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Calling balls and strikes will either make or break an umpire. I think it was Ron Luciano (sp) who said, “An umpire’s heaven is working third base. Home is where the heartache is.” Calling a good consistent zone is mandatory if an umpire is ever going to progress.
Most of the problems of having trouble with the low end of the zone come from setting up too low. Many people think that getting low helps them see the low pitch better. This is just not true. Setting up a little higher help you see the low pitches for what they really are.
As far as consistency, timing, timing timing. Many umpires who struggle with calling a consistent zone do so because they are too fast. Slow down, let the pitch hit the glove, and then decide. Another cause of inconsistency is ‘tunnel vision’. Some umpires don’t follow the pitch all the way through the zone and into the glove. The last good look they give some pitches (especially good tight breaking balls) is about 3-4 feet in front of the plate.
IMO, there is no substitute for seeing pitches. My association requires umpires to find a scrimmage or pre-season practice, and look at pitches. This helps shake off the rust and re-acquire good timing. We distribute a form letter for the umpires to take to the coach for explanation as to why umpires are contacting him. Most are more than willing to help out.
Now for the part of this post that I will be called out for. I call what I like to call “the strike zone of least resistance.” By that I mean I call the expected zone. If a catcher is set up 6” outside, and the pitch is belt high over the inside corner, I call it a ball. Why? Because it looks like a ball to everyone in the park. If the next pitch hits the catcher’s target, but he’s 3” outside, I call strike. Same reason, it looks like a strike to everyone in the park.
The previous statements are MY OPOINION ONLY.
Good Luck with your training course.
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