True, but there's no point in getting into a long explanation.

I like that answer. Thank you Steve. Let's continue to talk about distance from catcher. It's nice to have a mechanics discussion from time to time.

I've enjoyed getting seats along the 1B or 3B line and watching the different MLB guys work the dish. I watch their head height and distance from F2...on TV, I watch how they adjust when F2 takes away their slot or relocates at the last minute.

As for the perfect distance...I don't think there is one...certainly you can be too far back...but as for your starting point...the other posters have summed it up nicely. Try to get evaluated from a competent official in your area...he should be able to give you feedback on how you're working...if you know he's going to be there, ask him to watch for it. A lot of where you want to be in umpiring depends on you. Many will get by being "good enough"...you have to decide if that's where you want to be.

Why? What problems has your current distance caused? (it's a rhetorical question)

Try standing at the back of the catcher's box (9' from the center of home plate) for (almost) all pitches. That will give you a consistent look no matter where the batter and catcher set up.

If the batter is far forward and the catcher moves way up, then you can move forward just enough to see the plate.