EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR A FASTER POP TIME! [Baseball Catcher Pop Time Drills]

If you're in the Orlando FL area and you want to train with Wil Nieves for catching or hitting, you can email him at [e-mail] or find him on Instagram or Facebook at wilnievesacademy
In today's video we have MLB veteran catcher Wil Nieves and he is sharing many tips on how to have a faster pop time for catching. If you're looking to improve catching pop time, these baseball catching tips are for you! Catcher pop time is important because if your pop time is too slow, then base runners will steal bases all over you. But if you have a faster pop time, then you will be able to shut down the running game, in return winning more baseball games! Listen to Wil's baseball catcher tips because he has played at the highest level and he knows about MLB pop times. So if you're interested in how to improve catching pop time, watch the full video now!
0:45 How to give a target for catching
3:15 Catching Drill #1 - The finger tip framing drill
4:33 Catching Drill #2 - The 2 ball receiving drill
5:07 Catching Drill #3 - The chopstick finger tips drill
If you liked this video and want to see more catching tips videos with Wil Nieves, leave a comment down below and let us know! Also, if you have any questions for Wil or I, leave it down below and we'll do our best to answer them.

[@YouGoPro]

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[@gberinger55]

Love that this is a defensive skills video and the opening highlight reel is all offense.

[@braydenburkett3452]

Gregory Beringer I was thinking the same thing

[@sneakybeaver13V2]

fr

[@gc20baseball66]

I thought the same thing, very confused.

[@MattFerrell123]

And he got jammed on his last hit

[@jasonchristen5650]

It's the same opening video for all their stuff

[@Gbpsfitness]

Nieves is catcher, so I would've liked to see him throwing runners out

[@sneakybeaver13V2]

for real

[@coachcoreytraining5978]

Maybe one regular speed and one in slow motion.

[@mackdaddy6652]

Exactly. This is not a hitting video.

[@Gbpsfitness]

@Zavier Barnes True in part

[@jacktheengineer]

56 years old and still catching, and always learning. Wil's tips are the best because they WORK! Thanks for keeping me in the game Wil! I may not be as fast as i used to be, but the proper techniques and mechanics (particula footwork) that Wil teaches keeps me competitivly quick.

[@elizabethcasteneda8740]

I really like how he explains why he is instructing a certain movement. This is especially good for new/young catchers.

[@YouGoPro]

Yes it is thank you so much

[@andrewdilo3097]

I am a youth baseball player in 13u, I won the state championship when I was 11, I am a catcher. This video really helped me, thank you so much keep it up

[@YouGoPro]

Awesome! Keep up the great work!

[@clayman478]

Nice info....this is exactly what i tell my softball catcher that doesnt have great arm strength is to pretend they're throwing to a person between the pitcher amd 2nd base. Itll be a quicker throw if they one hop it rather than rainbow it.

[@rileyhansen4568]

Had him as a coach for a couple of months, hes amazing with words and taught more about the mental approach to being a catcher, presentation and receiving is #1. Great Guy!

[@YouGoPro]

He is awesome!

[@thunderbugcreative7778]

This is my favorite catching skills video on youtube. Will breaks down pop time in such simple pieces from preparing for the catch to transferring the ball to footwork. A plus Will!

[@allianttitleescrow4379]

I was a catcher in HS and college but that was 20 years ago and now I am coaching. So good to hear on new and improved techniques and some easy finer points to learn. Will be passing these along to my kids! Thanks much!

[@dfighternelams6387]

Great instruction! My 10 yr old is a catcher,we’re definitely going to be applying these drills to our current drills. Looking forward to seeing more catchers drills

[@qinsizhang3647]

The best video on this topic so far Thank you Wil Nieves

[@josecasillas7769]

Thanks so much John, Wil Nieves is the Man! He simplified the pop and throw to the nth power! Stance, footwork, glovework, ball grip, landmarks, etc. Gonna work with my Son on all of these points you so unselfishly shared with us. So Grateful.

[@YouGoPro]

Wil is the man! Please send him a quick message to his email and let him know. I’m so glad this info is helpful to you and your son! 🙏

[@johnnysalter7072]

Amazing, thanks for making this it is very interesting. I played catcher in American Legion until I was 20 or 21 back in the late 60's and I 'don't recall them teaching any of this. However, I kind of figured it myself how to make the move to 2nd, similar to what he showed, but defiantly without the details. But the thing that puzzled me was how to make the throw to 3rd with a right handed batter.

[@philliphankins2654]

Leg exercises for catchers to build endurance and strength?

