Earn the Third Pitch
Introduce one developing pitch inside a stable fastball-changeup sequence instead of accumulating isolated repetitions.
Foundation
Pitch Development
Level
L3 — Developing Arsenal
Length
24 pitches · 16–20 min
Pitches
FB · CH · One Developing Pitch
Goal: Introduce the developing pitch inside a stable sequence instead of throwing it repeatedly.
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
- Choose one developing pitch before the session.
- Use a broad, realistic window for the developing pitch.
- Keep advanced-pitch volume limited and intentional.
- Judge usable shape before demanding edge command.
- Return to the fastball plan after every developing pitch.
Set Up Your Pitch Track Session
Choose Bullpen Session. Create three markers:
+
USABLE
The developing pitch reaches a broad usable strike window.
+
COMP SHAPE
The developing pitch shows usable shape with a competitive miss.
+
NONCOMP
The developing pitch lacks usable shape or finishes far from the planned window.
Results
Score the Session
Count developing pitches graded Usable or Competitive Shape. Score the four developing pitches only; edge command is not required.
4 usable developing pitches
Great
The developing pitch showed usable shape inside every sequence. Continue building it without increasing volume too quickly.
2–3 usable developing pitches
Competitive
The developing pitch was usable in part of the session. Identify the sequence or delivery that produced the best shape.
0–1 usable developing pitches
Keep Working
The developing pitch is not consistently usable yet. Broaden the window, reduce intent if needed, and keep the volume low.
Sequence
- 2 FB — Glove Side Windup
- 2 FB — Glove Side Stretch
- 2 FB — Arm Side Windup
- 2 FB — Arm Side Stretch
- 2 Four-Pitch Sequences Windup
- 2 Four-Pitch Sequences Stretch
Four-Pitch Sequence
- Pitch 1: Fastball strike.
- Pitch 2: Changeup strike.
- Pitch 3: Developing pitch to a broad usable window.
- Pitch 4: Fastball to the opposite side.
Pitch mix: 16 FB, 4 CH, and 4 developing pitches. Do not demand edge command from the developing pitch yet. Stretch-only pitchers may complete the session from the stretch.
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.
