Fantastic Pop Time Fanatics

[Jdaddy]

Math has been done many times. Although POP times are a normalized way to measure a catcher against a large data base. The glove to glove is reasonably transferable you the game. It’s all of the “other” contributors that contribute to the 20-25% caught stealing.

• Ball from pitcher to catcher is on average 0.5 sec
• Catch to tag can take 0.3-0.5 sec on a good throw
• Runners avoiding tags with hook slides etc
• Accuracy of the throw
• Skill of the infielder regarding set-up, letting the ball travel etc

Other than accuracy of throw, none of these influence a POP time but all contribute I. Games

All true. Not to mention a good BR may shave another .2 seconds leaving early. So the math is a catcher loses approximately 1 second to the burners that run a 2.7 60ft. That leaves approximately a 1.7 second pop time to get the out with an accurate throw at the P5 level. Adds up to me.

 

[erniekru]

That pic is incredible throwing posture. How old is she?

Sorry for the late reply, DD is 13

 

[Eric F]

If these pop times were anything close to what happens in a game, no runner would ever beat a throw to the bag. Do the math and you quickly realize these numbers are not accurate and nothing more than fantasy.

I’m not following you on this. How are pop times “fantasy”? It’s simply a measurement from one point of action to another.

 

[riseball]

I’m not following you on this. How are pop times “fantasy”? It’s simply a measurement from one point of action to another.

The problem with pop times is that they are inherently inaccurate and subjective. They are not by any means a qualitative measurement of skill. Just like top pitching speed or bat exit speed they provide a measurement that is in no way applicable to live game performance, Yet just like top pitching speed or bat exit speed, people obsess over the numbers as though they are somehow meaningful. Truth is they are only meaningful within the context of the camp/event where the data was collected. They can tell you that last week at the BigNameU catcher camp Sally was a bit quicker than Suzie on that day at that camp. Nothing more. They cannot be used to compare catchers across multiple camp/events. Which is why when you crow about your 1.8 pop time to a college coach you may very well get an eye roll and an instant debit in credibility. Of course you should work on footwork, transfer, etc. But do yourself a favor and keep the value of your pop time in perspective. Leave the numbers off your softball resume and out of any conversation with a college coach. Let your skills and actual results speak for you and do not hang your hat on someting so trivial.

 

[Rolling Hard]

"But do yourself a favor and keep the value of your pop time in perspective. "

Gotta be able to hit. They can take an athletic 2nd baseman that can hit and make them a catcher in 2 weeks.
That maybe a little exaggerated but you get the idea.

 

[Jdaddy]

The problem with pop times is that they are inherently inaccurate and subjective. They are not by any means a qualitative measurement of skill. Just like top pitching speed or bat exit speed they provide a measurement that is in no way applicable to live game performance, Yet just like top pitching speed or bat exit speed, people obsess over the numbers as though they are somehow meaningful. Truth is they are only meaningful within the context of the camp/event where the data was collected. They can tell you that last week at the BigNameU catcher camp Sally was a bit quicker than Suzie on that day at that camp. Nothing more. They cannot be used to compare catchers across multiple camp/events. Which is why when you crow about your 1.8 pop time to a college coach you may very well get an eye roll and an instant debit in credibility. Of course you should work on footwork, transfer, etc. But do yourself a favor and keep the value of your pop time in perspective. Leave the numbers off your softball resume and out of any conversation with a college coach. Let your skills and actual results speak for you and do not hang your hat on someting so trivial.

I stated earlier in the thread that I believe catchers should be judged on CS%, FP%, number of picks per season and even the abilitiy to find and catch pop ups. I believe these stats are more telling of a good catcher than pop times.

However, of the camps DD attended, not once was her pop time and/or overhand velocity not measured. We’ve had coaches at showcases timing pop times. These measurables are important to coaches. While I believe stopwatch timing can vary widely by coach, or camp, coaches are weeding out kids based on how our DDs time compares to others at that particular camp or showcase.

 

[Jdaddy]

"But do yourself a favor and keep the value of your pop time in perspective. "

Gotta be able to hit. They can take an athletic 2nd baseman that can hit and make them a catcher in 2 weeks.
That maybe a little exaggerated but you get the idea.

You spelled SS wrong. Seriously though, I have heard this before, and can only think of a handful of kids who have the skills, smarts and personality to play catcher in college that haven’t caught before. I know of only one who is actually doing it and I’m not sure if she caught when she was young or not.

 

[radness]

The problem with pop times is that they are inherently inaccurate and subjective. They are not by any means a qualitative measurement of skill. Just like top pitching speed or bat exit speed they provide a measurement that is in no way applicable to live game performance, Yet just like top pitching speed or bat exit speed, people obsess over the numbers as though they are somehow meaningful. Truth is they are only meaningful within the context of the camp/event where the data was collected. They can tell you that last week at the BigNameU catcher camp Sally was a bit quicker than Suzie on that day at that camp. Nothing more. They cannot be used to compare catchers across multiple camp/events. Which is why when you crow about your 1.8 pop time to a college coach you may very well get an eye roll and an instant debit in credibility. Of course you should work on footwork, transfer, etc. But do yourself a favor and keep the value of your pop time in perspective. Leave the numbers off your softball resume and out of any conversation with a college coach. Let your skills and actual results speak for you and do not hang your hat on someting so trivial.

Can assure that timing pop times are important. Even more important than throwing speed alone. Because of the overall equation of receiving the pitch and throwing it including getting it to the next glove... accuracy included.

Just as pitching speeds are only relevant to movement, locations and consistent accuracy.

Especially with the use now of technology and the advances of being able to time and be exactly specific on what is happening with athletes on the field. Another example would be timing the shuttle or timing running 20 yard dash 40-yard dash 60-yard dash they are speeds relevant to the Athletes Performance. Colleges do pay attention at all levels. Tb coaches excetra.

I will add that college coaches want to see their performance in person and generally do not just take numbers off a piece of paper and offer scholarships from that.


It is not trivial.

It is extremely important for catchers.

 

[radness]

The comments regarding camp to camp or clinic to clinic results can make a difference.
Hand held stopwatch
(which colleges still use.
As well coaches at all levels)
Vs.
Technology based results
Have an exact measurement
to give accurate info on athletes.


The detail from the technology-based equipment used is extremely accurate. Used at some colleges.. that other colleges haven't yet..
are being implemented to specifically target needs in athletes strength and performance. We can reflect on hitting in this discussion and talk about where athletes are able to develop certain muscle groups to enhance hitting strength or body speed. Also in running. The same tools are used for pitchers to help develop specific muscle groups and mechanics to help pitching performances. This same technology-based feedback is being used for catchers, outfielders, infielders and everybody on the field. Did I include everybody on the field?!! Thanks to Pro Sports and the amount of money that is thrown into Pro Sports and those results...the trickle-down effect we know is in colleges and into high schools and into coaches in tb and organizations in travel ball.

There are camps where the results are not disputed at all.
Because of the way they are measuring the athletes.
Catchers pop times included.

 

[Fury_Mike]

"But do yourself a favor and keep the value of your pop time in perspective. "

Gotta be able to hit. They can take an athletic 2nd baseman that can hit and make them a catcher in 2 weeks.
That maybe a little exaggerated but you get the idea.

Exaggerated is an understatement. Like saying you could take an athletic 2B and make her a pitcher....