[@mmichaelsmith619]

One of the best vids I’ve seen for drills and explanation. 🤙

[@larrydavis1841]

Outstanding training video.

[@vettevet2002]

one of the best videos i’ve ever seen on baseball, ever; thank you;

[@YouGoPro]

You’re welcome! Are you a catcher?

[@junhyunpark4574]

Thanx a bunch for posting a great clip. Much appreciated all the way from Korea. Keep up great job!

[@YouGoPro]

🙌

[@pantmaker]

This video is one of the most amazing catching videos I have ever seen. Wonderful insight... This guy is a great "Coach".

[@YouGoPro]

I agree! Ready for baseball season this year?

[@javajeffs]

Loved the tip on reading a catcher on a breaking ball and what not to show - thanks for the video

[@YouGoPro]

Awesome! It’s those little nuggets of wisdom why I like having pro guys on. I’m glad you found it useful!

[@torrencesims1586]

Great Information. I forwarded it to my son (14) & I hear him calling out everything you said about your stance, & footwork when I get in the house. Thanks

[@YouGoPro]

That’s awesome! He still a catcher? Sorry for the delayed response!

[@matthoyas9899]

thanks John! Great vids, love how youy guys break it down. I also like how you bring in specific position players like Nick for infield, and Wil for catching.

[@YouGoPro]

Thanks Matt! I gotta bring in the big dogs! Not only are those guys knowledgeable but they can share their knowledge in a great way. I am grateful for them both and am glad for people like you who understand the value and use it! 🙌

[@jasonthegreat5215]

Excellent, just excellent.

[@thegoatmell8036]

thank you so much for your videos, you helped me make my high school baseball team.

[@YouGoPro]

You’re welcome buddy! Great job!

[@dirtymikeandtheboyz2570]

Best best best catching tips on KZbin... Thanks Mad & Wil

[@YouGoPro]

Thanks bro! I’ve got more coming real soon! In fact, just uploaded the first of many today! Check it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYisiYGPjbygmbc

[@kellycassellborth5938]

This was a great streamline on more than basic tips, I would say. Have an 11U catcher, we both watched it and was all good delivery and easy to understand, love the "T" and sugguestions about getting out to long toss & base work 2x's a week, along with band work. Thanks! Wil was awesome.

[@YouGoPro]

Thanks Kelly I'll pass along the feedback!

[@CalebsCars]

Makes some great points, this is the way I was taught in college as well

[@cwpo1973]

Superb video, lots of meaty details. Thanks a lot!

[@YouGoPro]

You’re welcome! Ready for the season this year?

[@johndenver5029]

Good info here young guys. I went to several catching clinics growing up and this video beats that experience hands down.

[@YouGoPro]

Thanks so much! This is great feedback! 🙏🏻

[@lisaramos-oakley1368]

Great tips, Wil. Thank you for sharing!

[@YouGoPro]

You’re welcome! Ready for this upcoming season?

[@emilystreet9750]

This video is so great!!! Very helpful! But watch his shadow during the video, it looks kinda funny 😆 😊

[@CollegeRecruitsNW]

Excellent! Baseball players must press the glove to the throwing ear. Also, yes! Directly over the mound, get the visual release point depending on the spin of the baseball out of your hand.

[@bosox04]

As always coach madden with awesome content! Great work coach madden and will!

[@YouGoPro]

Thank you sir

[@Dmo_Xv]

Love stuff like this 👍

[@luisacevedo5437]

This is just amazing man... Thank you!

[@YouGoPro]

You’re welcome! Ready for baseball season?

[@jthomashnick]

Thanks for the tips...like the foot work and hand placement. Developing my son every day!

[@YouGoPro]

How’s he doing? You guys ready for the 2021 season?

[@BaseballJunkie]

Man, very simple tips...but they just blew my mind. This is gold to teach my son.

[@YouGoPro]

Awesome! Glad you like!

[@Dmo_Xv]

Lookin forward to teaching my catcher these drills

[@stormin6637]

Thanks bro I'm a catcher and this will improve for sure

[@YouGoPro]

Yessir! Keep grinding!

[@toddmallery8841]

This is great!

[@tvanderwerken]

You know me... love all the catching videos, well really all your videos. Could you and Wil do a video on catchers pre-game routine? Of maybe stretching, arm work, throwing, pitcher prep...stuff like that.

[@YouGoPro]

I will ask him for sure

[@patrickvaughan1532]

Agree with Todd-this is an amazing informational video-would love to see pre-game routine for catcher.

