One or Two things that improved your umpiring.

[Al]

Hi all,

I'm sure the long off season will show some ring rust has set in. Strangely, I feel more nervous this year then I did at the start of last year. If any would like to share one or two things that helped to improve their game the most it may help me to keep my focus, build up my confidence, and improve my game. I've been reading the USSSA rule book and spending time on this board but for some reason I feel I will have a bad start. And a bad start is the last thing I want to have. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks, Al

[Dukat]

I would suggest getting the new ASA Mechanics DVD and watch it multiple times. It is really well put together and made me really focus better.

[Angler]

Behind the plate: Make sure you're in the slot - RH batter, right ear on the inside edge of the plate, belt buckle pointed to outside corner of plate. LH batter just the opposite. Focus on being there every pitch. On the bases: Concentrate on angles, get that 90 degree to the throw...watch your depth.

[wadeintothem]

Relaxing out there - you dont have a country to run. You are officiating.

Let them play ball.

[Skahtboi]

Slow down!

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

Slow down!

Agreed! One thing that's always helped slow my calls down is assuming that the fielder will drop the ball until they prove otherwise to me.

[Stu Clary]

Good one.

[tcblue13]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

Slow down!

Yep, helped me more than anything

[Al]

Agreed! One thing that's always helped slow my calls down is assuming that the fielder will drop the ball until they prove otherwise to me.
__________________

Thanks for the good advice guys. Probably all of us have started an out call only to change it mid-way. For me just trying to slow down my calls wasn't always fool proof. But by keeping the assumption that the fielder will drop the ball, like NCASAUmp has suggested, is an excellent way to avoid this potential problem from ever happening again. That's the type of advice that once learned will stay with a person.

As Angler has mentioned it's a must to concentrate on angles, and get that 90 degree to the throw without being too close. Also, I looked at a sampler of the new ASA Mechanics DVD and that reminded me of the Mechanics video that I already have, which I haven't used for over a year now. I'll try to relax more wade. I don't want any coaches thinking I'm not confident in what I'm doing. Nothin' like fun at the ole' ball park! ...Al