Title: MECHANICS
1MECHANICS
- In the 1, 2 and 3 man systems
2Alignments
E on Rt Handed Batter or shallow E for 3rd only
E on Lt Handed Batter
A
D
Shallow A
Shallow D
Deep B
Deep C
B
C
UIC
3GENERAL PRINCIPLES
- Look purposeful and confident.
- Hustle!!! Dont walk from position to position.
- Dont get too close (it explodes). Always trade
angle for distance!!! - Stop to make a call keep head still. (camera
still) - Always watch the ball. Chest up to ball. (It
will take you to the play) - Take your time making a call. Make sure you get
it right. (Talk or consult rule book if needed) - Make multiple calls in chronological order
- Dont over commit (stay in WORKING AREA)
- Dont over sell the obvious calls. Sell the
close ones.
4ONE MAN MECHANICS
5ONE MAN MECHANICS
- HUSTLE!!!
- Do the best you can
- Try to get to the middle of infield with multiple
base runners. - Remind catcher to stay down on pickoffs.
- Take a couple of extra steps before making your
call. - Make calls quick (w/ multiple runners) in case of
next throw. - With multiple calls, do them in chronological
order.
6TWO MAN MECHANICS
7COMMUNICATION
- PREGAME (while dressing)
- Fly ball coverage. (The Vee)
- Touch Tag responsibilities (UIC 3rd home
and U1 has 1st 2nd) - Bounding ball down the line (UIC up to front edge
of bag) - Rotations (signals)
- Call balks if you see it (angles)
- Infield Fly signal
- Help with ball in dirt (third strike or foul tip)
8FLY BALL COVERAGE No one on (U1 in A) (trouble
only)
U1
UIC
9FLY BALL COVERAGE With runner(s) on (U1 in B or
C)
U1
UIC
10COMMUNICATION (cont)
- Between Innings (keep game moving)
- Keep each other relaxed
- Talk about mechanics and communication
- Dont talk about critical (heated) calls or
arguments - Discuss any possible problems coming up
- During play (cant be too loud)
- Home plate umpire does most of the talking (base
umpire reacts) - Except when field umpire is leaving the infield
or working in foul territory
11ROTATION SITUATIONS
- How to rotate in a two man system
- UIC will come up about half way to 3rd in foul.
- Decide to commit to 3rd only if ball and runner
are coming to third - Dont yell tell U1 until you are committed to
third or heading back home. COMMUNICATE ea.
time - Flair into fair (infield grass) to make call _at_
3rd. - Be ready to rotate back home in case of
overthrow. (May have to call play at plate in
fair territory.) - UIC only makes calls on plays when runner is
coming into 3rd. If throw behind U1 has that
call.
12ROTATING TO THIRD
13ROTATION SITUATIONS
- There are 4 situations when UIC is supposed to
rotate to up to third base - In two man, you must read. Only go if the ball
and runner are coming to third - In three or four man you go all the way up no
reading (NO DECISION MAKING!!!).
14ROTATION SITUATIONS (cont)
- Situation 1 No one on with a triple (HS)
- Signal rotate hands or point to 3rd
- When Batter Runner hits a triple
- Rotation UIC man comes up to third on ball hit
to fence (stay foul, let ball and runner take you
into fair territory). Field umpire needs to be
prepared to cover home on the in the park
homerun. COMMUNICATE!!! - May want to discuss this in pregame
15ROTATION SITUATIONS (cont)
- Situation 2 1st only (any outs) (All levels)
- Signal rotate hands or point to 3rd
- When on clean hit
- Rotation UIC man comes up to third on ball hit
to outfield (stay foul, let ball and runner take
you into fair territory). - Exception Reverse rotate if ball hit down right
field line and UIC has to rule on diving catch or
fair/foul. COMMUNICATE!!!
