Bullpen workoutsWorkout

First-Pitch Advantage

Measure whether the pitcher wins the first pitch and preserves a usable three-pitch plan against both batter sides.

Foundation

Sequencing · Count Management

Level

L2 — Core Pair

Length

24 pitches · 18–22 min

Pitches

Fastball · Changeup

Goal: Measure first-pitch execution and the quality of the sequence that follows.

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

  • Establish batter side and first-pitch intent before each sequence.
  • Treat the first pitch as the start of a plan—not an isolated strike.
  • Keep the second and third pitches connected to the opening result.
  • Record called and swing results without changing the target grade.
  • Stop if fatigue changes decision quality or execution.

SETUP Play Catch APP

Set Up Your Pitch Track Session

Choose Game Session. Create two markers:

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FIRST-PITCH

Apply when the opening pitch executes its called role.

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SEQUENCE

Apply to the third pitch when all three pitches remain usable for the plan.

Results

Score the Session

Count complete sequences in which the first pitch wins its role and all three pitches remain usable. Review first-pitch execution separately in game mode.

6–8 complete sequences

Great

The pitcher consistently won the first pitch and completed the plan. Compare FB-first and CH-first sequences by batter side.

5 complete sequences

Competitive

The first-pitch plan was usable but sequence quality changed afterward. Identify where the follow-up pitch lost the advantage.

0–4 complete sequences

Keep Working

Too many sequences began or ended without a usable plan. Simplify the opening target and one follow-up pattern.

The workout

Sequence

  • 1 RHH Sequence — FB Glove-Side Strike → CH Down → FB Arm-Side Edge Windup
  • 1 RHH Sequence — FB Glove-Side Strike → CH Down → FB Arm-Side Edge Stretch
  • 1 RHH Sequence — CH Broad Strike → FB In → CH Below Windup
  • 1 RHH Sequence — CH Broad Strike → FB In → CH Below Stretch
  • 1 LHH Mirrored FB-First Sequence Windup
  • 1 LHH Mirrored FB-First Sequence Stretch
  • 1 LHH Mirrored CH-First Sequence Windup
  • 1 LHH Mirrored CH-First Sequence Stretch

Sequence Rules

  • First-Pitch Win: The opening pitch executes the called role for the sequence.
  • Mirrored: Reverse glove-side, arm-side, in, and away for LHH.
  • Game Result: Record called and swing outcomes separately from target execution.
  • Complete: All three pitches remain usable for the intended plan.

Use game mode to review first-pitch success, complete-sequence execution, called and swing results, and miss quality separately. Stretch-only pitchers may complete every sequence 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.

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.