MMV #025: If You're Tired of Throwing Balls, Read This

Marc Pro is the most effective recovery tool available.

Their exclusive technology makes it easy to recover faster, perform at your best, and keep your body healthy and active.

Marc Pro is the only recovery tool that activates every stage of the recovery process without fatiguing muscles for true physiological improvement.

Save 10% on your order with code PCU10

Get yours today by clicking here.

Read time: 3 minutes

Are you able to throw strikes in a bullpen, but struggle in game?

You are not alone.

A common thing we hear is this,

“I consistently pound the strike zone in bullpens, but it doesn’t transfer to the games.”

In order for bullpen work to transfer to the game, 3 things need to happen:

1. Heart rate needs to be elevated

2. There needs to be an in game component

3. Progress needs to be tracked

1. Heart Rate

The adrenaline of a game, people in the stands, and something on the line is naturally going to increase your heart rate.

If players don’t know how to control this feeling, they aren’t going to perform at their best.

It’s a lot easier to execute pitches when your heart rate is controlled, which is usually the scenario in a bullpen.

There’s no pressure, no consequences, nothing on the line.

As a result, the pitcher is able to attack the zone consistently.

To better prepare for the game, you have to simulate in game situations the best you can.

Examples:

• Perform a couple sprints before pen
• Do 3 squat jumps every 5 pitches
• Sprint to home and back after 2 straight balls

Elevate your heart and then work on the skill of slowing it back down.

2. Game situations

How many times do you see pitchers throw 20 pitches in a bullpen with no intention?

For a more productive bullpen there needs to be a plan.

Examples:

• Have a batter stand in
• Simulate holding a runner
• Call balls and strikes
• Simulate full AB’s

Get comfortable doing what is expected in game.

3. Track progress

In all honesty, players don’t throw as many strikes in a bullpen as they think.

If you want to make real progress, you need to track everything you do.

By tracking bullpens and games you’ll be able to see what areas you need to improve and if your training methods are actually working.

What matters gets measured.

RECAP

3 keys to transferring bullpens to the game:

1. Elevate heart rate
2. Create in game situations
3. Track progress 

Whenever you're ready, there are 2 ways we can help you:

1. Join 14,000+ followers for daily threads and tweets on pitching development.

2. If you are looking for something more hands on, we'd recommend one of our pitching development services.

→ Remote Training: a personalized throwing and lifting plan to help you reach your goals.

→ Mechanical Analysis: We'll analyze your delivery with 21 checkpoints and give you an actionable plan to improve.