Does this sound familiar?

Your athlete hits rockets in batting practice — but in games, they’re constantly late, early, or just barely making contact.

It’s one of the most common frustrations in youth baseball:

“His swing looks fine… so why isn’t he hitting in games?”

The answer almost always comes back to timing.

While mechanics are important, they don’t matter if the hitter isn’t on time. And unfortunately, timing is one of the hardest — and most overlooked — skills to teach and develop.

At Swing Lab, we work with players every week who don’t have a “swing” problem… they have a timing problem. The good news? It’s fixable — with the right approach.

Let’s break down why timing is so tricky, and how youth hitters can train it effectively.

What Is Timing — and Why Is It So Hard?

Timing is the ability to start and adjust the swing so that the barrel meets the ball in the right spot, at the right moment.

Great timing feels effortless. Poor timing feels rushed, mistimed, or disconnected — even if the swing looks okay on video.

Here’s why it’s hard for young hitters:

• Pitchers are inconsistent — speeds, arm slots, and deliveries vary

• Most practices don’t simulate game-speed reps

• Many hitters only train off tees or slow toss

• Players don’t know when to start their move

• Fear of striking out causes hesitation or over-adjustment

Even good hitters struggle when their internal clock is off.

Common Signs of Timing Issues

Here’s how you can tell if your athlete’s problem is timing — not mechanics:

• Always late or jammed by average pitching

• Rushing or “swinging from their heels”

• Pulling off the ball or slicing to the opposite field

• Starting their load too early or too late

• Success in cage work but not in games

• “Guess swinging” instead of reacting

If that sounds familiar, it’s time to build a better timing system.

How to Train Timing (Not Just Mechanics)

Start With Rhythm
Good timing starts with good rhythm. Teach hitters to move with the pitcher — not after the ball is already released. Have them load or begin their stride as the pitcher’s arm starts moving forward, not at release.

Use a “Yes, Yes, No” Mental Cue
Teach the athlete to mentally say “yes, yes” as the pitcher delivers — staying ready to swing — and then “no” only if they’re holding off. This builds aggression and reduces hesitation.

Add Variability to Practice
Mix pitch speeds, tempos, and deliveries. Use front toss with different rhythms, or hit off a pitching machine set to random intervals.

Train With Intentional Mistiming
Have players intentionally hit late, then early, then “just right.” This helps build awareness of what good timing feels like — not just what looks right.

Practice Timing Without a Bat
Shadow swings or dry reps while watching pitchers (even on video) helps athletes work on timing without focusing on mechanics.

Use Game-Like Simulations
Rep live at-bats with a coach or machine, and include pitch recognition, counts, and pressure. Simulate what they’ll actually face in games.

Work From Contact Backward
Have hitters find where they want to make contact — and then work backward to find when to start their movement. This helps them own their load and stride timing.

Timing Takes Reps — and Patience

Unlike tee work or mechanical drills, timing work can feel messy.

Players will struggle. They’ll mistime reps. They may even get worse before they get better.

That’s okay. It means they’re adjusting — not just repeating old patterns.

Be patient. Encourage your athlete to keep competing. And remind them that the best hitters in the world are still working on timing every day.

Not Sure If It’s Timing or Mechanics?

That’s a common question. At Swing Lab, we use swing assessments and game-speed simulations to help players (and parents) figure out what’s actually holding them back.

Wondering if your athlete is struggling with timing — or looking for drills to help them square up more consistently? Reach out to Swing Lab and we’ll help you build a timing plan that sticks.

from: getty images