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20-Pitch Fastball Control Bullpen

Purposeful reps • Defined workload • Clear next step

Foundation workout / Level 1

Build the simplest repeatable pitching skill first: throw a fastball through a broad strike-zone target with a balanced delivery and competitive intent.

20scored pitches

Fastballonly

10–15 minafter warm-up

Moderateintent

01Set up

02Throw 20

03Score it

01 / Start

Set the target before pitch 1.

Finish the normal warm-up, establish one broad target, and agree on how every pitch will be scored.

Before pitch 1

  • Complete the pitcher’s normal throwing and mound warm-up before counting pitches.
  • Use the middle two-thirds of the strike zone as the target.
  • Keep intent moderate. This is control work, not a velocity test.

Score every pitch as:

StrikeCrosses any part of the strike zone.

Competitive missStays close enough to threaten the zone and be received cleanly.

Noncompetitive missNever threatens the zone or the catcher’s receiving area.

Play Catch bullpen map with the middle two-thirds of the strike zone highlighted

Broad target: middle two-thirds of the strike zone

Coaching focus: The goal is not maximum velocity or perfect corner command. The goal is a repeatable delivery that produces competitive fastballs.

02 / Workout

Throw 20 scored pitches.

Reset between pitches and keep the session moving. Give one clear cue when needed.

Pitches 1–5

Stretch foundation

Delivery Stretch

  • Come set under control.
  • Move toward the plate and finish.

Pitches 6–10

Windup foundation

Delivery Windup

  • Keep the same broad target.
  • Compare direction and timing.

Pitches 11–15

Repeatability

Delivery Alternate stretch / windup

  • Change delivery every pitch.
  • Note changes in timing, direction, or release.

Pitches 16–20

Coach-called strikes

Delivery Pitcher’s choice

  • Coach calls middle, glove side, or arm side.
  • Keep every target broad. Do not demand corners.

03 / Finish

Score the session. Make the decision.

The result determines whether the pitcher advances, repeats, or reduces the workload.

Advance

12+ strikes and a 60%+ strike rate

  • 16+ competitive pitches
  • 3 or fewer noncompetitive misses
  • No pain or late delivery breakdown

Meet the full standard in 2 of the last 3 sessions.

Repeat

  • 11 or fewer strikes
  • Control drops late or changes by delivery
  • The pitcher starts guiding the ball

10 of 20 = 50%. Repeat this workout.

Reduce or stop

  • Pain or unusual discomfort
  • Fatigue changes delivery or intent
  • Several consecutive noncompetitive misses

Without pain, stop at 10–15 pitches or move to low-intensity flat ground. Pain ends the session.

Use it intentionally

Recommended cadence

Development: 1–2 times per week with about 48 hours between structured mound sessions.

In season: 0–1 development bullpen per week; a game appearance replaces it.

Count the full throwing day, not only the 20 scored pitches. Follow age-based league limits and MLB Pitch Smart guidance.

Keep exploring

Find the next useful session.

Before the next pitch

Quality ends the session before the count does.

Pitch counts are ceilings, not quotas. Adjust the session for age, recent workload, current season, recovery, mechanics, and the pitcher in front of you.

  • Stop immediately for shoulder or elbow pain, sharp discomfort, or altered mechanics.
  • Reduce the workload when command, effort, or movement quality deteriorates.
  • Count the full throwing day—warm-ups, drill throws, long toss, bullpen pitches, and game pitches all matter.

Review MLB Pitch Smart guidance

Record the bullpen

See the work. Coach what’s next.

Use Play Catch to record pitch locations, spot patterns, and carry the result into the next purposeful session.

Simple pitch-location tracking.
No special hardware. No complicated setup.

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