Gerry Davis Stance for softball

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by IN ASA BLUE

I was researching this stance after reading this string and it appears that the GD stance would be easier on the knee's.
I have bad knee's and worry that they will force me to quit umpiring sooner than I would like. I don't think it will be anytime soon, but somewhere down the road.
Am I correct that it is easier on your knee's?

Knees? If you are having problems with your knees, you might want to check your execution, not the stance. Early season issues with your quads I could see, but the issue with which I am most concerned is the back.

Actually, I've seen some exaggerated wide stances that hurt my knees just looking at them. Even with ASA's heel-toe, GPA stance, the concern is more upon a slight turn of the toes out so that the knees basically "toggle" over the feet instead of being forced into an uncomfortable position. I concentrate on that and my knees feel little to no pressure. And that is from someone who has a bad one and just got a new one last year.

[kcg NC2Ablu]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Knees? If you are having problems with your knees, you might want to check your execution, not the stance. Early season issues with your quads I could see, but the issue with which I am most concerned is the back.

Actually, I've seen some exaggerated wide stances that hurt my knees just looking at them. Even with ASA's heel-toe, GPA stance, the concern is more upon a slight turn of the toes out so that the knees basically "toggle" over the feet instead of being forced into an uncomfortable position. I concentrate on that and my knees feel little to no pressure. And that is from someone who has a bad one and just got a new one last year.

agreed I actually turn my feet out like that in whatever stance I am working. no matter what is going on that helps with your knees and adjustment in the head height.

[ronald]

You guys are dead on about the turning of the toes. It helps. I forgot to do it in one game where I used the GD and boy did my knees and back hurt.

[IN ASA BLUE]

My feet re actually closer together than most. If I get too wide then my knee's will really bark at me. I have even been told by UIC's that my feet should be wider because it "looks" as if it would be harder on my knee's, but it's not. I do turn my feet out as well.
This is what works for me and my knee's. I have had a replacement in my left knee for over 10 years now. Hopefully I can keep going

Thanks everyone!!!

[greymule]

"I have bad knees and worry that they will force me to quit umpiring sooner than I would like."

Most of the guys I played baseball with in the dead ball era turned to SP softball by their mid-20s, but one guy went directly into baseball umpiring, eventually doing mostly ECAC/NCAA games. Last fall, at age 60, he had both knees replaced. He says it was 35 years of up and down behind the plate. I don't know whether he expects to resume umpiring.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by greymule

"I have bad knees and worry that they will force me to quit umpiring sooner than I would like."

Most of the guys I played baseball with in the dead ball era turned to SP softball by their mid-20s, but one guy went directly into baseball umpiring, eventually doing mostly ECAC/NCAA games. Last fall, at age 60, he had both knees replaced. He says it was 35 years of up and down behind the plate. I don't know whether he expects to resume umpiring.

Interesting. My orthopaedic surgeon told me the up and down wasn't an issue, but more of the pounding of starting, stopping and reversing directions.

Actually, from my rehab, I would think the up and down was more theraputic to one's knees than harmful if in a good stance.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Interesting. My orthopaedic surgeon told me the up and down wasn't an issue, but more of the pounding of starting, stopping and reversing directions.

Actually, from my rehab, I would think the up and down was more theraputic to one's knees than harmful if in a good stance.

As someone with a bad knee (that includes a dislocated kneecap 2 years ago), I could call balls and strikes all day. It's the coming out quickly from the plate that causes 100% of my lower extremity issues.

I turn my toes slightly out, too. It does cost me a shot or two on the calf every season, but that's OK -- it only really hurts when you take one in the unprotected shin (which happened to me once back when I thought it was cool to work softball with little to know gear -- I was young and stupid).