Mechanics - Swipe Tag at First

[PeteBooth]

During my last HS association meeting concerning mechanics, specifically, the swipe tag at first, arguments developed (nothing new at association meetings since people like to argue for the sake of arguing - but thats another story altogether), concerning the proper mechanics.

The taught procedure was: The BU seeing the ball is going to be high and a possible swipe tag should adjust accordingly by getting as close to first base (without being in the way), as possible so he/she can see either tag or no tag and also be ahead of the runner should the ball be overthrown or misplayed.

The problem, because the BU is on the inside of first (fair territory), you could get blocked out on this play and not actually see the tag / no tag.

The PU's role at this point is to: obviously move out from behind home plate up the first base side and (1) be in position to help out your partner should he / she need it and (2) follow the ball as it is the PU's call should the ball go into dead ball territory.

Some including myself suggested the following:

The optimal position on this play is for the BU to be on the outside of first (foul territory - similar to the PRO umpires), since he / she can see the entire play develop right in front of them. From this position the BU can see clearly whether or not F3 tagged the runner or not.

Since the BU is already in Foul territory, have the BU follow the ball to make the dead ball call and circle back to home plate should there be a subsequent play there.

The PU seeing the BU on the outside of first - away from the runner would follow the BR around the bases should there be an errant throw or misplay.

Obviously, the PU can not follow the BR around the bases if we have a runner on third, since the PU's primary responsibility at that point would be to get into optimal position to make that crucial call at home plate.

So gentlemen what's the proper 2 man mechanics regarding the swipe-tag at first. Originally, I argued for the latter, but the more I think about it, the taught mechanics makes more since.

This is one of those plays in which we have to make the best out of only 2 of us being out there.

As always your opinions and feedback are welcome.

Pete Booth