Quote:
Originally Posted by okla21fan
A noticed a few years ago, the NCAA blues (U1) were not getting a '45 degree' position on ground balls to the infield and were much closer to the foul line (maybe 3 to 5 feet near the line) I questioned some of my D1 blue friends and they said that is the 'preferred' mechanic in order to better see a swipe tag at first.
The first point I made to them was: 'since you are trying to get into a position concerning a bad throw, doesn't that position also put the ump more in the way of a BR making a turn?' I guess at that level, it might be a preferred mechanic, but at the ASA/NFHS level (45 degrees), I see it as more of a hindrance.
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Though it is not heavily taught, when I see a ball get past F3 & deeper than 1B, I have a tendency to step toward/into the diamond to 1) avoid a rerouted runner and 2) avoid ending up in a possible throwing lane for a subsequent play at 2B.
This really cannot be taught as the umpire needs to read the ball, play and runners and adjust appropriately. The one thing I know for sure is that I never just hold my position.