1st yr ump. -I am starting to look at plate mechanics. So i get not setting up in perimeter of strike zone. (Picture pg 20 Ump Manual) My question is do I set up on side batter is on or opposite side of batter ?? Please help I am confused and overthinking this !!!!!

you set up in the slot on the side of the batter. That gives you the best look at any pitch that may come in. If you have a batter that crowds the plate and the catcher sets up inside, you may have to adjust your position in the slot to get a better look. Dave

In Dave's case, I switch sides. However, you being a 1st year ump.,
I would follow his advice. UIC's duck and hide when I do this, but
it allows me the best view when batter is legally crowding plate and
larger catchers is set up inside. :D

glen

[Edited by whiskers_ump on Feb 11th, 2005 at 03:42 PM]

As Glen implied, this is a mechanic only a veteran can get away with (because the UIC's etc. know his work overall and forgive this little indiscretion). It is definitely NOT taught at any clinic or school (that I have attended, anyway), and if someone brings it up, it is discouraged.

What is taught is your eyes should be at the top edge of the zone and your plate-side ear on the inside edge of the zone.

Rookie Plate Mechanics
 

I believe that, as a first year rookie, you would be well served to ask your UIC to have a senior umpire watch you do some spring "scrimmages" and provide immediate feed back to you on plate mechanics. You may also want to get the nice ASA Umpire Mechanics CD which also shows an interactive 2 and 3 umpire system, plus it has the 2005 rule book.

BTW, what manual were you looking at??

Thanks Tom

And UIC's do cringe if watching.

MA Softball Ump/
 

I am using NFHS Umpires Manual. We start our scrimmages next week. So my thinking is if I learn by rote some of the mechanics I might remember to use them when I get behind the plate. So for learning reinforcement right handed batter set up on MY left. Same for other side. Though in thinking about it it seems that I would see more of the plate coming from opposite side of batter. But I also know there is proably a reason for doing it the way most of you do it. I just don't know the reason yet. LOL

Re: Rookie Plate Mechanics
 

He is viewing the 2004/2005 Softball Umpires Manual furnished
by NFHS.

glen

another reason
 

Another reason for setting up in the proper slot: most (not all, and I think we see more lefties nowadays catchers are right handed. Hence, with a right handed batter (the majority) and the right handed catcher, you are generally going to get a better view of the plate AND be "out of the road" in case the catcher decides to throw somewhere.

If the right hand batter is crowding the plate
and the catcher is setting up inside-- I simply
adjust back a bit and rise up a bit more to
allow me to see as best I can any inside pitches.
Mirror that for a left handed batter.
If the catcher sets up for an outside pitch
I'll stay put-- that's what you wear gear for !