[@mrcorrea2000]

Great tips will, hope to see more

[@YouGoPro]

For sure!

[@brandtbeeby3576]

thank for the video lot of info i didn't even know thanks

[@YouGoPro]

You’re welcome. Yes, Wil has some great stuff!

[@reliablethreat23]

Excellent video.

[@johnbell4301]

Awesome video

[@NappyGilmore]

12 yrs of big league time.. whew! This video is an absolute gold mine of knowledge

[@JRock-yr5rw]

Great video

[@dustysnider3094]

Thanks man you really helped me for my game tommorow I hope we win

[@YouGoPro]

How’d the season go? Ready for this year?

[@AG-wg1sy]

I wish there was a video like this, snap throwing to First!

[@rfarg]

Exactly do the work ⚾️💪🏾

[@YouGoPro]

Yessir!

[@Gbpsfitness]

Hola Madden cómo estás amigo? Excellent video hermano. I used to be a catcher and this is one of the best if not the best I've seen about catching. I love the tips about not putting your hand behind the glove. It's what I was taught coming up in the Dominican and it took for the ball to hit my knuckles, a couple of times, almost breaking them for me to learn. Nieves is 100% right: your brain is not wired for your throwing hand to follow the glove, so you risk having to knock the door with your elbow rather than with your knuckles if that ball hits them dead on - when you separate them. Excelente vídeo.

[@YouGoPro]

Thanks! Wil is the man for sure! Appreciate the comment!

[@dirtymikeandtheboyz2570]

Definitely

[@albertsanchez1492]

Thx for this

[@albertsanchez1492]

My coach put me at catcher and ive never played baseball

[@coachtodd1373]

Perfectly explained. Great job.

[@YouGoPro]

Wil did a great job!

[@coachtodd1373]

I just sent the vid to my catchers. 11u.

[@YouGoPro]

Awesome! Thank you for sharing! 🙏

[@juliasmith5267]

Thanks for sharing.

[@YouGoPro]

You’re welcome

[@dustingaller7840]

thanks bro it helps

[@YouGoPro]

You’re welcone

[@jaycoviello7158]

This is a great video. I'm sorry I saw it this late. For anyone doubting the importance of a catcher - as Wil pointed out, these days it's not where you put the fat slow kid...we won our LL championship game yesterday. It was our catcher that kept a runner on 3rd, bottom last inning with 2 outs. We were up 1 run. He shut the door on a steal home several times until the pitcher put the batter away. The kid was solid and athletic; able to block wild pitches and chase the runner back to 3rd several times.

[@cedricgist7614]

Outstanding presentation! I can see much success ahead for the Wil Nieves Academy: this guy knows how to get his point across! I didn't even know it was called "pop time"; I got hung up on "can of corn. " Well-addressed topic by a well-chosen instructor. You're threatening to displace my preferred channel for baseball instruction: take that from an old sandlot second baseman who never turned a double play!

[@1easymoney155]

Coach Madden thank you!!

[@YouGoPro]

You’re welcome Greg! Ready for this season?

[@wyattsederburg5326]

What are some defensive tips on how to block the ball down and use your chest plate. Especially when the throw is off to one side of you.

[@Xposnowbording]

Your awesome bro big I played for Toronto for 10 years I would remind your students to keep your but up a little even with knee and come out low or even more effective is a drop step that I did , japen adopt the step but you must have a great arm.. I must say you were a great clutch hitter , Sandy Martinez

[@samhucko4207]

Great stuff!! What about throw downs to second and third? Does the footwork change as you get older?

[@YouGoPro]

I’ve got some new videos with 2 different pro catchers I’m about to start uploading and we talk about this in some of them so stay tuned! Here’s the first of many more to come this month! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYisiYGPjbygmbc

[@lucaswaterworth2839]

i’m a catcher in 14u and if you have any other tips could you please share. thanks

[@Djbeck80]

great vid, I sent you an email about a practice. I have a 10 year old son that is fairly new to baseball but has gravitated to being a catcher and very passionate about it. I am no pro player and only played baseball a few years in high school 20 years ago and i was never a catcher. Everything i teach him is from videos like yours. Your a little bit away but I would be willing to travel a few times a month to get him that amazing training. Not sure if you work with kids that young but if you do please respond.

[@YouGoPro]

Hi DJ, I hope you were able to get a hold of Wil. How’s your son doing? Still catching? I’ve got a ton of new catching videos coming real soon so be on the look out. Here’s the first of many! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYisiYGPjbygmbc

[@jacobylujan4]

Where can I buy the strap around his wrist for the catchers glove at 10:53 in the video ?

