GD Variation

[RPatrino]

The problem with putting your hands behind your back is that you defeat the real purpose of the GD. That is to get a rock solid lock-in on every pitch, placing your head at the same height each and every pitch. BigUmp is correct, putting your hands behind your back makes it a very good possibility that you might drift up and down with your head.

As to the safety of your hands, I have not ever got hit in the hands using the GD. If you are worried about that, you could slide your hands around the side of your knees, leaving only your thumbs exposed. I have not seen anyone do this, but I assume it works.

[kylejt]

I'm not a big fan of putting any weight on your arms. Far too much loaded weight, and no flexibility when hit. But that's just me.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by kylejt

I'm not a big fan of putting any weight on your arms. Far too much loaded weight, and no flexibility when hit. But that's just me.

Turn your elbows so the fleshy part faces the pitcher, and don't lock the elbows. If a ball hits the arm, the arm will give / bend at the elbow.

[LMan]

Hands behind your back makes you look like you are hiding.

[UMP25]

Hide your hands on the catcher's back, tickle him a bit, and have fun.

Uh, wait...wrong forum.

Never mind.

[SanDiegoSteve]

The behind the back "speed skater" stance does look pretty bad, but many of the Smits I work around have taken to it for LL Minors and other cases where the catchers absolutely cannot catch a baseball. They are tired of getting whacked on the arms and hands 4 or 5 times or more per game!

I personally don't care how many times I get hit, I'm not putting my hands behind my back. But what is wrong with doing what 50% or more MLB umpires do, and hide that slot arm, or even both arms, behind the thighs? Nothing, that's what! Head height consistency is overrated. I know where my strike zone is, and I set up the same every time without doing it "Gerry's way." You can either call balls and strikes, or you can't. I have a very popular and consistent strike zone, no matter if I use the scissors, the box, the heel/toe, or the GD.

When working with less than stellar catchers, it is prudent not to use a standard Gerry Davis lock-in, because you will get killed. The GD stance is great if your sitting behind a hoss that knows how to protect the umpire. Just lock in and relax. All you get is the occassional foul ball. But with little Johnny who the coach is trying out on you at catcher who couldn't catch a cold in a blizzard, working the GD can be hazardous to your health.

[bbump82]

Tussagee11, if you are worried about getting one of your hands busted, give this a try. We'll assume a right handed batter, take your left hand and tuck it in under your CP, like you would if you were escorting a lady to dinner. Take your right hand and place it right behind the top of your shin guard and lock this arm. This will give you the best of both worlds, flexibility for the exposed arm, and a good locking mechanism as well.