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Originally Posted by johnnyg08
Hey guys...need some tips to get back in the saddle on the dish...I feel like my zone is floating, I'm missing pitches, especially the below the knee pitch that I called a strike a couple times last night. Just not in my groove so far this year...what are your thoughts when/if this happens to you?...how to you correct yourself?...I'm trying to take some more plates, so I can go back to the fundmentals...slot position, height, distance, timing...I use the Gerry Davis/heel/toe position. I just am really in a funk and I'm the one that it's probably affecting the most because I know that I'm missing pitches and I'm not proud of it.
Advice?
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- Clear out your head! It's like a slump in batting; the more you dwell on it the worse it becomes.
- DO NOT CHANGE YOUR STANCE! If your original stance has worked for years, don't alter it.
- Go back to basics! Ready! Set! Watch the ball from the pitcher's hand come to you, through the "window" and into the glove. (pretty much what Pete Booth said)
- If you concentrate on anything, make it your timing! you are probably anticipating the call and something happens to change your mind.
- Between pitches, RELAX! get up, step back give the count assertively and most of all - think of nothing at all!
Many umpires violate #2 and just make their situation worse. Keep your head height where it should be (above the catcher's head) too. Sometimes, head height is the whole problem and we make mountains out of mole hills. In other words, it usually is a small problem that is causing your "funk".
Lastly, I do not agree with having someone watch you unless you can not figure out your problem for yourself. I have found that most umpires trying to help a fellow umpire, start messing with the poor guy's stance and unless you are a new umpire, this is the worst mistake you can make. Take your time and don't loose hope, you will recover!