more base mechanics

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

BU in C position, with a runner on 3rd.
Is there a taught or written mechanic for movement on a potential pickoff (forward or sideways toward the foul line)?
Forward allows being perpendicular to the runner, sideways allows a view between fielder and runner.

The position of F5 should help make that decision for you. If F5 is playing short, any tag has to be up the line, so you should move towards the foul line to try to see tag or miss on that plane. If F5 is deeper (closer to the base), then the tag plane is more likely the front edge of the base, so moving forward to that plane is typically better.

Originally Posted by CecilOne

Same question for U3 in 3 umpire.

This is the easy one. Start at calling depth, set, and stay there. There should almost never be a need to move; the obvious exception is if the ball is sailing at your head.