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POP TIME DRILL
PURPOSE: To evaluate catchers ability to throw down to second base and determine which method works best.
EQUIPMENT: Baseball and Stopwatch SET-UP: Catcher takes crouch, pitcher takes mound, middle infielder prepares for throw at second base. Coach is ready with a stopwatch. EXECUTION: Pop Time is how long in seconds it takes from the time the pitch hits the catchers glove until it hits the middle infielders glove. To execute drill pitcher throws pitch to catcher, as soon as the ball hits the catchers glove, coach starts stopwatch, catcher throws down to second base as quick/hard as possible, when ball hits middle infielders glove coach stops the timer. As catchers attempt this drill they should use their times to determine how to most quickly get the ball to second base. COACHING TIP: Time all of your catchers in the beginning of the season and compare as the season goes on. Bring your stopwatch to all games and time the opposing catchers time to evaluate if it a good day to steal bases. "Pop Time is the standard that all scouts use to evaluate catcher's ability to throw out runners. Catcher who do not always possess the strongest arm can still have a decent pop time by having a quick release."
-Coach Tim |
Check out the Pop Time Video!
How fast are your catcher's Pop Times and how old are they? Please E-Mail me to share, I'd love to hear from you.
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