Earn the Third Pitch
Introduce one developing pitch inside stable fastball-changeup sequences without overloading its repetitions.
Foundation
Pitch Development · Sequencing
Level
L3
Length
24
Pitches
Fastball, Changeup, One Developing Pitch
Goal: Measure how often one developing pitch executes a broad assigned window inside four stable four-pitch sequences.
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 listed pitch types and delivery modes 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.
Use the pitcher’s established primary delivery—Windup or Stretch—for all 24 pitches. Record the delivery used and use the same delivery whenever this workout is repeated.
Block 1
Fastball Foundation
- 4 FB — Glove-Side Window
- 4 FB — Arm-Side Window
Block 2
Glove-to-Arm Sequence
Repeat sequence 2x
- FB — Glove-Side Window
- CH — Broad Strike Window
- DEV — Broad Usable Window
- FB — Arm-Side Window
Block 3
Arm-to-Glove Sequence
Repeat sequence 2x
- FB — Arm-Side Window
- CH — Broad Strike Window
- DEV — Broad Usable Window
- FB — Glove-Side Window
Target Definitions and Sequence Rules
- Glove-Side Window / Arm-Side Window: The broad portion of the established strike window on the called side.
- Broad Strike Window: A comfortably sized area inside the established strike window.
- Broad Usable Window: A clearly defined, comfortably sized target that matches the developing pitch’s current role. Establish it before Pitch 1.
- Sequence Rule: Keep the delivery, pitch order, and assigned targets unchanged through all four pitches.
Record the pitch-specific MISS marker and complete the sequence with its original targets. Do not repeat the pitch or add a makeup pitch.
24 tracked pitches: 16 FB, 4 CH, and 4 DEV; 8 foundation pitches and 4 four-pitch sequences.
Development or preseason: 1–2 times per week with about 48 hours between structured throwing sessions.
In season: 0–1 development bullpen per week. A game appearance or other meaningful mound session replaces it.
Track This Session
Choose Bullpen Session. Name it Earn the Third Pitch — [Pitcher]. Create 6 markers.
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FB SPOT
Fastball finishes within its assigned target.
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FB MISS
Fastball finishes outside its assigned target.
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CH SPOT
Changeup finishes within its assigned target.
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CH MISS
Changeup finishes outside its assigned target.
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DEV SPOT
Developing pitch finishes within its assigned target.
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DEV MISS
Developing pitch finishes outside its assigned target.
Coaching Focus
- Define the developing pitch’s Broad Usable Window before Pitch 1.
- Maintain the same delivery, arm speed, and intent for all three pitch types.
- Treat the established pitches as anchors around the developing pitch.
- Record the result and finish the sequence without chasing a miss.
- Stop when fatigue changes arm speed, shape, command, or delivery quality.
RESULTS
Score the Session
Count DEV SPOT pitches out of 4. The developing pitch succeeds when it reaches its Broad Usable Window; use the other pitch results to evaluate how well the full sequence holds together.
3–4 DEV SPOT pitches
Great
The developing pitch reached its broad assigned window in most sequences while the established pitches kept the pattern stable.
2 DEV SPOT pitches
Competitive
The developing pitch showed a usable starting point, but execution varied by sequence direction or surrounding pitch results.
0–1 DEV SPOT pitches
Keep Working
The developing pitch is not yet reaching the broad assigned window consistently. Simplify the target and retain the limited repetition count.