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Originally Posted by DTQ_Blue
Now one of a few things could have happened.
First perhaps I used enough time watching R1 touch 2B and then trying to pick up the ball, that BR was able to get past my visual zone before I realized it, so I'm looking for the train after it left the station. If this is what happened, then maybe I should watch R1 touch 2B first, then look for BR and then look for the ball. Comments?
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My advice is to stick with what ASA refers to as the 4 elements - ball, offensive player, defensive player and the bases. Keeping all of them in front of you as much as possible will help you to avoid these situations. When I BU, I try to watch the fielder receive the hit ball (not judging caught/not caught) so I can judge how much time I have to move around. I try to watch the fielder as he/she throws the ball, so I can get a better idea of where the next play might be. Once that ball's released, it's a simple matter of physics - it keeps going in that direction until stopped or deflected, so that's when you can take your eyes off the ball.
If you lose the ball, check the other defensive players, such as F4 or F6. Most of the time with hits to the outfield, the ball will be heading in their direction, so pick up the play from there if you've truly lost where the ball's at.
It sounds like one of those periodic brain farts that everyone gets now and then. Last week, I had a slow R1 on 1B with a fast B2. B2 hit the ball to F6, who slung it to F3 for a bang-bang out. I sold the he!! out of the call, and as my right foot followed through, my body was still moving forward. I couldn't stop the follow-through, and couldn't turn fast enough when F3 slung the ball to F4, who tagged R1 after she got a cramp in her leg! Doh!
Fortunately, my PU is a seasoned vet, and he comes out from behind the plate on a regular basis. It actually looked like it was supposed to be called that way. Completely 110% wrong of us to do it that way, but Coed C certainly didn't know any better.
Moral of the story for both of us is move fast, but above all, move smart. Anticipate, but never assume.