Bullpen workoutsWorkout

Pressure-Count Conversion

Test three common pressure counts in independent sets to identify the pitch and target the pitcher can trust most.

Foundation

Count Management · Competition

Level

L2

Length

24

Pitches

Fastball, Changeup

Goal: Execute 8 three-pitch pressure-count sets and identify the pitch, target, and count combination that holds up best.

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

Windup

Complete 4 sets:

  • 2–0 — Coach calls FB or CH to a Broad Attack Window
  • 3–1 — Pitcher chooses the most trusted pitch and a Broad Target
  • 2–1 — Coach calls FB or CH to a Specific Target

Block 2

Stretch

Complete 4 sets:

  • 2–0 — Coach calls FB or CH to a Broad Attack Window
  • 3–1 — Pitcher chooses the most trusted pitch and a Broad Target
  • 2–1 — Coach calls FB or CH to a Specific Target

Count and Set Rules

  • Broad Attack Window: A comfortably sized area inside the established strike window that the pitcher can attack without guiding.
  • Broad Target: A pitcher-selected window appropriate to the trusted pitch.
  • Specific Target: One clearly defined location such as Middle-Down, Glove-Side Window, or Arm-Side Window.
  • Independent Counts: The 2–0, 3–1, and 2–1 pitches are separate situations, not one simulated at-bat.
  • Set: One pass through all three count situations in the written order.

Record the pitch-specific MISS marker and finish the set. A miss does not create a new count, change the next call, or earn a makeup pitch; the next pitch begins at its original written count.

24 tracked pitches: 8 sets of 3. FB and CH totals depend on the coach’s calls and the pitcher’s 3–1 selections.

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 Pressure-Count Conversion — [Pitcher]. Create 4 markers.

Delivery tracking: Enable Windup and Stretch. Do not use Game Mode or record ball/strike results; the written count supplies the situation.

+

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

  • Treat each count as an independent situation.
  • Establish pitch type, target, and intent before every throw.
  • Attack a broad window in the 2–0 and 3–1 situations without guiding.
  • Let the pitcher own the trusted-pitch choice in 3–1.
  • Record a miss, complete the set, and begin the next count as written.

RESULTS

Score the Session

Count successful sets out of 8. A set succeeds when all three pitches receive SPOT; review 2–0, 3–1, and 2–1 execution separately.

6–8 successful sets

Great

The pressure-count plan held up across both deliveries. Confirm the most dependable pitch, target, and count combination.

5 successful sets

Competitive

The plan was usable, but one count, pitch type, target, or delivery caused most failed sets.

0–4 successful sets

Keep Working

Pressure-count execution was not yet repeatable. Simplify the least dependable situation and rebuild that call.

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.