Sore Back

[canadaump6]

I did my second plate game of the year today, and although it was only 7 innings, I found myself having a stiff lower back by the fifth inning. I mentioned this to my partner, who suggested I stay standing a bit longer before dropping down into my stance. I tried doing this a few times and it really helped my back, but I eventually decided I had better stay with what I has been doing for the majority of the game which was bending the knees a little bit, then as the pitcher starts to pitch leaning forward at the waist thus being in my stance. Do any of you ever get a sore back? Is it okay or normal to have this happen?

[DonInKansas]

For me anyways, some soreness here and there is fairly common the first few games of the year; mostly in my quads. Think back and see if you're doing anything different (besides getting older )

[canadaump6]

The quads and glutes is a good place to be sore though; that means you're using your muscles to get into your stance. Having stiff back muscles on the other hand probably means I'm doing something wrong.

I try not to lean forward at all. The more you can keep your head and shoulders over your torso, the longer you will last.

You might consider orthopedic inserts too! I have a very shallow arch, and had really bad back pain after games even with a good stance. I started using some inserts with stiff arch support and those pains mostly went away!

[kenref1]

Two Advil before I go behind the plate and no problem's. It even helps with the headache that a coach might want to give me during the game!

[mcrowder]

I have a REALLY bad back, so I HAVE to have good posture to umpire even 1 game. Use the legs, not the back, to get into position. Lower just as the pitcher starts the pitch, no earlier. Back should be straight up and down, not bent forward.

[canadaump6]

Originally Posted by mcrowder

Back should be straight up and down, not bent forward.

I had a sore back a year ago when I kept my back straight and didn't bend forward. I was also told by an umpire who was watching the latter part of the game that I looked way too stiff. Yesterday I did bend my back, but still felt a little bit sore. In summary I am still looking for that perfect stance where I can stay free from getting hit by pitches, keep my back in shape, and see the ball from the same angle every time.

[umpduck11]

Originally Posted by canadaump6

where I can stay free from getting hit by pitches,

Get better catchers.......

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by umpduck11

Get better catchers.......

no doubt. sometimes you have to lean...or set up higher...which makes it tough on the low pitch...but it's just plain tough sometimes...especially when catchers are often build like brick walls

[bossman72]

if you have lower back "tightness", then stretch your hamstrings before and after your games. trust me, it'll help