[@coachfrankperez7176]

Great job ⚾️⚾️🇵🇷🇨🇺

[@YouGoPro]

Thanks

[@21inmanm]

Hey, is it ok if I play catcher with a first baseman mitt?

[@toddlertalk9157]

Do you have any tips for retrieving balls more quickly that are blocked but bounce off the chin guards or body out a few feet? Blocking the balls has become easier for one of my catchers, but there is difficulty in retrieving balls quickly that are blocked so runners still steal and advance on blocked balls frequently. Any suggestions? Thanks for the great tips! Love all of your videos!

[@bryanrmcnair01]

If they reading "dirtball" and take off before catcher can even block it than its 90% chance they got 2nd base! Upper level catchers are taught if see runner stealing to make decision to even backhand ball in dirt cause if already running and they block they have NO CHANCE! HARD to teach most highschool kids that cause they be lucky to be even blocking the first two years! Runners USED TO read and wait for "daylight" between the catcher and ball before going so knocking it down near ya did make difference...but if they turn and run once the relized its in dirt...THATS pat on back to good base running! Still work on recovering and tryn "kill" ball closer (by letting air out lungs as ball his protector) and hope they get a late read!

[@kymmacatuno6730]

Coach I have a question. First: what is the hardest area in the strike zone is hard to hit? Coach can you make a video on how to lead your team in a difficult situations. Thank you. Arigatou.

[@YouGoPro]

The hardest spot is different for everyone but a pitcher who can disrupt timing and balance of batters makes a lot of spots hard to hit. Motivation and guidance from a leader.

[@tevinking4034]

Are we going to do the same for us lefty catchers too??

[@banksalexander2460]

That’s really works

[@YouGoPro]

🙌

[@brennanhardrick3343]

I can’t thank you guys enough.i threw about 15 kids out this year from about 3 last year.

[@YouGoPro]

That’s awesome! Ready for the season this year? Let’s shoot for 20 this year? 😳

[@brennanhardrick3343]

@@YouGoPro definitely gonna be harder with high school ball but I’ll definitely go for it!

[@josephschaper8560]

Do you do framing on corners drill? Or moving glove to trick ump drill? I'm training my 9 yr. Old to catch since I was a catcher back in the day.

[@YouGoPro]

I’ve got a ton of new catching videos on this topic that are about to go live real soon! You’re going to love them! Stay tuned!

[@bryanrmcnair01]

Beat rhe ball and work around it...or under it if low...so ya already on the way back into the zone when its caught! Then just STICK it and it will be presented to ump in the strike zone! And YES just STICK the corner pitches cause str8 to the ball and tryn jerk it back to the zone dont fool anybody! Helps to sway so ya arm is not outside of ya body on the corner pitches also!

[@Jsgro69]

I used to throw through pitchers upper chest level if pitcher was standing on mound for tag high throw😉

[@totaleffort]

Excellent job explaining the fundamentals, men, in a simple and concise format. I'm going to search, but how about a video on pop fouls. When to take the mask off, where to look first. I was always told to look to 1 to 2 o'clock first for a right handed batter... Not sure if that's wrong or an "old" school theory. Thanks again! By the way - I'm showing this to my softball catchers. Just saying, you're missing out on 50% of your audience by not saying baseball and softball catcher pop time. :)

[@YouGoPro]

Got some more catching videos coming out! Question, are the softball girls doing the whole one knee down thing too?

[@ivanarce9796]

Yeah I would love to go train with you guys but I live in Puerto Rico but I would love to know if I can send recent videos and yal could help me out a bit cuz I really think I have a nice arm but throwing to second I feel like I got a fungo for an arm. So please let me know👍🏾

[@YouGoPro]

Haha nice, yeh hit Wil up on the email maybe he can do some video analysis for you. Not sure of what he charges tho. Just ask. Thanks

[@sethfane4341]

What workouts do you do for arm strength?

[@justinkroll4207]

Seth Fane long toss

[@williamsmith842]

Can you have Will address what type of strength training is beneficial for a young (15 y/o) catcher to improve arm speed and arm strength?

[@YouGoPro]

I will ask

[@williamsmith842]

Thx....lots of info out there...just not good info....

[@jonathancrain2387]

How about a video on overcoming fear of fielding ground balls. how to trust your hands, stop pulling out head coming up instead of stay down.

