Fastball Bookends
Place the developing pitch between two fastballs to see whether command returns immediately to the original lane.
Foundation
Adjustment · Pitch Development
Level
L3 — Developing Arsenal
Length
24 pitches · 18–22 min
Pitches
FB · CH · One Developing Pitch
Goal: See whether introducing the developing pitch disrupts fastball command—and whether the pitcher can reset immediately.
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
- Call one fastball lane before each sequence.
- Return to that exact lane on the third pitch.
- Use one simple reset after the developing pitch.
- Do not guide the return fastball back to the target.
- Compare the first and third fastballs before changing the plan.
Set Up Your Pitch Track Session
Choose Bullpen Session. Create two markers:
+
FIRST FB
Use for the opening fastball to the called lane.
+
RETURN FB
Use for the third-pitch fastball back to the original lane.
Results
Score the Session
Count sequences in which the Return FB reaches the original lane or clearly improves toward it. Score the six fastball resets.
5–6 successful resets
Great
Fastball command returned immediately after the developing pitch. Compare whether the reset held from both deliveries.
3–4 successful resets
Competitive
The pitcher recovered the fastball lane in part of the session. Identify which advanced-pitch target disrupted the reset most often.
0–2 successful resets
Keep Working
Fastball command did not return consistently. Broaden the lane and simplify the reset before adding more developing-pitch volume.
Sequence
- 3 Three-Pitch Fastball-Bookend Sequences Windup
- 3 Three-Pitch Fastball-Bookend Sequences Stretch
- 2 CH — Broad Strike Window Windup
- 1 CH — Broad Strike Window Stretch
- 1 CH — Finish Location Windup
- 2 CH — Finish Location Stretch
Three-Pitch Sequence
- Pitch 1: Fastball to a called lane.
- Pitch 2: Developing pitch to its paired target.
- Pitch 3: Fastball back to the original lane.
- Successful Reset: The return fastball reaches or clearly improves toward the original lane.
Pitch mix: 12 FB, 6 CH, and 6 developing pitches. The critical comparison is the first and third fastball—not whether the developing pitch was perfect.
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.
