Skip to content
Diamond Nine

← All drills

Bullpen — 15-Pitch Command Block

PitchingFull field12 minAges 9-12, 13-152-2 playersIntensity: normalPitch Smart OKAdult supervision

Short bullpen, 15 pitches with location targets, logs strike% and arm-zone count.

Use this drill in a practiceBack to library

Your job today

Short bullpen — 15 pitches. Catcher sets a glove, you hit it. Don’t worry about how hard, worry about where.

What good looks like: Land 9 of 15 in or on the target. Finish each pitch with your chest over your front knee.

Why it matters: Pitchers who throw strikes get to keep pitching. Velo gets you noticed; command keeps you on the mound.

How it works

Pitcher throws 15 pitches off a mound (or flat ground for 6-8). Catcher sets target for fastball arm-side / glove-side / down. Coach logs strike%. All throws count toward Pitch Smart daily limit.

Reps / rounds
15 pitches
Rest between sets
20s
Space needed
60ft lane
Coaches
1

Equipment

  • mound
  • catcher gear
  • 5 baseballs

If you don't have it

  • No mound? Use flat ground (9-12 only) (moves to Full field).

Setup

  1. Catcher in gear
  2. Coach with target paddle behind catcher

Run the drill

  1. Warmup 8 throws
  2. 15 charted pitches
  3. Cooldown stretch

Coaching cues

  • Eyes to mitt
  • Finish out front
  • One target at a time

Common mistakes

  • Pitching to the catcher's body not the glove
  • Rushing the set

Scoring

Track % strikes (percent). On-track when at or above 60.

Adjust it

Make it easier

  • easier: 10 pitches, fastball only

Make it harder

  • advanced: Add changeup arm-side target

Variations

  • Mixed counts: Coach calls 1-0, 0-2, 3-2 scenarios

Safety

  • throw count logged
  • PITCH_SMART_GENERAL: Pitch Smart is the canonical guideline set for youth pitch counts and required rest. Throwing volumes, rest days, and allowed pitch types must defer to Pitch Smart's age-banded tables. Compliance program available for orgs.
  • STOP_ON_PAIN: Distinguish acceptable muscle soreness from joint pain or severe muscle ache. Any pain, pop, or possible injury must be reported to a parent, coach, or trusted adult, and the activity stopped immediately. Any sign of illness or injury must be evaluated before returning.

Source

Author: platform · Status: Published · Last reviewed 2026-05-26