Load & Launch Timing Load on time. Swing on time. Graded in milliseconds.
Timing starts with the load. Tap once to load as the pitcher’s front foot lands (fastpitch: as the arm reaches the top of the circle), then tap again to swing. Your swing takes time to get there, so you have to start it before the ball arrives. Fast and off-speed pitches mixed.
- 2 minutes
- Baseball + fastpitch
- Free · no sign-up
Load & Launch Timing
Tap (or press Space) once to load, then again to swing.
Why timing starts with the load
Most “late” swings aren’t slow swings. They’re late loads. A hitter who is still getting loaded when the ball is released has to rush everything after it. Good hitters are loaded as the front foot lands, so all that’s left is to decide and swing.
- Baseball: be loaded as the pitcher’s front foot lands.
- Fastpitch: be loaded as the arm reaches the top of the circle. 43 feet leaves no time to catch up.
Training guide
What it trains
Starting your load on time with the pitcher, then launching the swing at the right moment.
Who it’s for
Hitters who are late on fastballs, rush their load, or start at the same time no matter how hard the pitcher throws.
How to get better
- Start early and go slow. A late start is the most common timing problem.
- Match your load to the pitcher’s rhythm, not to a count in your head.
- Practice against different speeds so your start time changes with the pitcher.
- On video, check that your front foot is down before the ball is halfway.
Read more on the Backspin Blog
- Launch Position Timing in Hitting: Let the Arrow Go
- How to Time a Fastpitch Pitcher: Start Early
- Ready for 100: José Ramírez and Fastball Timing
- How to Hit a Fastball: Start Early, Be On Time
Next step: run the free Hitter Combine to find your #1 priority, or train this skill start to finish in the Hitting Processor course.
Questions
When should a hitter load?
In baseball, the load should be done as the pitcher’s front foot lands. In fastpitch, as the pitcher’s arm reaches the top of the circle. That leaves only the decision and the swing after release.
How long does a swing take?
From the start of the swing to contact, about 0.13 to 0.18 seconds for high school and older hitters. Younger hitters take longer.
Why am I always late?
Usually the load starts too late. Start it earlier so the swing can start on time without rushing.