Often, yes, it’s normal. When a coach changes a delivery, the old habit and the new one compete, and results can dip for a few weeks, especially in games. It’s a normal dip if the coach is changing one thing at a time, can explain why, and he’s slowly improving. It’s a red flag if he’s worse everywhere for months, confused by too many cues, or has any arm pain (that means stop and see a doctor).
You signed him up for pitching lessons to get better. Six weeks later he’s walking more batters than ever, his fastball looks slower, and he seems confused on the mound. Now you’re wondering if you’re paying someone to make him worse.
Maybe. But more often, a dip after lessons is a normal part of changing a delivery. Here is why a pitcher can get worse before he gets better, how long that usually lasts, and the signs that something really is wrong.
Why a dip is normal
A pitcher’s delivery is a habit, built over thousands of throws. When a coach changes part of it, the old version doesn’t disappear. For a while he has two patterns fighting each other: the new one he’s thinking about and the old one his body still trusts.
That’s why the new mechanics often look good in a lesson and fall apart in a game. In a lesson he can think about every throw. In a game, with a batter in the box and people watching, his body grabs the old pattern, or he tries to think about the change and pitches stiff. Either way, the results get worse for a stretch. Our guide on pitchers who throw strikes in the bullpen but not in games explains the same gap.
“Worse before better is real. Worse forever is not.”
A good change should start showing up within a few weeks.How long should the dip last?
It depends on the change and the kid, but a reasonable expectation is a few weeks of awkwardness, then steady progress. A small tweak, like where his glove goes, might settle in days. A bigger change, like his stride or his arm path, can take a month or more to feel natural, especially if he’s only working on it during lessons.
What matters is direction. Film him every few weeks from the same angle. If the change is starting to show up and his command is slowly coming back, he’s on track. Compare him to himself, not to the kid on Instagram.
Normal dip or red flag?
| Normal dip | Worth a closer look |
|---|---|
| One change | Five changes at once |
| Clear reason given | No clear reason |
| Better in lessons | Worse everywhere |
| Slowly improving | Still worse after months |
| Arm feels fine | Arm pain or soreness |
| He gets the cue | He’s confused and down |
The last two rows matter most. If his elbow or shoulder hurts after a mechanical change, he stops throwing and you see a doctor. And if he’s confused and losing confidence, the coaching may be the problem: too many cues, too fast. Our guide on how to find a good pitching coach lists the red flags.
What to do about it
Ask the coach two questions
What is the one thing you’re changing, and why? A good coach can answer both in plain English. If the answer is a list of six things, ask which one comes first.
Separate games from lessons
In games, his job is to compete and throw strikes, not to think about mechanics. Let the changes get built in practice and show up in games on their own time.
Practice between lessons
A change only sticks if he repeats it. A few short, focused sessions a week matter more than the lesson itself. Our guide on practicing pitching at home has simple options.
Film and compare
Before-and-after video shows whether the change is actually happening. It also helps you talk to the coach about something specific.
Give it a fair window
If there’s still no progress after a couple of months, or he’s getting worse everywhere, it’s fair to get a second opinion.
Get a second opinion on the change
Upload a video of him pitching and we’ll break down his delivery frame by frame: what the change is doing, what’s working, and what to focus on first. Free, and easy to share with his coach. For any pain, always see a doctor first.
Start the Free Evaluation →Takes about 2 minutes · See a sample analysis firstWhen the coach is the problem
Most pitching coaches mean well, but some overhaul every kid the same way, change things that weren’t broken, or pile on cues until the pitcher can’t think straight. A good coach fixes what’s holding him back and leaves the rest alone. If your son was throwing well before and the coach rebuilt his whole delivery, that’s worth questioning. For more on getting your money’s worth, see our guides on whether pitching lessons are worth it and how often to take lessons.
The bottom line
A pitcher often gets worse for a few weeks after a mechanical change, because his old habit and his new one are fighting. That’s normal if the coach is changing one thing at a time, can explain why, and he’s slowly improving. It’s a red flag if he’s worse everywhere for months, confused by too many cues, or has any arm pain. Ask questions, film the progress, and let games be games. Smooth is fast, and good changes get there.
Common questions
Is it normal for a pitcher to get worse after lessons?
Yes, for a while. When a coach changes a delivery, the old habit and the new one compete, and results often dip for a few weeks before improving. It should start getting better with practice.
How long does it take for pitching mechanics changes to work?
A small tweak can settle in days. A bigger change, like stride or arm path, can take a month or more to feel natural. Regular practice between lessons speeds it up.
Why does my son pitch well in lessons but not in games?
In lessons he can think about each throw. In games, pressure pulls him back to his old pattern or makes him stiff from overthinking. Let games be about competing, and let the change build in practice.
When should I switch pitching coaches?
Consider it if he’s still worse after a couple of months, the coach changes many things at once without clear reasons, he’s confused and losing confidence, or he develops arm pain. Any arm pain means he stops and sees a doctor.
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We'll show you exactly where his mechanics are costing him, and what to work on first.
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