Timing Over Mechanics: The Most Common Mistake Pitchers Make

It’s the bottom of the fourth. Two outs. Runner on second.
Your daughter gets the sign, winds up… ball four.

Another missed spot. Another missed chance.

Naturally, most parents and coaches jump to the go-to solution: “She needs to fix her mechanics.”

But what if I told you that’s not the real issue?

The Real Culprit? Timing.
Across hundreds of pitchers I’ve coached—whether they’re just learning their fastball or chasing D1 dreams—this is the common thread when control falls apart.

Not release point.
Not stride length.
Not mechanics.

Timing.

When her front foot isn’t syncing with her hips…
When her arm lags behind or her body gets ahead…
When her drive lacks direction…

She’s not just “off.” She’s out of sequence.

And when her timing’s off, her accuracy doesn’t stand a chance.

What to Look For First
Start at the foundation: her feet. Specifically, that plant leg.

✅ Is she landing with strength and direction?
✅ Is she using her front side to “brake” the motion?
✅ Is she stacked at release or falling forward?

Remember—strong brakes = more control.