Bullpen workoutsWorkout

Fastball–Changeup Mirror

Throw the fastball and changeup to the same called window, then compare whether both pitches execute the shared plan.

Foundation

Pitch Development · Pairing

Level

L2

Length

24

Pitches

Fastball, Changeup

Goal: Execute 12 FB–CH sequences to the same called window and compare execution by pitch type, 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 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.

THE WORKOUT

Block 1

Middle-Down Mirror

Windup — Repeat sequence 2x

  • FB — Middle-Down
  • CH — Middle-Down

Stretch — Repeat sequence 2x

  • FB — Middle-Down
  • CH — Middle-Down

Block 2

Glove-Side Down Mirror

Windup — Repeat sequence 2x

  • FB — Glove-Side Down
  • CH — Glove-Side Down

Stretch — Repeat sequence 2x

  • FB — Glove-Side Down
  • CH — Glove-Side Down

Block 3

Arm-Side Down Mirror

Windup — Repeat sequence 2x

  • FB — Arm-Side Down
  • CH — Arm-Side Down

Stretch — Repeat sequence 2x

  • FB — Arm-Side Down
  • CH — Arm-Side Down

Target Definitions and Sequence Rules

  • Middle-Down: The broad lower-middle portion of the established strike window.
  • Glove-Side Down: The lower glove-side portion of the established strike window.
  • Arm-Side Down: The lower arm-side portion of the established strike window.
  • Mirror: Both pitches use the same called target and delivery. They are not expected to follow the same flight or produce identical movement.
  • Sequence Order: Throw FB first and CH second in every sequence.

If either pitch misses, record the pitch-specific MISS marker and complete the sequence to the original shared target. Do not chase the miss or add a makeup pitch.

24 tracked pitches: 12 sequences, 12 FB, and 12 CH.

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.

SETUP

Track This Session

Choose Bullpen Session. Name it Fastball–Changeup Mirror — [Pitcher]. Create 4 markers.

Delivery tracking: Enable Windup and Stretch. Both pitches in a sequence use the same assigned delivery.

+

FB SPOT

Fastball finishes within its assigned target.

+

FB MISS

Fastball finishes outside its assigned target.

+

CH SPOT

Changeup finishes within its assigned target.

+

CH MISS

Changeup finishes outside its assigned target.

Coaching Focus

  • Establish one shared target before each sequence.
  • Keep delivery tempo, intent, and arm speed committed for both pitches.
  • Do not force the changeup to move like the fastball.
  • Judge each pitch against the shared target, not against the other pitch’s movement.
  • Complete the sequence before making an adjustment.

RESULTS

Score the Session

Count successful sequences out of 12. A sequence succeeds when both pitches receive SPOT; compare FB and CH execution within each shared target.

9–12 successful sequences

Great

Both pitch types repeatedly executed the same called windows. Confirm which shared target produced the strongest mirror.

7–8 successful sequences

Competitive

The pair was usable, but one pitch type, target, or delivery created a clear drop-off.

0–6 successful sequences

Keep Working

The fastball and changeup did not execute the shared plan consistently. Widen one target and rebuild the pair.

Keep exploring

Find the next useful session.

Arm Care

Quality ends the session before the count does.

Pitch counts are ceilings, not quotas. Adjust the session for age, recent workload, current season, recovery, mechanics, and the pitcher in front of you.

This workout is an educational pitching-development resource, not medical advice or a rehabilitation program. Adjust it for the pitcher’s age, experience, recent workload, recovery, and established throwing plan.

  • Stop immediately for shoulder or elbow pain, sharp discomfort, or altered mechanics.
  • Reduce the workload when command, effort, or movement quality deteriorates.
  • Count the full throwing day—warm-ups, drill throws, long toss, bullpen pitches, and game pitches all matter.

Record the bullpen

See the work. Coach what’s next.

Use Play Catch to record pitch locations, spot patterns, and carry the result into the next purposeful session.

Simple pitch-location tracking.
No special hardware. No complicated setup.