Quote:
Originally posted by rharrell
After coaching for several years, I learned that every umpire has a sweet spot - be it outside, inside, high or low. That's not really a bad thing, a good pitcher will find it and take advantage.
This was my first year umpiring and I had a real problem with the flat low strike at the knees. Because I realize what a tough pitch it is to throw, had a tendency to give it when it wasn't there.
What was really amazing is how fast you get a reputation for "'calling low", "calling high", etc.
Like the videotape suggestion, good way to look at yourself objectively, plus you can hit the mute when the whining starts.
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Being able to call the low pitches gives a lot of 'new' umpire's problems. You probably already know this but I like to hear myself talk so here goes:
1) You want to look at your positioning to ensure that you see the entire plate.
2) You might want to look at your head height. The higher you set-up the more difficult the low pitches become.
3) Watch the ball into the catcher's glove. Sometimes where she catches the ball will help you determine if it was a strike.
No matter where "your" strike zone is just be consistent.
Welcome to umpiring!