2013 CCA Umpire Manual

[KJUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

How would you adjust to a high throw that close to the play?

Don't get me wrong, I'm often up close and personal @ 3B, but not @ 1B.

If I read a high throw, (pick-off at 1st as U1 or steal at 2nd as U2) I'm not going to immediately close down on the play, I'll read the fielder, then adjust as necessary if I need to make a call.
If the throw 'sailed', I'm getting ready for my next responsibility on any subsequent play that may develop.

I think each of us have our own starting distance 'comfort zone' (within the distance recommended in the Manual) for this rotation. I'm sure that for all of us that choice is based on numerous factors other than our personal preference and may even/should change slightly from batter to batter based on fielder position, ability to see our areas of responsibility, R1's speed (or lack of), B1 being a bunter/slapper, F2's arm, F2's style of pick-off throw etc.

Mine is 6-7 ft. as U1, and 8 ft. as U2 and I've been using that distance prior to the recent mechanic change. In my case, feedback from and work with evaluators and clinicians got me there....but that's me.

Needless to say, there's no one size fits all 'X marks the spot.'