more base mechanics

[teebob21]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

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.

Steve, what is your opinion about swinging towards the coach's box to get a foul-ground 90 with the front edge of the base? (Speaking USA mechanics; I know NCAA is OK with it) This applies only to a slow developing play, and not a quick snap throw.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by teebob21

Steve, what is your opinion about swinging towards the coach's box to get a foul-ground 90 with the front edge of the base? (Speaking USA mechanics; I know NCAA is OK with it) This applies only to a slow developing play, and not a quick snap throw.

If the play develops so slowly that F5 is legally blocking the base (with possession, or in NCAA in the act of catching), that 90 from foul ground might prove valuable. For the vast majority of plays I see, though, the act of moving is what used to be called "happy feet", the overwhelming urge to do SOMETHING, when staying set is the best thing the umpire could do. Aside from putting them in motion as the play develops, it also generally results in the umpire being too close, and not seeing the whole picture.