Third Pitch: Strike or Finish
Give one developing pitch two defined jobs: reach a broad strike window or finish in a reachable assigned area outside it.
Foundation
Pitch Development · Intent
Level
L3
Length
24
Pitches
Fastball, Changeup, One Developing Pitch
Goal: Compare the developing pitch’s execution in a broad strike role and an assigned finish role across 6 repetitions.
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.
Block 1
Established-Pitch Baseline
- 3 FB — Glove-Side Window
- 3 FB — Arm-Side Window
- 3 CH — Broad Strike Window
- 3 CH — Middle-Down, Below Zone
Block 2
Developing-Pitch Strike Role
Repeat sequence 3x
- FB — Middle-Down
- DEV — Broad Strike Window
Block 3
Developing-Pitch Finish Role
Repeat sequence 3x
- FB — Middle-Down
- DEV — Assigned Finish Location
Target Definitions and Role Rules
- Broad Strike Window: A comfortably sized area inside the established strike window.
- Middle-Down, Below Zone: The reachable area immediately below the Middle-Down target.
- Assigned Finish Location: One clearly defined, reachable out-of-zone target appropriate to the developing pitch. Establish it before Pitch 1.
- Role Rule: Grade the developing pitch against the assigned Strike or Finish target for its block.
Record the pitch-specific MISS marker and complete the sequence with its original target. Do not change the developing pitch’s role or add a makeup pitch.
24 tracked pitches: 12 FB, 6 CH, and 6 DEV; 12 baseline pitches and 6 two-pitch sequences.
Development or preseason: 1–2 times per week with about 48 hours between structured throwing 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 Third Pitch: Strike or Finish — [Pitcher]. Create 6 markers.
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FB SPOT
Fastball finishes within its assigned target.
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FB MISS
Fastball finishes outside its assigned target.
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CH SPOT
Changeup finishes within its assigned target.
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CH MISS
Changeup finishes outside its assigned target.
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DEV SPOT
Developing pitch finishes within its assigned Strike or Finish target.
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DEV MISS
Developing pitch finishes outside its assigned Strike or Finish target.
Coaching Focus
- Define the developing pitch’s Strike and Finish targets before Pitch 1.
- Keep delivery, arm speed, and intent consistent between the two roles.
- Make the role clear before every developing pitch.
- Record the result and complete each sequence without changing the target.
- Stop when fatigue changes shape, command, arm speed, or delivery quality.
RESULTS
Score the Session
Count DEV SPOT pitches out of 6. The developing pitch succeeds when it reaches the assigned Strike or Finish target for its block; review the two roles separately after scoring.
5–6 DEV SPOT pitches
Great
The developing pitch performed both roles with clear intent and repeatable execution.
4 DEV SPOT pitches
Competitive
One role is becoming usable, while the other needs a clearer target or more consistent execution.
0–3 DEV SPOT pitches
Keep Working
The developing pitch’s roles are not yet distinct or repeatable. Widen one target and rebuild one role at a time.