Bullpen workoutsWorkout

Nine-Out Bullpen

Simulate three innings and nine hitters while measuring outs, efficiency, first-pitch execution, and decision quality.

Foundation

Competition · Sequencing

Level

L4

Length

Up to 36

Pitches

Fastball, Changeup, Advanced Pitch 1, Advanced Pitch 2

Goal: Record how efficiently the pitcher converts nine simulated hitters into outs while using the established arsenal intentionally.

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

Sequence

Use Stretch for every pitch. Each simulated hitter starts with a new 0–0 count and receives no more than 4 pitches.

Inning 1 — Get Ahead

Complete 3 simulated hitters. Prioritize a clear first-pitch plan and early count leverage.

Inning 2 — Manage Contact

Complete 3 simulated hitters. Use the full arsenal to create weak or manageable contact.

Inning 3 — Finish Under Pressure

Complete 3 simulated hitters. Commit to the best pitch and target for each situation.

Simulation and Outcome Rules

  • Simulated Hitter: One independent matchup beginning at 0–0 and ending with an out, continuation, walk, or hard-contact result.
  • Out: A strikeout or coach-graded contact result that would reasonably produce an out.
  • Pitch Limit: End the matchup after an outcome or Pitch 4, whichever comes first.
  • Decision Rule: The pitcher declares the pitch and target before every throw. The coach records the outcome supported by the execution and Game Mode tags.

Continue the simulated hitter according to the recorded result. Do not add a fifth pitch. If no outcome is reached after Pitch 4, the coach records the best-supported result and begins the next hitter.

Up to 36 tracked pitches: 9 simulated hitters across 3 innings with a maximum of 4 pitches per hitter. Pitch mix is determined by the pitcher’s plans.

Development or preseason: 1 time per week with at least 72 hours after the previous meaningful throwing session.

In season: use only when it replaces—not supplements—a game appearance or other full competitive bullpen.

SETUP

Track This Session

Choose Game Mode. Name it Nine-Out Bullpen — [Pitcher]. Create 4 pitch markers.

+

FB

Fastball.

+

CH

Changeup.

+

ADV1

Advanced Pitch 1.

+

ADV2

Advanced Pitch 2.

Coaching Focus

  • Require a clear pitch and target before every throw.
  • Use the full arsenal with purpose rather than forcing equal pitch counts.
  • Avoid predictable sequences when the same pitch or location repeats.
  • Record the outcome and move to the next hitter without extra pitches.
  • Stop when fatigue changes command, effort, decision quality, or delivery quality.

RESULTS

Score the Session

Count outs recorded out of 9 simulated hitters. An out is a strikeout or coach-graded contact result that would reasonably produce an out; use Game Mode results and session notes to confirm efficiency and decision quality.

7–9 outs

Great

The pitcher converted most simulated hitters into outs while maintaining efficient plans through all three innings.

5–6 outs

Competitive

The competitive plan was usable, but one inning or recurring outcome limited efficiency.

0–4 outs

Keep Working

Too many hitters reached an unfavorable outcome or required the full pitch limit. Simplify the next competitive session to one inning emphasis.

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.