Umpire mechanics

[jTheUmp]

Here's how I do it:
Face the offense. Stand over the ball, hold up both arms indicating the down. Drop my arms on the RFP, but continue to stand over the ball.
Count A players while in the huddle, if possible.
Drop back when the offense breaks the huddle, walking backwards to your pre-snap location (don't ever turn your back to the offense pre-snap, glance over your shoulder to see where the B players are. After a few plays, you'll have a pretty good feel for where the defensive linemen are going to be). If you do this quickly enough, you'll be in position before the snap, even if it's a quick snap.
Signal to R that you counted 11 players on offense, using a fist at shoulder level.

If the offense is in a hurry up or no huddle, I'll spot the ball, indicate the down, and retreat to my pre-snap location before the R gives the RFP.