A couple mechanics issues

[SC Ump]

I can't tell you what the books currently say, I can only tell you what I do:

#1: When doing softball, I use the ASA hand-opend, pull down hand closed mechanic you mentioned, on my strikes and outs. When doing baseball I point on the strikes and "pull the train whistle" on the outs. That is what I was taught was the slightly behind the ear mechanic you mentioned. In both sports, my "third strike looking" mechanic might be descibed as similiar to my attempts at salsa dancing... that is it ain't real smooth or pretty, but everyone knows I'm trying.

#2: I stay near the right handed batter's box watching for lane violations. I'm ready to sprint toward third with a bad throw at first. If the batter bunts or if the runner is stealing, I will be cheating towards third because there might be a play there even with a good throw.