Baseball
Pop time calculator
Pop time is the time from the pitch reaching the catcher's mitt to the throw reaching the fielder at second base. Count the frames between those two moments and divide by the frame rate. Professional catchers average around 2.0 seconds on throws to second, and times under 1.9 seconds are considered elite.
The rate the video was captured at, not the playback rate. iPhone slow motion is 120 or 240 fps.
From “Pitch hits the catcher's mitt” to “Throw reaches the fielder at second base”. Use the end frame number minus the start frame number.
Elapsed time
2.00s
- Frames counted
- 480
- One frame lasts
- 4.2 ms
How it compares
- EliteTop professional range.Under 1.90 s
- Pro averageTypical of professional catchers.1.90–2.05 s
- Strong amateurCompetitive for college and strong high school catchers.2.05–2.20 s
- DevelopingRoom to improve exchange or throw.2.20 s and over
How to measure pop time on video
- Film from the first- or third-base side, far enough back to keep both the catcher and second base in frame. A wide lens (0.5×) helps.
- Record in slow motion at 120 or 240 fps so the ball is visible in flight.
- Step to the start frame: the first frame where the pitch touches the catcher's mitt.
- Step to the end frame: the first frame where the throw reaches the fielder's glove at the bag.
- Enter the frame count and capture frame rate, and compare several throws.
Formula
pop time = frames ÷ fps
Pop time combines the catcher's exchange (catch to release) and the throw itself. Timing both parts separately with the frames to time calculator shows which one to work on.
Times in frames at common frame rates
| Time | Frames at 30 fps | Frames at 60 fps | Frames at 120 fps | Frames at 240 fps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.85 s | 56 | 111 | 222 | 444 |
| 1.90 s | 57 | 114 | 228 | 456 |
| 1.95 s | 59 | 117 | 234 | 468 |
| 2.00 s | 60 | 120 | 240 | 480 |
| 2.05 s | 61 | 123 | 246 | 492 |
| 2.10 s | 63 | 126 | 252 | 504 |
| 2.20 s | 66 | 132 | 264 | 528 |
| 2.30 s | 69 | 138 | 276 | 552 |
Common mistakes
- Starting at the catcher's release instead of the catch. That measures only the throw, not pop time.
- Ending at the bag on some throws and at the glove on others. Pick one finish point and keep it.
- Filming at 30 fps from behind the plate, where the ball can disappear into blur and second base is too far away to see the catch clearly.
- Timing with sound. Video and audio are not always perfectly in sync, and the glove pop is not always audible on the recording.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good pop time for a high school catcher?
Around 2.0 to 2.2 seconds is commonly considered strong for high school catchers, and times under 2.0 seconds stand out to college recruiters. Professional averages are close to 2.0 seconds.
Is pop time measured to the bag or to the glove?
Scouts usually stop the watch when the ball reaches the fielder's glove. MLB Statcast uses the moment the throw is projected to reach the center of the base. Either works if you use it consistently.
How do you improve pop time?
Break it into exchange time (catch to release) and throw time (release to glove). Footwork and transfer usually change the exchange, while arm strength and throw path change the throw.
Related terms
Count frames on your iPhone or iPad
KineVision plays video in slow motion, steps through it frame by frame, and includes a stopwatch, angle tools, and side-by-side comparison for coaching.
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