Three Man Mechanics NCAA
 

Went to the local college (DI) this weekend to watch a double header. Saw some mechanics that made me scratch my head. R1 on 3rd, R3 on 1st, one out, both BU on the line but 3 feet from respective base, in anticipation of pickoff attempt(s). I had never seen the BU's this close to the base before, and wondered if this was an NCAA 3 man mechanic, or if it was standard for most rulesets (NFHS, ASA, etc.). I have never called a 3 man before but all the rulesets I have researched don't included this mechanic.

With runners on first and third U1 should be 15 - 30 feet from first base, about off the left shoulder of the second baseperson, assuming she is close to a normal position, according to NCAA Mechanics. If you are set on the foul line who has the steal of second? As for U2, three feet is very close, I would be closer to six feet, in a set position at the pitch.

Scooby has very eloquently stated the proper mechanic.

The OP implies R2 on 2nd also.

In what thread?

I'm not sure that referring to R1 and R3 allows us to assume R2 exists; that runner may well have been forced out at 2nd on the previous play. That notwithstanding, with bases loaded, U1 is still not expected to be on the foul line.

Clarification
 

Sorry, forgot to add "one out", OP has been edited to add "one out".

well.... R2 could be hanging out with the 4th umpire, thus somewhat explaining the mechanic..

Agree, just trying to be sure we covered all the "bases". :cool:

We had all the bases covered, there just wasn't a runner on 2nd.