Average Pop Time by Age
Pop time is the elapsed time from the moment the ball hits the catcher's mitt to the moment it lands in the middle infielder's glove at second base on a throw-down. It's the number one recruiting metric for catchers.
Pop time benchmarks
12U
Average: 2.4–2.6 seconds. Advanced: 2.2s.
14U
Average: 2.2–2.4 seconds. Advanced: 2.0s.
High school
Average: 2.0–2.2s. D1 recruits: 1.95 or lower.
College/Pro
1.85–2.0 seconds.
How to lower your pop time
Footwork (jab step or replace step), exchange speed (glove-to-hand transfer), and arm strength all contribute. Most catchers gain the fastest by drilling exchange with a partner — 100 exchanges per day for a month typically shaves 0.1s off a pop time.
Frequently asked questions
What is a college-level pop time?+
D1 recruits sit at 1.95 or lower. D2/D3 recruits typically run 2.0–2.05.
How do I measure pop time?+
Use a stopwatch or a phone app. Start the timer at ball-in-mitt, stop when the throw is caught at second base. Average 5 attempts.
Related resources
Track your own progress
Log your metrics, follow a personalized program, and see your gains over time.
Start free