is inherently unique. Range of movement stems from the independent interactions of bones, with their initial positions shaped by breathing strategies. There is not a universal optimal range of motion that each athlete should shoot for. Rather, learn how to leverage your unique superpowers that are specific to your configuration.
Training
Are you ready to boost your rotational power, increase your sprint speed, and add mass? At The Sports Farm, we meticulously design training program to align with your sport-specific goals. Our experienced coaches deliver personalized and comprehensive training protocols, including foundational packages that integrate daily mobility exercises, strength training session, sprint work, and specialized pre-swing or pre-throw plans. Unleash your full potential with our tailored approach to athletic excellence.
Assessments
Achieving peak performance begins with a comprehensive assessment to evaluate your current abilities compared to future aspirations. How does your unique movement profile and force signature influence your performance on the field? Through our detailed evaluation, we discover your range of movement options, analyze downforce production, and assess the speed and magnitude of force applied into the ground. Our assessment contains both qualitative and quantitative elements, mirroring the nuanced nature of human movement itself.
Team
Darren Ford - Former MLB player
Professional Information: A former Major League outfielder known for his elite speed and dynamic athleticism, Darren Ford brings years of professional playing experience and a passion for teaching to The Sports Farm. Nicknamed “The Bullet” for his electrifying baserunning, Darren spent parts of four seasons in the big leagues with the San Francisco Giants, where he was a key contributor during their 2010 World Series championship run.
Drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2004, Darren enjoyed a 15-year professional career that included time at every level of the minor leagues, showcasing his skills as a premier center fielder and base-stealer. Over his career, he totaled more than 350 stolen bases and earned multiple accolades for his defensive excellence and leadership.
After transitioning into coaching, Darren made an immediate impact, leading his team in the Empire Professional Baseball League (EPBL) to a league championship in 2024. His leadership and player development skills were key in helping several players advance their careers to higher levels of professional baseball.
As an instructor, Darren specializes in outfield play, baserunning, hitting, and overall player development. His approach emphasizes speed training, game awareness, and helping players build the instincts and confidence needed to compete at the highest levels. Darren’s experience, energy, and commitment to mentorship make him an invaluable asset to young athletes striving to reach their potential.
Book a lesson with Darren: BOOK
Lucas Harrell - Former MLB player
Former MLB Pitcher | Pitching Coach & Mentor | Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (2024)
I grew up in Springfield, Missouri, and was drafted out of high school in 2004 by the Chicago White Sox. After five years in the minor leagues, I made my MLB debut in 2010. Over the course of my career, I pitched for the White Sox, Astros (2011–2014), Braves, Rangers, and Blue Jays, as well as internationally in South Korea (2015) and with Team USA (2009, Europe).
Since retiring from professional baseball, I’ve dedicated my career to developing the next generation of athletes—working with high school and college pitchers and designing customized off-season training programs. In 2024, I was honored to be inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
Book a lesson with Darren: BOOK
Where we are located
Our facility is centrally located between Sarasota and Manatee counties in Lakewood Ranch, FL. Our primary focus is baseball strength training, and we have a baseball cages and a baseball cage dedicated to pitching at our baseball training facility.