Quote:
Originally posted by Thane Yennie
Okay new subject. I have often felt my coverage (perception) of plays at the plate was a little weak. Are there any tips of the trade out there to help in making those calls. Outside of third or first baseline extended, don't get to close. I am often "blinded" by the dust cloud rolling in and the dirt covering the plate as the runner slides. Any help is greatly appreciated.
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The one thing I think that PU's tend to forget is
angle and distance. They may use this philosophy to perfection on the bases, but put the same official in the dish and it's forgotten.
Calling a play at Home plate requires exactly the same consideration of angle and distance that any play on the other bases requires!
All the talk about 1st base line extended vs 3rd base line extended simply won't help keep the dust cloud out of your eyes at Home if you are too close. Just because as PU you CAN stand right over the top of the play doesn't mean that you SHOULD! You still need that bit of distance to allow you to take it all in, and not have the play exploding on your vision. Around 12'-15', roughly the same distance you should be from any play at 1st, 2nd or 3rd base, is the correct distance for a tag play at home plate. The rules haven't changed simply because of where you are and the fact you usually don't have to make up any ground to be there. Whether you take the play from 1st or 3rd base line, or move either way from the point of the plate, start from at least the outer extent of the home plate cut-out
Thane, what you need is PERSPECTIVE, and that is a function of both
angle AND distance. Ask any artist!
Cheers,