16ROTATION SITUATIONS (cont)
- Situation 3 1st 3rd (any outs) (all levels)
- Signal rotate hands or point to 3rd
- When on clean hit
- Rotation UIC man comes up to third on ball hit
to outfield (stay foul, let ball and runner take
you into fair territory). UIC has to watch
runner touch plate over his/her shldr as moving
up line. - Exception Reverse rotate if ball hit down right
field line and UIC has to rule on diving catch or
fair/foul. COMMUNICATE!!!
17ROTATION SITUATIONS (cont)
- Situation 4 1st 2rd (less than 2 outs) (all
levels) BUMPING (man to man coverage) - Signal fist on fist and point to third
- When on outfield fly ball with R2 tagging
- Rotation UIC comes up to third on fly ball hit
to outfield (stay foul, let ball and runner take
you into fair territory). U1 will watch tag at
second and catch if in the Vee. If runner has
third or no throw, UIC should get back home. UIC
should communicate his/her location. - Exception Reverse rotate if ball hit down right
field line and UIC has to rule on diving catch or
fair/foul. COMMUNICATE!!!
18TWO MAN MECHANICS
- Plate Umpire (General Principles)
- Dont get caught in the plate area unless play is
developing there. Move your !!! - Fair/foul up to front edge of bag and beyond if
no umpire on line. - Help with interference, pulled foot, tag or
overthrow at first on ground balls (with no
threat of play at home). End up on foul line over
half way to first. Move your !!! (Follow
overthrow into foul territory) - Stay on left side of mound during a DP, watch for
the force play slide rule at second.
19TWO MAN MECHANICS Plateman
Fair Foul
20TWO MAN MECHANICS Plateman
Fair Foul If ball ends up past 1st, it is U1s
call.
UIC
U1
21TWO MAN MECHANICS Plateman
Help at first (move on overthrow)
22TWO MAN MECHANICS A pos.
Plays at first Double Play
U1
R1
Help with play at first
Look for obstruction
UIC
23TWO MAN MECHANICS
- Plate Umpire (Continued)
- On pop ups, get as far out as possible in order
to see the catch better. Do not run directly at
the catch (get a side view). Also helps to cover
if partner leaves. Move your !!! - Plays at home should be called from 3rd to 1st
baseline extended when possible (in the slice).
Start straight back move according to throw.
Slowly circle the play as it develops.
24TWO MAN MECHANICS Plateman
Get out as far as you can on flyballs
25TWO MAN MECHANICS Plateman
Be prepared to take the runner
26TWO MAN MECHANICS Plateman
Take plays at plate from slice of pie
27TWO MAN MECHANICS (cont)
- Field Umpire A pos. (on line, in foul, 10
behind) - Take plays at first at 90o w/ throw 20-25 from
base. (do not get too close it explodes) - Call plays at 1st in foul territory when squeezed
by 2nd baseman (UIC has runner into 2nd). - Call the toss from the pitcher (from A position
only) from just inside of foul line. - Fair/foul over first and down line. Trail the
ball??? - Go out call catches in outfield on trouble
balls or fair/foul over your head. (PAUSE, READ
REACT.) - Help with third strike in the dirt (point down).
28TWO MAN MECHANICS A pos.
Plays at first normal, toss, or squeezed
U1
UIC
29Pause, Read React (applies to all)
- This is the hardest skill to get right... You
cant be wrong if you go out - Pause (Is the ball in your area of
responsibility?) - Step in (toward plate). Helps partners read
- Dont be in a hurry.
- Read (Five situations that you go on)
- Line Drive at Fielder (go right away, no pause)
- Fair or Foul
- Possible HR?
- Multiple fielders converging on play
- Catch being made below the belt
- React (Go hardLeave no doubt)
- Get a side view of the catch (trade angle for
distance) (never run directly at the play) - Stop to make the call
30TWO MAN MECHANICS A pos.
Going out to the outfield
Take an angle
Get a side view of catch
31TWO MAN MECHANICS (cont)
- Field Umpire B/C pos. (edge of dirt to plate)
- Get to the working area w/ multiple runners
- Always chest up to ball (watch the ball).
- Help with third strike in the dirt (point down).
