Mechanics review

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

It is an NCAA mechanic based on the three umpires system (the NCAA manual standard). When B walks with no runners on, U1 doesn't have 2nd base responsibility, U3 does (same as base hit when B becomes a BR). And BR can legally and safely overrun 1st, but is in jeopardy if she turns toward 2nd. Where is that next likely play? 90 to the base on the edge facing 2nd, and that is the proper positioning for the next likely play. Only after BR (now R) stops and this play ends should U1 take the position for the next play.

With R1 on 2nd, and U3 in B, U1 should still hold until all play has ended; standard rotaion has PU covering 3rd, U3 holding at 2nd, U1 holding at 1st with possible rotation to cover home.

With R1 on 3rd, U1 DOES have BR to 2nd, and must be prepared for that play. Then, and only then, is U1 to consider moving further off the line to prepare for that possible (1st and 3rd) play.

In the two umpire system, BU always has BR to 2nd; and should react accordingly,same as R1 on 3rd in 3 umpire system. Staying fully on the line in the two umpires system doesn't follow the NCAA guideline to prepare for the next possible play until each play has ended. It can only stem from those confusing 3 umpire mechanics with 2 umpire mechanics.

So, the only time U1 should stay at the line for a BB/HBP etc. is in 3 umpire mechanics.

[MNBlue]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

So, the only time U1 should stay at the line for a BB/HBP etc. is in 3 umpire mechanics.

The ball is dead on the HBP - no need to stay on the line in 2 umpire mechanics.

[argodad]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

So, the only time U1 should stay at the line for a BB/HBP etc. is in 3 umpire mechanics.

For 2-ump mechanics, on a BB with no runners, we teach BU to move into fair territory about a step or two and observe the BR until she stops at 1B.

[shipwreck]

Originally Posted by argodad

For 2-ump mechanics, on a BB with no runners, we teach BU to move into fair territory about a step or two and observe the BR until she stops at 1B.

That's the way I do it. As soon as the runner stops on first, I move to B position. Dave

[umpire12]

only moving 1 or 2 steps fair leaves you chasing the runner is she doesnt decide to stop and takes off for second base. i think it would be prefered move toward and be close to the B position while keeping your eyes on the runner as she nears first base

[MNBlue]

Originally Posted by umpire12

only moving 1 or 2 steps fair leaves you chasing the runner is she doesnt decide to stop and takes off for second base. i think it would be prefered move toward and be close to the B position while keeping your eyes on the runner as she nears first base

I disagree. It is completely age/player dependant, but in my experience the preponderance of players that walk, will round 1B and return or just stop on 1B. The most likely play will be a throw to F3 in an attempt to pick off the runner that is rounding 1B. A very small minority of players that receive a base on balls will continue to 2B - and those are usually with a runner on 3B.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by MNBlue

I disagree. It is completely age/player dependant, but in my experience the preponderance of players that walk, will round 1B and return or just stop on 1B. The most likely play will be a throw to F3 in an attempt to pick off the runner that is rounding 1B. A very small minority of players that receive a base on balls will continue to 2B - and those are usually with a runner on 3B.

I cannot recall the last time (any age, kids to HS) I've seen a pickoff attempted after a base on balls. That said, moving just 2 steps off the A position leaves you in a great place for that play should it develop, as you've said, but in a problematic place should the play go to 2nd. Moving further (halfway to B, say) decreases your situation for that rare play at first only a very very little bit, while vastly increasing your situation for the possible play at 2nd.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

(halfway to B, say) .

yyeeeeaaahh!

[umpire12]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

I cannot recall the last time (any age, kids to HS) I've seen a pickoff attempted after a base on balls. That said, moving just 2 steps off the A position leaves you in a great place for that play should it develop, as you've said, but in a problematic place should the play go to 2nd. Moving further (halfway to B, say) decreases your situation for that rare play at first only a very very little bit, while vastly increasing your situation for the possible play at 2nd.

i agree..it puts you in a reasonable position for either play