[@YouGoPro]

Ok I’ll ask nick next time I see him

[@jonathancrain2387]

Yeah any drills for helping SS and 2nd for this problem would be great

[@YouGoPro]

Ok

[@jonathancrain2387]

I found a drill that has worked make them get on knees and get tennis ball and just throw them ground balls with that once they get good use two for a speed type drill we did it for two weeks then progressed on to normal to hard grounders. Has made a huge difference. As we know this game is all about confidence. But make sure the head is following ball to the glove.

[@buckmark23]

When putting your throwing hand on your hip/slide, keep a relaxed grip. The tighter your grip, the harder you will open your hand.

[@ethanstarksbaseball8936]

What kind of glove and wrist strap is that

[@mianhamza4866]

What is the price Catcher gloves in your area

[@seanmcgilvray4889]

What is the strap that his is using to keep his glove attached to his wrist? Can you provide a link for that? This was a great video on catching. My 8 year old loved it and started practicing the moves on his own right after watching it.

[@YouGoPro]

I think he said his trainer made it for him. So I don’t really know where you could get that. Sorry. Tell your son to keep up the great work!

[@seanmcgilvray4889]

Thank you

[@bryanrmcnair01]

Quick feet...BUT quicker hands is what i tell my freshman son that catches Varsity! He gains more ground that he should tryn buy his hands time! His arm lets him still be 2.07s but he works on his exchange and not use that "groundgain" and still have 80+mph down to 2nd then by Junior year he deff be under 2s for pop time! Yeah...he only 5'9" and 135 and jt started in weight room (arm issues back November for going to hard to soon) so hope he gets bigger and quicker!

[@mx9._.colton835]

I’m 15 first time playing catcher need some simple tips plz help thank you

[@YouGoPro]

Still catching?

[@jerrymci]

Thank you I'm a catcher... grate infermashin

[@YouGoPro]

Ready for the 2021 season?

[@shawnnelson1508]

Yeeeeeeeeet

[@tayerock6770]

Hey I'm a Left handed catcher so do I position my self the same way

[@YouGoPro]

I guess just opposite

[@tayerock6770]

Thank you that what I was thinking

[@YouGoPro]

You’re welcome

[@BuddyBigBall]

Same philosophies for Girls Fastpitch?

[@snipernoswiper7552]

Hey John. Last year I was throwing about 80, I was also 25 lbs heavier, I lost 25 lbs and didnt throw for like 6 months, but have been working out alot. I got clocked today at 69mph top speed, this was my 2nd throwing session. Should I be worried or is this normal? It may be because I lost a lot of weight, but most of my strength is still here from the gym which is odd, anyways thanks for your great videos.

[@YouGoPro]

Weight can help but also it’s only your 2nd time throwing so give it a little time and see.

[@snipernoswiper7552]

Yea. Its weird to be honest. When I was 14 I was throwing 74mph lol. Now i'm 18 throwing 69mph heaters :) makes no sense ha

[@YouGoPro]

Have you been training as an explosive athlete up until the time you threw?

[@snipernoswiper7552]

YouGoPro Yea I believe so. To be honest my nutrition hasn't been 100%, but its a lot better now, I wasn't getting enough protein for strength gains. But every week I do box squats and deadlifts, ohp bench, and I run once a week and do sprints at the end of the run. Last year I had bicep tendonitis and it was pretty bad so maybe my arm is just messed up and my body doesnt want me to throw like I used to.

[@justinkroll4207]

Long toss. All I did in high school was long toss. I threw low 90s on the mound. But I was our starting catcher with a 1.84 pop time. I was 6' 170 lbs

[@23Bugo]

Niceeee vid

[@YouGoPro]

Thank you.

[@23Bugo]

YouGoPro do u know any like professional baseball player??

[@YouGoPro]

No I don’t know any 🤔

[@23Bugo]

YouGoPro no like personally

[@YouGoPro]

Nope. None. 😜

[@1Deejay7]

Heyyy lemme catch it one tyne

[@nomad9259]

I’m a 10 year old catcher I play in 12 u and I can make a throw to 3rd on my knees and my coach always says if I wanted to go pro with catching I probrably could

[@CalebsCars]

So many videos about how to have faster pop time but not much on how to call a correct game for a pitcher

[@manntastic42]

will

[@jorgenavarrete9512]

Video on how to block?

[@YouGoPro]

Coming very soon!!!

[@matthewoneal6855]

When they showed his highlights why did they only show hitting why not catching highlights

[@NB-ne6wh]

3:13 that happened to me last year but I didn’t break my finger I just sprained it, but I agree don’t do that

[@Rooster_king]

Slow is smooth and smooth is fast

[@avigarg9094]

just go to catching iq it is much better and more clear but still this helpful