Working the Rim

[bbsbvb83]

My state high school association has decided to move from traditional NFHS base mechanics to working the rim. Can any of you provide me with a basic description of this mechanic? Is it used for all runner configurations? Do I completely disregard the inside/outside theory? Does anyone have a decent PowerPoint presentation or video they can e-mail to me?

[jmkupka]

Nobody on (A position):
Fly ball to left or center, BU comes into fair territory, outside the baseline, ahead of BR. Watches BR touch 1B, runs along with BR on the way to 2B, and if obvious BR will be continuing to 3B, cuts behind BR as BR approaches 2B; BU starts to move across infield, watching BR touch 2B and preparing in case BR decides to stop short & return to 2B.
If BR continues on, let her take you in to 3B; you're seeing BR, and the throw, and you are stopped and set to see the play at a 90° angle to the throw.

Fly ball to right field (if you're not going out for fair-foul or a trouble ball):
No problem with cutting into the inside of the baseline and button-hooking. This way the whole play is in front of you (BR touching all bases, ball position)

[AtlUmpSteve]

Pretty much, yes, except for the line drive to right with no one on and possible play at first mentioned above, you mostly disregard the inside-outside theory.

The rule of thumb is to default to staying out, unless coming in generates a clear advantage (like covering batter-runner to third). With most situations, inside and in a calling position and depth too often puts you in a possible throwing lane; to every 90 to a base you see, the opposite and equal 90/270 exists without being in a throwing lane or cutting across defensive players moving to cutoff positions.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Let me also add:

Politically correct, and PC-sensitive trained individuals, like the NCAA, do NOT use the term in your thread subject, as it has other possible meanings considered inappropriate for general conversation when partially overheard and/or taken out of context.

Just as softball does not have a "rubber" as a rule book term, and a pitcher's plate instead, this mechanic and technique is called "working the outside". Just sayin'........

[Big Slick]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Pretty much, yes, except for the line drive to right with no one on and possible play at first mentioned above, you mostly disregard the inside-outside theory.

The rule of thumb is to default to staying out, unless coming in generates a clear advantage (like covering batter-runner to third). With most situations, inside and in a calling position and depth too often puts you in a possible throwing lane; to every 90 to a base you see, the opposite and equal 90/270 exists without being in a throwing lane or cutting across defensive players moving to cutoff positions.

Just piggybacking on Steve's note: while you default to staying outside, it doesn't mean to NEVER come inside. When NCAA first allowed working outside, some umpires heard "stay outside." This created problems, some which haven't been resolved (but that's a total different thread for another time).

What you need to do work inside or outside depending on what is the best for each play; meaning to read each play as it happens. If you (plural) start to default to "If this/then that" then you (plural) are not going to be effective umpires.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Big Slick

Just piggybacking on Steve's note: while you default to staying outside, it doesn't mean to NEVER come inside. When NCAA first allowed working outside, some umpires heard "stay outside." This created problems, some which haven't been resolved (but that's a total different thread for another time).

Oh, man! You take all the fun out of things

[Big Slick]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Oh, man! You take all the fun out of things

It's what I do. You've never been to one of my clinics - fun is no where to be found.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Big Slick

It's what I do. You've never been to one of my clinics - fun is no where to be found.

You must be the yin to Luau's yang

[Big Slick]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

You must be the yin to Luau's yang

Well, when he and I stand side by side, there is contrast.