Plate Mechanics

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Andy

Hey, SRW......Did you get a new camera or something??????

My thoughts, exactly. Everyone likes to play with a new toy

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by SRW

What do you see, good or bad?

Stance is weak. Could probably stand to be a little wider, but definitely needs to bring left foot forward about 18" and turn the toes out a little more. That should eliminate the knock-kneed look and be quite a bit more comfortable.

He may be high due to not being in the slot and having a need to look over the catcher.

I would get my hand off my leg, also. More likely to get broken if hit by a foul BALL if placed on something (knee/leg) instead of hanging loose.

[SRW]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

My thoughts, exactly. Everyone likes to play with a new toy

Actually these were not taken by me. I found them from a photosite from the early Thanksgiving Tourney.

To me, it looks like he's going to the toity!

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by Ref Ump Welsch

To me, it looks like he's going to the toity!

Good point. In fact, when teaching the squat needed to keep the back, neck and head straight, I use the phrase that one should visualize sitting on the toilet. When done correctly, it puts all the strain on the quads, and none on the back or neck muscles. It defeats then most common argument of those who won't get down to the top of the zone, that their back won't allow it.

[bkbjones]

Originally Posted by Ref Ump Welsch

To me, it looks like he's going to the toity!

Only if he's got 'roids, cuz I know when mine bother me , I get a little knock-kneed just like this guy.

Here's another visual: sit down on the bucket, just like a coach who is real relaxed because he has the best effin umpire in the world back there callin balls and strikes.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by SRW

Actually these were not taken by me. I found them from a photosite from the early Thanksgiving Tourney.

So, in spite of all the warnings by your fellow umpires, you went out looking for trouble.

Tsk, tsk, tsk.

[SRW]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

So, in spite of all the warnings by your fellow umpires, you went out looking for trouble.

Tsk, tsk, tsk.

Yeah, yeah, I know, I know...

[Rachel]

I am a physical education teacher and a strength coach. My opinion on this stance is that his knees are too far forward in front of his toes and this stance is really bad for the knees.

Bend the knees to the point that the knees are in line with the toes and then drop the butt back and sit. The width of the legs and how far a person can drop is pretty much determined by the flexibility of the hips. That has to be worked on but can improve.

Turning the toes out slightly aligns the knees with the hips and reduces torque when doing repeated squats. The heel toe thing helps line the belly button up with the outside corner and improves vision.

[Skahtboi]

Okay...here's another one for discussion.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

Okay...here's another one for discussion.

Obviously bad, in so many ways. But, given the size of the players, certainly excusable. The only real problem with this is that it can lead to bad habits; "you play as you practice" comes to mind. I hope she has a real stance when dealing with real players, and can make that adjustment.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

Okay...here's another one for discussion.

Are you referring to the brown-toned grey pants and ball bag?

No face mask on the batter's helmet?

Or the sore back this umpire is going to experience?

The fact that judging from the shadows is working over the catcher's head?

The large bruise the umpire is going to have on the right thigh if the catcher misses that fast ball just a little outside?

But there are lines on the ground! Something we rarely see in my area.

[Skahtboi]

And you didn't say anything about the navy blue "dazzle" shirt they are wearing. I hated the dazzle material. IMO, way too showy for an umpire.

[bkbjones]

A couple times on batters this small I have been tempted to work scissors.

Now before you laugh or whatever too much, I did see an umpire work scissors at a Western National (16U) in 2005. In fact he was my partner for a couple games.

Not only did he work scissors, but he was 5'2" on a good day...so he was reallllllllllllllllllly low. I didn't know if the UIC was going to voodoo or doodoo.

What I do on batters this size is just widen my feet. If you are flexible enough, even at MY weight, you CAN get down there and work those pesky little 10Us...and get up...and not be in any worse shape afterwards than working Gold.

Well, except for wanting the catchers to give you the glove so you can catch all those pitches that otherwise hit ya.

[SRW]

Originally Posted by bkbjones

... and work those pesky little 10Us...and get up...and not be in any worse shape afterwards ...

I dunno, bkbjones... the last time you worked 10U, we had to send you to the hospital...