[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by ump0001
I currently umpire from ages 11-18 but not highschool level and when i am behind the plate i try to call a consistant strike zone just that when i call a border line pitch i feel that my whole strike zone is thrown off. If anyone can help me with some tips on how to get over this and some ways to perfect my strike zone i would appreciate it, thanks

My mentor and also many instructors said to me " There are no border line strikes / balls". If it's close then it is a strike I know it's taboo here, but there was an article in referee on this very issue and the article urged all umpires to start calling more strikes.

Do not get thrown off or feel bad when calling balls / strikes. When you punch somebody out, obviously B1 is going to be upset, but F1 will be happy. "That's the nature of the beast".

Now to some tips. First and foremost attend a clinic when you get the chance. Many people will give you advice, but when you attend a clinic go with an open mind and learn for yourself as to what works best for you.

Let's start with the stance. Basically, there are 3 methods - The box, the scizzors and getting down on one knee. All are accepted, so experiment when you are doing scrimmage games to see which one you feel most comfortable with.

As a hitter, we were taught to watch the ball right from F1's hand and keep our eye on it. Same is true when umpiring behind the plate. Pick up the ball and follow right to F2's mitt.

Stay down and do not come-up quickly. If any portion of the ball "touches the corners" it is a strike. Now for the high and low pitches. There a variety of methods out there, but the one that works for me is as follows:

When B1 comes up, I position my head at the top end of the zone. If I have to raise my eyes or look up when the pitch comes in - it's a ball, if it's eye level it's a strike. By doing this I found myself to be consistent in calling the so called "high" strike.

The low pitch is more difficult and there I rely on F2 somewhat. In other words, if F2 turns his glove as if he were scooping the ball, that gives the appearance that the pitch is low and I will call ball, however, if F2 catches the ball cleanly and doesn't move glove at all - we have a strike.

Now you said you umpire ages 11 / 18. We could have a debate all by itslef concerning this, but your strike zone will vary according to the talent level of the players playing. I and many people do not like a walk-a-thon, so one's zone will tend to be wider in the low divisions to get the kids to swing the bats and move the game along.

All in all, I would recommend a mechanics clinic so you do not develop a bias. Also, as with many things Practice, Practice, Practice.

Good Luck!

Pete Booth