MMV #064: The Secret to a Great Bullpen Session

TMVP #002: Crash Course on How to Throw Every Pitch Type

In this episode, Josh and I cover:

• Grips and cues
• Josh's personal grips
• How to decide what pitches are best for you

You can listen on: 

Spotify

Apple 

YouTube

Todays newsletter is sponsored by:

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Bullpens boil down to 2 categories.

Over the rubber and over the plate.

I first heard this concept from Reds pitching coach, Derek Johnson at a conference in 2016.

When he explained it a light bulb went off. 

Too often, players try to focus on multiple things at once during a bullpen session.

This leads to confusion and frustration for the player and coach.

Before you start the bullpen you need to decide what type of a bullpen it is.

Are you over the rubber or over the plate?

What does it mean to be over the rubber? 

OTR means you are internally focused.

The goal isn't on the execution or location of the pitch, but instead is on something that is happening over the rubber.

Examples include:

• Mechanics
• Pitch design
• Velocity
• Pre-pitch routine
• Time to the plate

What does it mean to be over the plate?

OTP is the opposite of OTR. 

The focus is on executing pitches.

OTP bullpens are objective. You should be able to track and measure what you are doing.

Examples include:

• Sim batters
• Balls and strikes
• Differential ball command work

It is possible to work on both of these things in the same bullpen, but I wouldn't recommend doing them at the same time.

The best way to accomplish both in the same session is to start with an OTR focus before shifting to OTP focus for the 2nd set.

As a coach it is important you hold the player and yourself accountable to this!

If they are in an OTR set don't be judging or critiquing them on the location of the pitch.

Keep the main thing the main thing.

The time of year will also play a factor in what type of bullpens you are mostly throwing.

In-season it will be primarily OTP bullpens, while the fall might be more OTR focus.

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

That's all for today.

See you next week!

Whenever you are ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:

1. Remote Training: a personalized throwing and lifting program built for you and your goals.

2. In-Person Training: Work with me in Scottsdale, Arizona. Personalized training program to help you reach your goals. Trackman and edgertronic for bullpen sessions.

3. Trackman and Edgertronic camera bullpen: Get objective feedback on how your pitches are moving. I'll send you video and movement report after bullpen.