How do you define the 'slot'?

[Steve M]

The stance Steve described is the stance I use. My feet are parallel to the back line of the catcher's box instead of being heel-toe. And my inside leg is 4-6 inches behind the catcher's backside. Another benefit of turning the foot is that I find it easier and less stressful on the knees to get down. I do not put my eyes at the top of the strike zone. I put the bottom of my mask at the top of the catcher's headgear.

When the catcher and/or batter squeeze my area of vision, I move back about 6 inches and raise my head about 6-8 inches.

Bret - Yes, I see some older guys using something like the Gerry Davis stance. But they always have. I think they learned the old AL box stance and they wouldn't know "the slot" if it jumped up & bit them. These are the same guys that see no reason to go to a clinic - after all, they've umped for x number of years and done OK - what more can they learn. What a frustrating group to deal with!

[Edited by Steve M on Mar 3rd, 2006 at 11:45 PM]