Let's Talk About Timing · Alpha PD Training Academy

Riley Vaughan

24d • Weekly Tips and Drills

Let's Talk About Timing

One of the biggest mistakes hitters make is thinking timing is about when you start your load. It’s not.

Timing is typically defined by where the ball and bat meet relative to the front foot.

Too far in front of the front foot = early

Too far behind the front foot = late

Right around or just in front of the front foot = on time

The next question you have to ask yourself is : what controls that contact point?

There is a lot you have to complete before the bat meets the ball, almost 90% of the entire swing is completed by the time the ball and the bat actually meet. So creating timing is really about when your front foot gets down — because your front foot landing is what tells your body it’s ready to rotate.

So when we are making adjustments to timing against slower or faster pitchers, or are just struggling with timing in general, we want to focus on the front foot timing, NOT load timing.

Load timing, at least your starting point, should remain relatively consistent. A good rule of thumb is that when the pitcher starts to move, so you do, slow and early. Facing a faster pitcher? Load slow and early. A slower pitcher? Load slower and early.

Start your load early and slow, no matter the speed of the pitcher.

Now to front foot timing.

The general standard: Your front foot should land around when the ball is halfway to home plate.

Adjustments: