MMV #078: 5 Types of Bullpens to Improve

TMVP #016: How to Improve Mental Performance

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Bullpens are at the center of pitching development. If you want to improve your performance, you need to be focusing on the right things.

Today, I want to show you 5 possible bullpen categories you can implement.

Let's begin.

1. Pitch Design

If you are in need of developing a new pitch or fine tuning a current one, a pitch design session is what you need.

Ideally you have TrackMan for this, but it can certainly be done simply with dot balls.

Before the bullpen starts you should have a goal and a couple ideas to try.

What movement are you looking for?

What grips and cues are you going to try?

Having a plan will save you time during the session and make it more productive.

Aim for around 40% of your pitches to be the new pitch. You want to make sure it isn't all you're throwing, but you also need a substantial amount of reps to push the needle forward.

If you need help with pitch design, checkout my new course, Pitch Design "U".

2. Mechanics

Especially at the start of a bullpen or during the off-season you might need to focus on something mechanical.

There are a few ways to go about this.

One way is to video record while you're throwing and stop every couple throws to analyze what you are working on. This is obviously a longer process, but can be helpful when you are solely focusing on a part of the delivery.

Another way to do this is to blend a drill with a regular throw.

Let's say you are working on your back leg load.

You could do 1 throw with a step back and the next out of your regular delivery.

This is a great way to work on drill transfer.

3. Command

There are many ways to do this, but in this type of bullpen you are simply focusing on executing.

It will usually involve working on a specific pitch either in zone or to a certain quadrant of the zone.

A way you could work on this is with differential balls to challenge your feel and consistency at release.

You want to make sure you are doing something you can track, so that you can measure progress.

4. Game Situations

This type of bullpen is exactly as it sounds. You are simulating situations you will face in a game.

It could be doing a full simulated AB, specific counts, or specific base runner situations.

To make it even more realistic, have a batter stand in and do it on the game mound!

5. Touch and Feel

Not every bullpen needs to be super intense with every aspect being measured.

There is a time and place for a touch and feel. This is typically performed at lower intensity and for fewer throws.

Often, guys will do a touch and feel the day before they pitch. 6-8 pitches just to get feel for the slope and to throw a couple of each pitch.

There's no specific focus, it's more about feel.

I don't think these should be the bulk of your bullpen work, but I do think there is value in certain situations.

Bullpen Supplements

With some of these bullpen categories there are things you can add in to get more value.

Some ideas are:

• Time to the plate
• Holding runners
• Pre-pitch routine

RECAP

5 Bullpen Categories to Consider:

1. Pitch Design
2. Mechanics
3. Command
4. Game Situations
5. Touch and Feel

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 Phoenix, Arizona. Personalized training program to help you reach your goals. Trackman and edgertronic for bullpen sessions.

3. Pitch Design "U" Course: A complete blueprint for developing nasty pitches and optimizing how you use your stuff. 3+ hours of easy to follow video lessons.