Thanks for the replies.
Everyone is talking about 'approved' mechanics. I think that's the problem. Our association 'leaders' are going beyond the manual and developing mechanics designed to cover today's fast-pitch game.
The 90-degree to the throw, inside-outside theory, and button-hook are all archaic mechanics that don't fit the modern method of umpiring. These were all developed for baseball and not 60-foot bases.
We've found that working the 'rim' as much as possible is a better mechanic than the inside-outside philosophy and keeps the BU out of the line of fire.
Also, the One-Step-Fair method for the A position is far superior to the 90-degree to the throw spot that ASA used to teach.
We've developed a 'D' position (not used by the BU on this play) that puts the BU two steps from 2nd base on the 1st base side of the bag whenever there's a runner at 3rd. In the play that happened, had the BU started there, he could have just swung around (looped) behind the F4 spot and been in a position about 20 feet from 1st when the play occurred.
From the 'D' position, we've found it much easier to see the pickoff at 3rd because of our 90-degree angle to the tag. Also, from that position, we can always take the tag-up at 2nd, even on sharply hit balls to LF.
I know the 'old fogies' will object to this mechanic, but they are also the ones who probably don't like the American League DH.
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