[MajorDave]

1. Stance is fine. Good balance, head height is high enough. timing looks good. a little stiff when coming set but nothing wrong with that so long as you are set before the pitch is released. Cannot tell but your timing looks like you are seeing the ball all the way to the mitt. Good pointing the ball back in play after the foul ball.

2. Why do you take mask off with both hands? Nothing wrong with it but it looks awkward to me. Do you have the mask straps loose enough to allow mask to pull out from chin and lift off your head with left hand only and still keep you hat on your head? Is your hat a four, six or eight seam hat? It doesn't matter but it will definitely be harder to remove mask with one hand over an eight stitch hat. Attach the side straps to the ear protector loops that stick out instead of inside. It will assist in removal.

3. I know a lot of umpires point on strikes. I still have not decided which I like-the point or the hammer but I do know that in two-man crews it is best to keep your eyes on the field of play instead of looking at your point when calling strikes, especially with runners on the bases.

4. It looked like you were having to search for strikes with that pitcher. I have had some games like that but fortunately not lately.

You are obviously young in age but committed to becoming better. I still have not had anyone video tape my work yet. My wife will not come to my games for fear of fighting with some of the loud mouth moms. I am going to Tony Thompson's International Umpires camp in October and they video tape there. Keep working hard and trying to get better every day. Do you read rules books and rules commentary such as The BRD and Jaksa/Roder? I found that once I really knew the rules the mechanics came easier. I wasn't trying to think so much. Also work as many games as you can and stick to good mechanics no matter how bad the baseball is.