Getting better pop tim

Videotape your throw down, and find out exactly how long your release time is by counting the frames in frame-by-frame playback. You want to get to a release time of .7 seconds on an easy to handle pitch.

If your release his higher than that, look at your footwork, hand mechanics, and throw mechanics. There are plenty of folks here who can evaluate this to see where your time might be going, and if you were to post it on youtube I am sure you would get some feedback.

Finally, arm strength. If your release velocity is 75mph with a .7 release, that is a sub 2.0 pop time.

Keep working on arm strength, with the goal of by the time you are a senior, throwing at 80 mph. That velocity will set you apart to some degree.

I would start by taking a look and working on your footwork.

That is where I start with all the kids on our team. We start with footwork, move to transfer mechanics, and then the actual throwing mechanics.

It's hard to tell you exactly what to work on without seeing video of you. If you put something up, I am sure you will get more help.

bigbeng94,

First off you should know that 2.25-2.34 pop is a very respectable time for a high school freshman. I suspect this time was taken during a practice session, let me know that for sure.

If you have a picture of you in your runners-on stance you could post that would be great a place to start. Video of the whole throw would be great but if you just have a picture in your stance that would be helpful.

I find that many players can have themselves in unathletic stances that right from the beginning handicap them for making the best throw they actually can make.

If you don't know how to post the picture just email it to me and I will post it for you.

My email is coachweaver@catchingcamp.com

Coach Weaver
New England Catching Camp
www.catchingcamp.com

Thanks for all the advice. I will try and get a video, and or picture up as soon as I can.

I recommend this website:
The art of catching

I also recommend this tape:
Rob McDonald tape

I used the Jason Vittone "Art of catching" website, the Rob McDonald tape along with long toss and pitching lessons to get my son's pop time down to a respectable time. Take it from and old boxer, stay away from the jump rope as debilitating shin splints can ruin your season. Proper throwing footwork is simply a learned technique and doesn't result from repetitive exercise, jumping rope, running or deep knee bends.
Best of luck,
Fungo

quote:

Originally posted by CatchingCoach05:
I would start by taking a look and working on your footwork.

That is where I start with all the kids on our team. We start with footwork, move to transfer mechanics, and then the actual throwing mechanics.

It's hard to tell you exactly what to work on without seeing video of you. If you put something up, I am sure you will get more help.

I could not agree more...it all starts with the footwork.

For me, you need to work on things you can improve the fastest...footwork, release (getting ball out of the glove to the throw) and accuracy. These are things you can improve in a short amount of time that will knock some time off.

Obviously, the stronger your arm the better. But having a strong arm does not automatically make you a great catcher. Arm strength will come with time and lots of hard work. The other things can come faster with the same hard work and dedication.

I'd also recommend this DVD:
http://www.catchingtips.com/

It's by Carson Newman Head Coach Tom Griffin. It is the best I've seen, in my opinion. I've had it now for about 3 years and I still watch it with my 13 year old and get great drills and ideas.

quote:

Originally posted by Fungo:...and pitching lessons to get my son's pop time down to a respectable time.

Interestingly, I feel GED10's pitching lesson's helped him too. Not only his POP time, but his mental approach to pitch sequence, pitch selection, location, etc. The perspective of a pitcher, behind the dish can be a huge advantage.

I know the debate will rage on.... right, wrong, or???, a sub 2.0 POP time is the standard of excellence for a catcher, much like a pitcher breaking 90mph.

GED10DaD

quote:

Arm strength will come with time and lots of hard work.

Everyone hopes that but -------