Just looking for some views on the validity of short box (i.e. throwing from 53 feet) and/or flat ground work in the bullpen inbetween the regular mound work bullpens at 60 feet.

I spoke with three pitching coaches recently(two of whom pitched in the majors) and each had a different opinion as to the usefulness of the shorter/flatter BP work (nothing conclusive and no overwhelming majority). If anyone thinks it matters this is for HS to college age pitchers with solid mechanics.

I would think that if you are training to pitch off a mound at 60' that's how you should practice. Breaking balls thrown from different distances and different angles (flat ground) would tend to mess up your delivery.

Thanks for the input.

We throw from flat ground when we long toss, when we field and when we train as well. Pens will be beneficial, so will flat work with some pitchers. If its throwing, and its not messing up mechanics, then keep throwing. Throw often and throw hard often.