MMV #017: Elevated Heart Rate Bullpen

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Read time: 2 minutes

Why do some pitchers perform well in a bullpen, but not the game?

There are many possibilities.

One of the main reasons pitchers do not perform well in a game is because they cannot control their heart rate.

In a bullpen it's easy to be relaxed and to not feel any pressure.

Why?

Because there isn't anything on the line.

There isn't a consequence for poor pitches.

A simple way to get higher carry over to the game is to INCREASE the players heart rate in a bullpen.

Learning how to control your breathing is one of the most important skills to have.

Your ability to slow the game down could be the difference between executing a pitch and not.

Here is a simple way to work on this in a bullpen:

With a batter or dummy standing in, simulate a 4 pitch at bat.

Do this for 3-5 batters, tracking how many times you get to an 0-2 or 1-2 count.

Here’s the catch:

Every time the pitcher throws 2 balls in a row, have him or her sprint to home plate and back.

After the sprint, the 2 balls in a row rule with start over.

This will increase the heart rate and add a consequence.

Why is this important?

Because they have to be able to handle these situation in a game - control their breathing and focus on executing pitches.

If you want an alternative to the sprints, you can do:

• Jumping jacks
• Squat jumps
• MB slams
• Carioca

Anything that will elevate the heart rate in a short amount of time.

Benefits of this:

• Elevate HR closer to game action
• Adds weight to each pitch
• Promotes competition

Additional variables you can add to the game:

• Simulate base runners
• Call out the game situation
• Have teammates yelling on the side 

You want this to be challenging, but be careful not to overwhelm the player.

Meet them where their current skill level is and make the challenge appropriate. 

RECAP

• 4 pitch simulated AB’s
• Elevate HR after 2 straight balls
• Track how many times they achieve 0-2 or 1-2
• Add variability and more game situations as needed

That's all for today.

See you next week!

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