"Not even in T-Ball!"

[UmpireErnie]

Originally Posted by Rita C

It's nothing like fast pitch or baseball.

Rita

The pitches look a lot different but the strike zone is still nearly the same, as previously noted. The mechanics are the same, except when you go set you are not going to get quite as low as fast pitch.

Also, you have to learn to determine the arc (6ft to 10ft in ASA slow pitch, 12ft in Seniors). I am 6ft 4in tall so if the pitch is over my eyes its ok on the low end. The high end is tougher, you have to set a ceiling and then just stick with it during the game. Usually it seems that most slow pitch umpires set a ceiling that is a bit high, perhaps not wanting to guess an illegal pitch. But if you have to look up its probably too high. Get a few close ones called early to set a tone, and set a ceiling, then stick to it. Don't give them 13 feet the whole game then start calling IPs in the 7th inning for 11ft high pitches.

The slow pitch game is a bit different. I admit I like the fast pitch game more than slow pitch but I enjoy slow pitch too. Much more putting the ball into play. Good place to learn base umpire positioning both in 2man and 3man for that reason.

Good luck, and have fun!!

Ernie