POP TIME vs THROWING SPEED

[radness]

This conversation came up as a coach was expressing finding a great catcher.
"Come check out her pop time."

Much to his surprise what he thought was a great pop time he was actually timing her throwing speed.
16 yr old
Throw speed 67 mph
Pop time 2.2 most recordings

So thought to share this topic.

Pop Time = Glove to Glove.
Clock starts when ball reaches the catcher glove or (body blocking) includes transition & throwing mechanics, includes flight of ball reaching intended target glove.

Throwing speed = when ball exists throwing hand, ball traveling speed to intended target.

Point being
Pop times include transition and throwing mechanics with accuracy.
It takes more than just throwing speed to have a great pop time!

With this catchers throw speed could have more efficient pop time!!!!

LETS THROW RUNNERS OUT!

 

[BRsoftballDad]

Agreed. Sadly, many people can only see arm speed. They may say "that girl has got a gun!!" but her pop up and release are slow slow. Even without the strongest arm, catchers can reduce their pop time with a good transition and release.

 

[robertc3]

One of my assistant coaches just did the math on pop times and transfer time is where great catchers are made. Shaving .2 off of the transfer is equivalent to throwing the ball 12 mph faster. Adding 12 mph to the throw is possible, but very hard. Shaving .2 of the transfer is so much easier.

 

[radness]

One of my assistant coaches just did the math on pop times and transfer time is where great catchers are made. Shaving .2 off of the transfer is equivalent to throwing the ball 12 mph faster. Adding 12 mph to the throw is possible, but very hard. Shaving .2 of the transfer is so much easier.

GREAT REASON TO
Field and Recover dirt pitches!
Zero downtime
Faster pop times!!

Getting hit by the ball
Aka-Blocking technique,
Adds that .2 and more!

*Just because the pitch is in the dirt doesn't mean the runner should get an advantage!

Utilizing video and timing technology
good tools!
Even using a stopwatch can record the differences!

 

[Rolling Hard]

Nothing is better than picking it and throwing out the runner.