The strike zone is your baby. Take care of it and see the pitch from the pitcher's hand. If the angle is going down, notice the catcher's glove going down with the pitch, but still keep your eye on the ball.
The top of the zone is when the batter makes a swing, with his back armpit. That is about a good hand width above the belt. The low point is at a straight line at the bottom of the knee cap.
To make that low pitch consistent, the ball CANNOT be angling down. It has to be from the pitcher straight to the catcher.
You hear the word "timing" a lot but that means wait, say strike or ball to yourself before calling the pitch. Be relaxed when the pitch is coming and breath. It want be anything until you call it.
The timing thing means get in front of a mirror and see yourself making the call. The self confidence that you will obtain will be the best start. The rule book is misleading by the picture. The best thing about working the plate is the challenge to see each pitch, and to keep your timing at the same speed.
Hope this might help
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