Can anyone explain the theory behind the superwide stance?

[Dakota]

The superwide stance seems to have become the expected stance for the plate umpire in NCAA and now, perhaps, world cup, too. (Caveat: I haven't seen too many of the games / replays, but the superwide stance certainly sticks out in what I have seen).

I can sort of understand it for little kids - you don't have to bend the knees as much to get down into the zone - but for adult women?

I don't get it.

Anyone know the reasoning / theory?

[HawkeyeCubP]

The stance, itself, is slightly noticeable, but I think the way they get back to a normal standing position after each pitch (not batted or wild/passed) is what looks ridiculous and sticks out poorly - move each foot six-ten inches in, back and forth, until feet are normal width apart again = very jerky.

But not much sillier-looking by comparison, in my opinion, than navy, flat-front pants.

[JPRempe]

I have to use it for some of the adult women. If I happen to do FP or Co-Ed SP, there are some sort women that play in my area (one young lady is like 4'10", and I'm 6'1"). Heck, my partner one night was a guy who is 6'6", and he was hurting behind the plate!

[IRISHMAFIA]

Save the back and knees. Steve M should be here any minute with a better explanation.

[scottk_61]

The wide stance definately save the back and the knees.
I am 6' 5" and have used it with almost all batters down to age 10.
I do remember argueing that it looked dumb etc etc.
But it works, it is easier to keep your back straight in order to keep your upper body in a vertical position and there is actually less strain on your knees.
This is from someone who swore by the scissors stance for years.
It also allows you to get to a set position more quickly and with more stability once you practice it a little bit.

I know that I argued that it left me exposed to being hit by passed balls or wild pitches but when you are properly in the zone, you just don't get hit as much.
I too thought it looked goofy, but when you are going to do a lot of games, or take a lot of pitches in a game it is definately worth it.

Give it a try, over a few games and you will find that the small of your back is less tired (even though you may have thought yours didn't get tired before) and your legs will be less fatigued also.

I have to admit that at first I had a little problem getting up between pitches but you soon develop your own style that works well.
As for getting out to trail the BR or to clear on a passed ball you will be surprised how well you can move.

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Save the back and knees. Steve M should be here any minute with a better explanation.

Well, here I am. I use a very wide stance, but I would not say I'm using a superwide stance. I'm about 6'1 and it looks like my feet are probably a little more than 5 feet apart. In this stance, I sit. My back is straight - that helps prevent back pain in tournaments. My knees are not in great condition - a tiny bit of cartilege in one knee & bone on bone for the other - both will be replaced at some point. This stance is easier on the knees, but it does require a lot of hamstring stretching.

Tom - I would not call it the expected stance for NCAA. The vast majority do not use the superwide stance, though quite a few taller males do have a 4-5 foot spread.

Hawkeye said "...but I think the way they get back to a normal standing position after each pitch (not batted or wild/passed) is what looks ridiculous and sticks out poorly - move each foot six-ten inches in, back and forth, until feet are normal width apart again = very jerky."
I agree, if a person has to struggle to get up, that's not a stance that they should use. Me, I sit and stand - one motion for each.

ScottK's explanation is at least as good as anything I could point out - and he's a lot taller than I am.

I never did like the scissors - it is not a stable stance, as far as I'm concerned. And my neck was always stiff & sore. The wide stance I use is very stable - it's almost like a wide horse stance, for those who know soem martial arts.

[JEL]

Ditto Scott, and Steve.

Since "going wide" I have yet to leave the field with sore back/knees. In an ASA clinic once, Jim Craig had me spread out so far I got stuck! really couldn't get back up. Dick Gayler pushed me at Nationals to widen out. Said it will save knees and back, and looks more atheletic. Well of course they were wrong, until I tried it!

Since going wide, I have yet to have to brace my blown left knee. I feel I am seeing the zone and delivery much better and can get out to trail/move into infield better than before.

I never used scissors, some who do actually have a knee on the dirt. From there I would NEVER get up!

Using the wider stance allows me to "squat" into the zone and keep my head straight with my spine, rather than leaning forward slightly. This gives a much better view.

All I can add is before you dismiss the wide, or even superwide stance, try it! That stance was developed by those with much more experience than I. Maybe they know what they are talking about!

[wadeintothem]

I wouldnt have a problem with the stance on an individual basis, I have a problem with the robot mentality at even the highest levels.

The umpires, for the most part, look terrible.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

I wouldnt have a problem with the stance on an individual basis, I have a problem with the robot mentality at even the highest levels.

The umpires, for the most part, look terrible.

Why do you consider it "robot mentality"? It is uniform, yet most umpires I know still have something a little different.