The Command Ladder
Move from broad to smaller fastball targets to identify where command begins to change.
Foundation
Fastball Command · Assessment
Level
L1
Length
24
Pitches
Fastball
Goal: Identify the smallest target size the pitcher can command without changing delivery or intent.
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.
Use the pitcher’s established primary delivery—Windup or Stretch—for all 24 pitches. Record the delivery used and use the same delivery whenever this workout is repeated.
Sequence
Full Strike Window
- 6 FB — Full Strike Window
Side Windows
- 3 FB — Glove-Side Window
- 3 FB — Arm-Side Window
Lower Quadrants
- 3 FB — Glove-Side Lower Quadrant
- 3 FB — Arm-Side Lower Quadrant
Edge Lanes
- 3 FB — Glove-Side Edge Lane
- 3 FB — Arm-Side Edge Lane
Target Definitions
- Full Strike Window: The pitcher’s entire established strike window.
- Glove-Side Window / Arm-Side Window: The broad half of the strike window on the called side.
- Glove-Side Lower Quadrant / Arm-Side Lower Quadrant: The lower quarter of the strike window on the called side.
- Glove-Side Edge Lane / Arm-Side Edge Lane: A narrow band at or just inside the called edge.
Record the correct MISS marker at the pitch’s finish location and continue the workout as written. Do not repeat the pitch or add a makeup pitch.
24 tracked pitches: 24 FB; 6 pitches at each ladder rung.
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.
Track This Session
Choose Bullpen Session. Name it The Command Ladder — [Pitcher]. Create 2 markers.
+
SPOT
Fastball finishes within its assigned target.
+
MISS
Fastball finishes outside its assigned target.
Coaching Focus
- Define each rung before throwing it.
- Keep the same delivery, effort, and intent as the target narrows.
- Do not slow down, guide, or steer the fastball for precision.
- Record a miss and continue to the next planned pitch.
- Note the first rung where execution changes instead of chasing a perfect total.
RESULTS
Score the Session
Count SPOT pitches out of 24. Each pitch succeeds when it receives SPOT for its assigned rung; use the report to find the first target size where execution declines.
18–24 SPOT pitches
Great
Command held through most of the ladder. Identify the smallest target and side that remained repeatable.
14–17 SPOT pitches
Competitive
Broad command is usable, but one narrower rung or side produced a clear drop-off.
0–13 SPOT pitches
Keep Working
Command changed early in the progression. Build from the broadest successful rung before narrowing again.