Fastball Strike Window
Build a repeatable fastball-control baseline while comparing execution from the windup and stretch.
Foundation
Fastball Control · Assessment
Level
L1 — All Levels
Length
24 pitches
Pitches
Fastballs Only
Goal: Locate fastballs within three broad target windows and identify patterns by location and delivery.
Warmup
Before the first pitch.
Complete a proper throwing warm-up before scoring pitches. Use full-body movement, progressive catch play, and enough mound-ramp-up pitches for the arm, fastball, and delivery to feel ready.
Warm-up throws are not included in the workout score, but they still count toward the pitcher’s total throwing workload for the day.
Coaching Focus
- Have a clear target and plan for every pitch.
- Repeat the delivery without adding too many mechanical thoughts.
- Work down in the target window. When possible, miss below instead of leaking up and over the middle.
- From the stretch, be quick but controlled. Do not rush the delivery.
- Throw with intent. Avoid guiding the ball toward the target.
- Make one simple adjustment and commit to the next pitch.
Set Up Your Pitch Track Session
Choose Bullpen Session. Create two markers:
+
SPOT
The fastball finishes Inside the assigned target window.
+
MISS
The fastball finishes outside the assigned target window. A pitch can be a strike and still receive MISS when it does not reach the assigned window.
Sequence
- 4 FB — Middle-Down Windup
- 4 FB — Glove-Side Windup
- 4 FB — Arm-Side Windup
- 4 FB — Middle-Down Stretch
- 4 FB — Glove-Side Stretch
- 4 FB — Arm-Side Stretch
Target Windows
- Middle-Down: Lower-center portion of the strike zone.
- Glove-Side: Lower half of the zone on the pitcher’s glove side.
- Arm-Side: Lower half of the zone on the pitcher’s arm side.
Do not rush between pitches simply to finish the workout quickly. Reset, establish the target, and make every pitch purposeful.
Development or preseason: 1–2 times per week with about 48 hours between structured mound sessions.
In season: 0–1 development bullpen per week. A game appearance or other meaningful mound session replaces it.
Results
Score the Session
Count the number of SPOT pitches, then use the report to understand how the result was produced.
18–24 SPOT pitches
Great
The pitcher consistently controlled the broad windows. Confirm that success held across every location and delivery.
14–17 SPOT pitches
Competitive
The pitcher established a usable fastball-control baseline with one ore two areas to improve.
0-13 SPOT pitches
Keep Working
Fastball control within the assigned windows was inconsistent. Review the strongest location and most common miss pattern, then carry one clear adjustment into the next session.