MMV #026: Master your Pre-Game Bullpen in 3 Steps

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Read time: 2 minutes

What you do before the game could determine the outcome of your performance.

A pre-game bullpen routine should prepare you for the game.

Today, we are going to breakdown step by step what a good pre-game bullpen looks like.

Let's dive in.

Step 1: Get Feel for the Slope

Start your bullpen with 4-6 fastballs right down the middle.

Your focus should be on moving well and getting comfortable on the slope.

This doesn't need to be max effort, but you should start increasing your intensity throughout the session.

Step 2: Start Mixing Your Off-Speed

Start getting feel for your breaking ball(s) and changeup.

This can be done in a blocked format.

What this means is you throw consecutive pitches of the same pitch type before moving onto the next.

You then can move onto a more randomized approach towards the end.

Example plan:

FB x4

CH x3

FB x1

CB x3

FB x1

CH x1

CB x1

FB x1

CH x1

CB x1

FB x1

(18 pitches)

Step 3: Simulate the First 2 Batters of the Game

Now that you have feel for your pitches, it’s time to simulate the first 2 batters of the game.

Have a batter or dummy in the box and throw a 3-4 pitch sequence.

This should be as game like as possible. Up the intensity and treat it like the game.

You can make it more game like by having the catcher call pitches and simulate holding runners.

Additional pre-game bullpen notes:

• At least half your pitches should be out of the stretch
• Keep pitch count between 20-25
• Use your pre-pitch routine

RECAP

Step 1: Get feel for the slope

Step 2: Start mixing your off-speed

Step 3: Simulate the first 2 batters of the game

That's all for this this week.

See you next Monday!

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