A number of years ago I came across a Progressive Pitching Program that a number of successful college coaches were using.  Like any pre-season throwing program it had two distinct phases.  Phase 1 was primarily an “interval throwing program” with a specific number of tosses at set distances (45-60-90-105-120 ft.) and very much mirrored the standard rehab throwing programs that most players use when recovering from either an injury or surgery.  Phase 2 was the logical progression of the interval throwing, but done on the mound.

From the medical standpoint, Phase 2 is generally outlined in terms of quantity and effort.  For example:

Step 1.  Interval throwing followed by 15 throws on the mound at 50%

Step 2.  Interval throwing followed by 30 throws on the mound at 50%

Step 3. Interval throwing followed by 45 throws on the mound at 50%

Step 4.  Interval throwing followed by 60 throws on the mound at 50%

Step 5. Interval throwing followed by 70 throws on the mound at 50%

Step 6.  45 throws on the mound at 50% followed by 30 throws on the mound at 75%

The sequence continues and you increase throws to 70-75 tosses and eventually increase to 75% effort, and then to some batting practice and then to some breaking balls.  This formula has proven outstanding for rehab and many pre-season pitching programs use some variation of this formula either with number of throws or minutes of throwing.

The Progressive Pitching Program (PPP) that I discovered was clearly based on the above approach but created an opportunity to integrate some other teaching objectives as well as points of emphasis for pitch execution.  Each workout sets specifics mental or physical goals which can be altered as the pitcher moves forward.

Day   Situation Effort FB   BP  X    O       Goals, objectives, pitch execution

1.     Runner on 1b     50% (Stretch)     8    7    7    2           Block FB, good spin on BP, keep X down 50% (wind up)   7   6    6    2

2.    Runner on 2b     50% (S)                 8    7    7    2           Block FB, down break on BP, keep X low 50% (W)              7    6    6    2

3.    Runner on 1b     50% (S)                 8    7    7    2           Block FB, good hand speed on BP/X 50% (W)               7    6    6    2

It might be helpful to explain a few of the above notations, before we continue with the graph.  FB refers to fast ball, bp to breaking pitch, and x to change up.  The “O” is “other” or “opportunity” to repeat something that the pitcher chooses.  In this pre-season workout we ask our pitchers to start throwing their breaking pitch series at a shorter distance and have the catcher work his way back to full distance in 5-6 pitches.  Finally, we use the term “block” to mean alternate sides of the plate: in other words one pitch in and then the next away.

As we move into steps 4 and beyond we have found it useful to chart the strike/location success for all pitches.  In addition, it is also a perfect time to have stopwatches available to measure delivery time to the plate as you choose to emphasize control of the running game, alternate your looks to 2b, and even to ask your catchers to use their various signal systems for runners on 2b.

4.                            Runner on 2b     50% (S)                 7    7    7    4           Located FB, BP and X for a strike

50% (W)               7    7    7    4

75% (S)                 2    1    2

75% (W)               2    1    2

5.                          Runner on 1b     50% (S)                 6    6    6    2           Located FB, BP and X for a strike

50% (W)               6    6   6     2

75% (S)                 5    3   2

75% (W)              5    3   2

6.                            Runner on 2b     50% (S)                 4    4   4    3            Shade the FB (begin using a specific

50% (W)               4    4    4   3            count for FB execution)

75% (S)                 5    5    5 BP/X for first pitch strike

75% (W)               5    5    5

7.                            Runner on 1b     50% (S)                 9    9    9   3            Begin alternating pitches: such as

50% (W)               9    9    9   3            FB/BP and FB/X or sequence all three

75% (S)                 5    3    2 such as FB/BP/X

75% (W)               5    3    2

Obviously, there is a big jump in quantity from #6 to #7 and pitching coaches and trainers will have to use their judgment on the amount of rest needed between these two as well as each of the steps.    The program continues to build quantity in both the 50% and 75% range and eventually transitions to 75% and 100%.   We work the numbers for five or six more sessions and eventually get to an 80-100 pitch workout with a good portion of it at full speed.  At this point we begin to throw to hitters in scrimmage situations.

Over the past few years we have adjusted the routines to fit our needs and added ideas such as throwing with your eyes closed and having hitters stand in the box (though not while the pitcher’s eyes were closed).  The overriding principle is that each bullpen workout is scripted in an attempt to teach a principle, to practice a technique or strategy, or to create a game like scenario.

Mike Gaski

Head Coach, UNCG

President, USA Baseball

January 2009