working the plate video instruction...

[Al]

Anyone know where I can get a good illustrated instruction video for working behind the plate (softball fast-pitch) and working the bases? I'm interested in proper machanics with illustrations and comments? Before I buy any videos I think it would be wise to get opinions from people who know what is good and what is not. Maybe someone has some good ones for sale. I always learn more by visually seeing than by reading. Any help appreciated ...AL

[Mountaineer]

I don't know about video, but the federation has a computer program that is pretty good. You can set up about any senario and it will run through the mechanics of the situation for base and plate umpires in 2, 3 and I think 4-man crews. You can slow it down and basically go step by step if you want. I think it's about $40 or maybe less - I purchased it for our local board a few years ago when I was serving as our rules interpreter. While it's not perfect it is pretty good and IMO worth the price.

[bkbjones]

Originally Posted by Mountaineer

I don't know about video, but the federation has a computer program that is pretty good. You can set up about any senario and it will run through the mechanics of the situation for base and plate umpires in 2, 3 and I think 4-man crews. You can slow it down and basically go step by step if you want. I think it's about $40 or maybe less - I purchased it for our local board a few years ago when I was serving as our rules interpreter. While it's not perfect it is pretty good and IMO worth the price.

ASA has same thing...maybe even a better one now than the NFHS (haven't seen the NFHS, but the new ASA is very good).

[Skahtboi]

NCAA also has one that is supposed to be very good. It can be found here.

[Al]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

NCAA also has one that is supposed to be very good. It can be found here.

Thanks Scott,

I will go to check it out now. I didn't see your post till after I posted.
I'm looking forward to this year as I love the game! Softball is the best game in the world! Later, ..Al

[Al]

I just ordered the Cd...by phone. The man said they are getting a lot of orders..(more than usual) He said to thank you guys for directing me to his site. He also mentioned the Cd will arrive to my home by Thursday the latest. The price was only 12.95 plus 4.95 shipping. Thanks again guys, ..Al

http://www.amateurumpire.com/reviews/epicsoft.htm

[Al]

Originally Posted by bkbjones

ASA has same thing...maybe even a better one now than the NFHS (haven't seen the NFHS, but the new ASA is very good).

My thanks to both of you,

I am a little behind the curve when it comes to computer knowledge. Do the computer programs come in disk form? I was looking on the www but couldn't find any software to download or computer pragrams via Cd's for sale. What you're both telling me about is just the thing I'm looking for. If possible could someone provide me with a link where I could order one of the programs? I searched "Computer program machanics for fast pitch softball umpires" and similar searches where I found some good stuff... but not the programs spoken of. If a program like this spares me, or my partner, just one time from having the wrong angle, etc. and blowing a call it would be well worth the price. I know it will go beyond one blown call since I have so much to learn. This is my only my 3rd year, (mostly coach-pitch, tee-ball) but just as last year I am going to have a partner or two that have even less experence than I do so I will have to give some basic training. Man, I wish I could be learning on and off the field with good umpires like on this board. What I see here (not with the baseball umpires, but with softball) is no communication, no hussle, no disire for improvement. It's not fair to the kids, parents, coaches, or the fans. The last thing I want to be is the blind leading the blind. Nothin' like fun at the ole' ball park. ...Al

[jodibuck]

Our local association uses the video from officiating .com for Little League 60 foot bases. It is very good for new umpires who just want the basics of how to work the plate and bases.