Understand the rules and proper umpire mechanics.
Have a good pregame and post game conversation with your partner.
Take pride in your uniform.
Hustle on every play.

Zone and mechanics will come.

Sounds like ya done good.

So now you can get to work ;)

Start with calling it by softball terms.

U12 may be correct in soccer, basketball , and elsewhere.

Softball has 12U.

I'm glad someone said this one. I think this one is too frequently overlooked, especially in rec ball umpires. It makes umpires look sloppy. Personally, I wish my assignor would require all umpires use Fechheimer pants, but that's just me. Look sharp out there, damn it! :)

Assuming you are working the slot, and not hiding behind the catcher, here are some pointers that will help that come together. Set your eyes at the top of the zone (I use the bottom of the sternum). That way, anything above eye level is automatically a ball. Set your right ear even with the plate (on right handed batters, left ear on left.) You now have set your inside zone. Make sure that you can clearly see the outside corner of the plate when you go set behind the catcher. This will help you see the outside well. The hardest part to learn is the bottom of the zone. In time you will set that yourself.

Also, track the ball from the pitcher's hand all the way into the catcher's glove with your nose. Don't try to "snapshot" the strike zone, this will never work. Watch the ball all the way, and you should be able to determine much easier when it does and doesn't pass through the zone.

I've never lost a game.

Yeah, I just checked my umpiring record, and I'm still undefeated. :D

Oh yeah,

Undefeated right here.

Mad skillz baby!

Wow. Me too. I am undefeated at this point!

Not me (according to coaches and fans, I've "lost" a bunch of games)! :rolleyes: