Pop of the glove

[gat]

Hi, at the beginning of the year I was throwing on a line to the plate. However there was little to no “pop” in the glove. Now, my fastball is dropping at the plate, but there is a much louder pop. I am not sure if I am just not throwing hard, or if it has natural drop. I have been more effective recently, so I believe I am throwing harder. Is the pop of the glove an effective relative velocity indicator? Am I throwing harder now or before? Thanks for any help.

[Roger]

Might just be a matter of where in the glove the ball hits.

[Coach_Baker]

Sometimes a two seam fastball fells heavier in the mitt, thus that “slap” of leather sound that you’re hearing - or, your present grip may impress the seams of the ball to have a two seam fastball influence at the plate. Other than that, Roger has pretty much said it all.

[Steven_Ellis]

Good points from Roger and Coach B. I’ve also wondered throughout the years if those pitchers who can “pop” the glove get more spin on their fastball. Not sure it’s a good indicator of actual speed, but perhaps spin?

[south_paw]

When I catch my son, the “pop” depends on where I catch the ball in the mitt. Sometimes slower throws/pitches have a pop, and at times hard throws/pitches don’t have a pop. Grab a ball with one hand and throw it into the glove on your other hand. Doesn’t take much velocity to produce a pop, does it?