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Originally Posted by jicecone
First of all getting set in a good stationary, yet comfortable position, that enables you to see the zone completely is very important. With some catchers, this may take a while to adjust if they have'nt been taught to let you see the zone.
I personnaly watch the ball into the glove, decide where it is and how it was caught by the catcher, announce the pitch and then stand and signal if a strike or stay set if a ball.
Sometimes a lot of new officials feel as though they need to announce and signal at the same time. This tends to hurry you by wanting to get that signal out. I think it is the old itailian technique of wanting to talk with your hands.
Whenever I found myself calling a pitch to fast, it is because I stand up too soon. Stay set and announce and then signal appropriately.
Also, how the ball is caught is very influential. 90% of the time it will guide you to the proper call.
See the zone.
Watch the pitch.
Watch the catch.
Make the announcement.
Signal as required.
This has worked for me.
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Your method of calling the pitch first, and then signaling the strike works for some people I suppose, as I saw it quite often in my association.
I have always stood up and called the pitch at the same time I signaled. That is the way it is taught in pro school, so that's the way I was taught. You rarely see pro umpires (with the exception of kneelers) call it first and then stand up and signal.
It did not affect my timing by calling the strike and signaling.