Traffic Management
Compare fastball command from the regular stretch and slide step while practicing varied pickoff looks to first base.
Foundation
Delivery · Runner Control
Level
L1
Length
24
Pitches
Fastball and Pickoffs
Goal: Compare fastball execution from Regular Stretch and Slide Step while varying looks and pickoff timing over 2 rounds.
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.
Delivery tracking: Record every pitch as Stretch. Do not enter pickoff throws as pitches.
Vary your looks, holds, and timing throughout the workout. Avoid settling into a predictable rhythm that allows the runner to time your move or delivery.
Block 1
Glove-Side Series
Repeat sequence 2x
- 3 FB — Glove-Side Window — Regular Stretch
- 2 Pickoff Moves
- 3 FB — Glove-Side Window — Slide Step
Block 2
Arm-Side Series
Repeat sequence 2x
- 3 FB — Arm-Side Window — Regular Stretch
- 2 Pickoff Moves
- 3 FB — Arm-Side Window — Slide Step
Delivery Modes and Location Definitions
- Glove-Side Window: The broad portion of the established strike window on the pitcher’s glove side.
- Arm-Side Window: The broad portion of the established strike window on the pitcher’s arm side.
- Regular Stretch: The pitcher’s normal set delivery with a simulated runner on base. Vary looks and hold times.
- Slide Step: A controlled, faster delivery that preserves direction, arm speed, intent, and delivery quality.
- Pickoff Move: A legal, game-speed move to first base appropriate to the pitcher and league rules. Vary looks and timing without becoming predictable.
Record SPOT or MISS for every pitch and continue the round as written. Pickoff moves remain in their scheduled positions; do not add makeup pitches or pickoffs.
24 tracked pitches: 24 FB. Also complete 8 pickoff throws. Pickoffs are not tracked as pitches but count toward the day’s throwing workload.
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 Traffic Management — [Pitcher]. Create 2 markers.
+
SPOT
Fastball finishes within its assigned target.
+
MISS
Fastball finishes outside its assigned target.
Coaching Focus
- Establish the target before every pitch.
- Vary looks, hold times, and pickoff timing; avoid a predictable pattern.
- Use a legal pickoff move and return to the same pitching posture.
- Make the Slide Step faster only while direction, arm speed, and command remain intact.
- After a miss, reset and continue the round without rushing.
RESULTS
Score the Session
Count SPOT pitches out of 24, then compare the Regular Stretch and Slide Step blocks in sequence order. Compare Regular Stretch, the first pitch after each pickoff series, and Slide Step execution. Look for predictable timing or rushed direction.
18–24 SPOT pitches
Great
Fastball command remained usable across both delivery modes while the pitcher varied runner-control timing.
14–17 SPOT pitches
Competitive
Runner-control execution was usable but one delivery mode, location, or post-pickoff pitch showed a clear drop-off.
0–13 SPOT pitches
Keep Working
Command changed too sharply when the delivery sped up or followed a pickoff. Rebuild one mode at a time.