How did you get so good?

[Steve Emerson]

One thing I know that helped me was early in my career, besides going to local clinics. I went to several minor league games and watched the umpires work. At first this is very hard being a former player, you have to focus on what the umpire is doing. Two man mechanics in the minor league level is usually very good, watch one then watch the other, or if you have a team locally you can concentrate on what one umpire does the entire game go back the next day and watch what the other one does how he reacts in different situations. I know that everyone does not have this opportunity but if you get a chance watch these guys. But now a word of warning do not try and emulate them, take what they do well and incorporate it into your game. And that is something only you can determine for yourself, how good do you want to get? If you can get to a college game watch these guys also they will show you things that you need to know. Read, watch, work the keys to being successful are up to you.