Stance behind the plate

Kaliix · #14 (**permalink**) Sat Mar 12, 2005, 06:31pm

As long as you have a consistent strike zone (and can get out from behind the plate well enough), it shouldn't matter what "stance" you use. The ones they teach at Pro-School are certainly good places to start and will be the best for the majority of umpires.

Start with one of the popular stances and then once you get used to calling pitches, modify it so that the stance you use feels best to you and allows you to call a consistent strike zone.

Making an analogy to golf, there are certain positions in a golf swing that one has to get to, to hit a good shot. Most golfers have what could be considered a traditional type swing. But players like Jim Furyk, John Daly, Calvin Peete and Lee Trevino have made millions with non-traditional swings that work for them.

Start with the basics and then find your stance.

Quote:

Originally posted by GarthB

Quote:

Originally posted by jicecone
Play around with all the recommendations here and then develope the "CentralINRef Style". That is the one that is most comfortable for you and gives you the most consistant zone. It also affords you the easist way to get out from behind the plate as quick as possible.

Your aim here is developing consistency, probably more than anything else. If you acheive that and stand on your head, you will most likely not take to much abuse. They may laugh at you a little , but even a good joke gets old after a while.

Now , if your gonna make a career of this. Do it the way your boss wants it done. But even then, "Consistency" will be your goal.

I would disagree with this advice. There are reasons that those stances taught at pro school and PBUC have stood the test time and continue to be taught. Aside from assuring that everyone is evaluated on the same criteria, they, and the GD stance, have proven to offer the best look at pitches with minimum discomfort to the umpire.

As an evaluator, one of the biggest problems I see are umpires who lack formal training attempting to "customize" their stance. They argue that they are doing what "works best for them" until they are taught a correct stance. Then the change in their attitude is amazing.

Get thee to a clinic. Learn a proper stance and how to use it. You will be a better umpire.