[JRutledge]

Any time you are doing a HS game or lower, call as many strikes as you can. Coaches usually do not get upset when strikes are being called. So call strikes on "marginal pitches" when you can. That does not mean that you throw out your training, principles or what you have been calling all game. Do not just start calling pitches you think are close, just to call a strike. But if you call the "marginal" pitch early, keep calling that pitch the rest of the game.

Remember, umpires are not perfect. Sometimes we also need a competent pitcher that tries to throw strikes, rather than trying to nibble the corners or the knees for example. It can be very difficult at times to call strikes when the pitcher has no clue what kind of pitches he wants to throw. So calling the marginal pitch for a pitcher that has very little control can be difficult. Usually the pitchers that get the most strikes that keep throwing the ball around the plate and in the same places. If a pitcher is wild and cannot find a groove, it can be difficult to call a "marginal pitch" when they have not been close all game long.

Peace