Fly Ball Coverage SNAFU

[BretMan]

At a clinic last year, one of the instructors chided me because when I was in the "A" position and walking the line, I took two steps instead of one. He actually made a big deal out of it, stopping the drill we were doing and pulling me aside so that he could show everyone "the right way".

At another clinic, we were doing plate work. I set up with my eyes at the top of the strike zone. One instructor told me that I was setting up too low. Later that day, another instructor told me I was setting up too high!

[jr131981]

Originally Posted by BretMan

At a clinic last year, one of the instructors chided me because when I was in the "A" position and walking the line, I took two steps instead of one. He actually made a big deal out of it, stopping the drill we were doing and pulling me aside so that he could show everyone "the right way".

At another clinic, we were doing plate work. I set up with my eyes at the top of the strike zone. One instructor told me that I was setting up too low. Later that day, another instructor told me I was setting up too high!

ive never understood the whole walking the line concept

from pg 246 of the 2011 ump manual

"walk the line by taking one or two steps toward home plate, pushing off with your left foot to move off the foul line when the ball is batted"

for groundballs to an IFer, why do i have to walk 1-2 steps down the line then move into position to make the call at 1B? why not just move into position right away?

[BretMan]

Originally Posted by jr131981

ive never understood the whole walking the line concept.

I believe that the idea is for the umpire to have a little momentum built up, making it easier, or quicker, to move into whatever position you might need to move into depending on where the ball is hit.

Maybe that seems a little redundant on a routine infield ground ball. But before the ball is hit you don't know it's going to be a ground ball! It could very well be a fly ball to the outfield where you're going to be pivoting inside. So it would be impossible to make "walking the line" situational- because you don't know what the situation will be.

Personally, I don't have a problem getting to where I need to be from a set position. Of course, when working games where that is the mechanic, I do it. If there is any advantage for me at all, it does seem to get me into rythym and that might help my mental focus a little bit, compared to just standing in one spot.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by jr131981

ive never understood the whole walking the line concept

from pg 246 of the 2011 ump manual

"walk the line by taking one or two steps toward home plate, pushing off with your left foot to move off the foul line when the ball is batted"

for groundballs to an IFer, why do i have to walk 1-2 steps down the line then move into position to make the call at 1B? why not just move into position right away?

You walk the line to stay up on the balls of your feet and already in motion when it comes time to move to your position.

Please note that "walking" the line only includes a very short step or two. Don't over read into this, it helps you stay on your toes.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

You walk the line to stay up on the balls of your feet and already in motion when it comes time to move to your position.

Please note that "walking" the line only includes a very short step or two. Don't over read into this, it helps you stay on your toes.

Not to mention that it gives the appearance of "being in the game."

[Dakota]

I liked that song...