Bullpen workoutsWorkout

Two-Pitch Tunnel Test

Pair the fastball and changeup from the same delivery and initial visual lane, then compare how they separate into assigned finish windows.

Foundation

Sequencing · Pairing

Level

L2

Length

24

Pitches

Fastball, Changeup

Execute 12 FB–CH sequences from a shared initial visual lane to distinct assigned locations.

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 arm, fastball, and delivery 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

Middle-Down Tunnel

Windup — Repeat sequence 3x

  • FB — Middle-Down
  • CH — Below Zone

Stretch — Repeat sequence 3x

  • FB — Middle-Down
  • CH — Below Zone

    Block 2

    Arm-Side Tunnel

    Windup — Repeat sequence 3x

    • FB — Arm-Side Down
    • CH — Arm Side, Below Zone

    Stretch — Repeat sequence 3x

    • FB — Arm-Side Down
    • CH — Arm Side, Below Zone

      Sequence Rules

      • Middle-Down: The broad lower-middle portion of the established strike window.
      • Middle-Down, Below Zone: The area immediately below the Middle-Down target—not just any location outside the zone.
      • Arm-Side Down: The lower arm-side portion of the established strike window.
      • Arm Side, Below Zone: The area immediately below or slightly farther arm side of the Arm-Side Down target.

      Throw the FB first and the CH second in every pair. Use the same delivery, tempo, arm speed, and initial lane; let the changeup grip create the later speed and movement separation. Do not manipulate the release to force movement.

      If either pitch misses, record the appropriate miss marker and finish the pair as planned. The second pitch keeps its assigned target; it does not follow the first pitch’s actual miss. Do not add a makeup pitch.

      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. Create two markers:

      +

      FB SPOT

      Fastball finishes within its assigned window.

      +

      FB MISS

      Fastball finishes outside its assigned window.

      +

      CH SPOT

      Fastball finishes within its assigned window.

      +

      CH MISS

      Fastball finishes within its assigned window.

      Coaching Focus

      • Call the batter side before every sequence.
      • Keep all three pitches under one clear location plan.
      • Judge each pitch by its role—not by strike result alone.
      • Complete the sequence before discussing adjustments.
      • Stop if fatigue changes arm speed, effort, or command.

      Results

      Score the Session

      Count complete sequences graded Sequence Hit. A sequence succeeds only when all three pitches remain usable for their intended roles.

      6–8 complete sequences

      Great

      The pitcher executed complete tunnels against both batter sides. Confirm which pattern created the strongest repeatability.

      5 complete sequences

      Competitive

      Several sequences were usable, but one batter side or pattern broke down more often. Build from the stronger tunnel.

      0–4 complete sequences

      Keep Working

      Too many sequences lost their plan before the third pitch. Simplify to one batter side and one pattern.

      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.