Advice for Base Umping

[David B]

Originally Posted by justanotherblue

I think the best thing you can/should do is buy yourself a couple mechanics books and attend a good clinic. Without seeing you work and or knowing more about your trouble, it's a bit hard to give any adivice. As a good rule, Angle over distance. That is, get as close to the play as the play will allow you without sacraficing your angle to see what you need to see.

This is good advice. There are plays when the PU should be making the call, and there are plays when the BU should make the call. Then, discuss what you have learned with your PU partner before the game so you are both on the same page.

My son plays travel ball and sadly that is what we see week after week - umpires just doing it on the fly with no training etc., it makes for some interesting games and leaves parents scratching their heads wondering why or how they made a certain call etc.

Thanks
David