Bullpen workoutsWorkout

Three-Pitch Sequence Builder

Build intentional three-pitch plans with pitcher-relative locations, then let the pitcher declare and execute the final sequences.

Foundation

Sequencing · Arsenal Command

Level

L4

Length

30

Pitches

Fastball, Changeup, One Established Advanced Pitch

Goal: Execute 10 intentional three-pitch sequences using one assigned target for every pitch.

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

Use the pitcher’s established primary delivery—Windup or Stretch—for all 30 pitches. Record the delivery used and use the same delivery whenever this workout is repeated.

Block 1

Glove-Side Finish

Repeat sequence 2x

  • FB — Glove-Side Window
  • CH — Middle-Down, Below Zone
  • ADV — Glove-Side Off Edge

Block 2

Arm-Side Finish

Repeat sequence 2x

  • FB — Arm-Side Window
  • CH — Arm Side, Below Zone
  • ADV — Arm-Side Off Edge

Block 3

Glove-Side Change of Plan

Repeat sequence 2x

  • FB — Broad Strike Window
  • ADV — Broad Strike Window
  • CH — Middle-Down, Below Zone

Block 4

Arm-Side Change of Plan

Repeat sequence 2x

  • FB — Broad Strike Window
  • ADV — Broad Strike Window
  • CH — Arm Side, Below Zone

Block 5

Pitcher-Selected Plans

Repeat sequence 2x

Before each sequence, assign an order and Specific Target to FB, CH, and ADV. Use each pitch once.

  • Pitch 1 — First Selected Pitch — Specific Target
  • Pitch 2 — Second Selected Pitch — Specific Target
  • Pitch 3 — Third Selected Pitch — Specific Target

Target Definitions and Sequence Rules

  • Broad Strike Window: A comfortably sized area inside the established strike window.
  • Middle-Down, Below Zone / Arm Side, Below Zone: The reachable area immediately below the named in-zone target.
  • Glove-Side Off Edge / Arm-Side Off Edge: The reachable lane immediately beyond the called edge.
  • Pitcher-Selected Plan: The pitcher declares all 3 pitches, their order, and their Specific Targets before Pitch 1.
  • Sequence Rule: A miss does not change any remaining pitch or target in the sequence.

Record the pitch-specific MISS marker and finish all three pitches with the declared plan. Do not restart the sequence or add a makeup pitch.

30 tracked pitches: 10 FB, 10 CH, and 10 ADV; 10 three-pitch sequences across 5 blocks.

Development or preseason: 1 time per week with at least 48 hours between meaningful throwing 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 Three-Pitch Sequence Builder — [Pitcher]. Create 6 markers.

+

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.

+

ADV SPOT

Advanced pitch finishes within its assigned target.

+

ADV MISS

Advanced pitch finishes outside its assigned target.

Coaching Focus

  • Make every pitch and target clear before the sequence begins.
  • Keep delivery, arm speed, and intent consistent as the pitch type changes.
  • Finish the declared plan after a miss instead of chasing the previous result.
  • Require the pitcher to explain the final two plans before throwing them.
  • Stop when fatigue changes command, decision quality, or delivery quality.

RESULTS

Score the Session

Count successful sequences out of 10. A sequence succeeds when all 3 pitches receive the appropriate SPOT marker; review individual pitch execution and the pitcher-selected plans separately.

8–10 successful sequences

Great

The pitcher executed complete three-pitch plans across both prescribed and self-selected sequences.

6–7 successful sequences

Competitive

The sequence plans are usable, but one pitch type, target, or sequence position breaks down too often.

0–5 successful sequences

Keep Working

Complete-sequence execution is not yet repeatable. Reduce the next session to one prescribed three-pitch plan.

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.