The Command Ladder
Find the pitcher’s current command ceiling by moving from the full strike window to progressively smaller fastball targets.
Foundation
Fastball Command · Assessment
Level
L1 — All Levels
Length
24 pitches
Pitches
Fastballs Only
Goal: Measure how fastball execution changes as the target becomes smaller.
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
- Define the target clearly before every pitch.
- Keep the same delivery and intent as each target gets smaller.
- Do not slow down, steer, or guide the fastball for precision.
- Make one simple adjustment, then commit to the next pitch.
- Stop when fatigue begins to change effort, mechanics, or command.
Set Up Your Pitch Track Session
Choose Bullpen Session. Create two markers:
+
SPOT
The fastball finishes inside the assigned target window for that pitch.
+
MISS
The fastball finishes outside the assigned target window for that pitch. A strike can still receive MISS when it does not reach the assigned window.
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 showed strong fastball command across the ladder. Use the report to confirm where success held as the targets became smaller.
14–17 SPOT pitches
Competitive
The pitcher established usable fastball command across multiple target sizes. Identify which rung or side created the clearest drop-off.
0-13 SPOT pitches
Keep Working
Broad control is present, but command became inconsistent as the targets narrowed. See whether the pitcher can move the fastball down into smaller lower targets.
Sequence
- 3 FB — Full Strike Window Windup
- 3 FB — Full Strike Window Stretch
- 2 FB — Glove-Side Half Windup
- 1 FB — Glove-Side Half Stretch
- 1 FB — Arm-Side Half Windup
- 2 FB — Arm-Side Half Stretch
- 1 FB — Glove-Side Lower Quadrant Windup
- 2 FB — Glove-Side Lower Quadrant Stretch
- 2 FB — Arm-Side Lower Quadrant Windup
- 1 FB — Arm-Side Lower Quadrant Stretch
- 2 FB — Glove-Side Edge Lane Windup
- 1 FB — Glove-Side Edge Lane Stretch
- 1 FB — Arm-Side Edge Lane Windup
- 2 FB — Arm-Side Edge Lane Stretch
Target Windows
- Full Strike Window: The pitcher’s entire established strike window.
- Half Plate: The glove-side or arm-side half of the strike window.
- Lower Quadrant: The lower corner of the called half.
- Edge Lane: A narrow lane at or just inside the called edge.
Keep the same delivery and intent as the target narrows. The goal is to learn where execution begins to change—not to force perfect edge command.
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.