- Walk forward to make a pick off call at first.
- Trail the ball, not runner, into a stolen base.
(move forward arc to the play) - Arc to plays at third (steal or throw on bunt)
- When calling catches in the Vee, move to the edge
of grass on trouble balls. - Try to get tag ups, touches and the catch in the
same picture while working the Vee.
32Working Area From B C position
Working Area
U1
U1
UIC
33B C Position Movements Pickoff, Steal _at_ 2nd,
Play at 3rd
U1
U1
UIC
34THREE MAN MECHANICS
35THREE MAN MECHANICS
- General Responsibilities
- See a balk call a balk.
- Move your !!! You run more in 3 man.
- General Rule Keep an umpire on both ends of a
standard double play. - For UIC Rotate all of the way (no read).
- Once your out, stay out (unless U1 to plate for
in the park HR). Never cross dirt in HS from B
or C. - Only go out on trouble balls. Only go out from A
or D position. PAUSE, READ AND REACT. Give a
clear read Leave not doubt (turn your back) - UIC has throwbacks into 1st only when no one on.
36THREE MAN MECHANICS (cont)
- Plate Umpire (UIC)
- Fair foul up to the bag (if umpire on the line)
or over the bag if base is unattended. - If you rotate to third, rotate all the way (if
all both partners are in). U1 will have the
plate. Rotate in same situations as in two man. - Has base touches at unoccupied base(s) (if they
turn back) and at home. - You have tag at 3rd if U3 leaves or turns back
- Has fly balls to foul line if no umpire is on
that line. - Still comes out and up line (45 line) on plays
at first. Do not worry about force play slide
rule. - Check swings to umpire opposite of batter.
37THREE MAN MECHANICS (cont)
- First Base Umpire (U1)
- A position (not too deep) poss. DP or no one on
- Fly balls to your side. (CF in to you.) Only
on trouble balls. Otherwise call it from where
you are (hold up plate guy). - Fair foul over your bag.
- Pick offs at first. (stay shallow) (20 from
bag) See pitcher over inside of runner. - Tags touches at first.
- Calls at first (tail end of DP). May have to
back out. - Must cover plate if UIC rotates up to third (try
to get to point) - Be in position to trail batter runner into 2nd if
not in reverse rotation situation. (signal
behind back) - Pivot (or get to the middle) if U3 leaves
38THREE MAN MECHANICS (cont)
- First Base Umpire (U1) (cont)
- Deep B position man on 2nd only or 2nd 3rd.
- Fly balls in small Vee (1/4). (CF to RF coming
in) Do not leave infield grass (can in college). - Pickoff and touches at second.
- Plays at 2nd or 1st.
- On plays at first, get as deep as you can (toward
normal play in A position) - Help with third strike or foul tip in the dirt.
39THREE MAN MECHANICS (cont)
- Third Base Umpire (U3)
- D position (not to deep) man on 2nd 3rd, 3rd
only, or no one on. - Fly balls to your side. (CF to you.) Only leave
on trouble balls. - Fair foul over your bag.
- Pick offs at third. (20 to 25behind bag)
- Tags touches at third.
- Calls touches at second with no one on or 3rd
only ( U1 leaves). You must rotate into
infield. It is very difficult to leave runner.
40THREE MAN MECHANICS (cont)
- Third Base Umpire (U3)
- C position man on 1st only (deep), 1st 2nd,
or bases loaded. - Fly balls in small Vee (1/4). (CF to LF in)
- Pickoff and touches at second.
- First play on infield at 2nd or 3rd.
- Steals at second third.
- Watch for obstruction on DP (stay on it).
- Help with third strike in the dirt.
- You have throwback into first if U1 leaves
41FLY BALL COVERAGE w/ on Lines U1 in Blue, U3 in
Red UIC in no color
U1
U3
UIC
42FLY BALL COVERAGE w/ U3 in C U1 in Blue, U3 in
Red UIC in no color
U1
U3
UIC
43FLY BALL COVERAGE w/ U1 in B U1 in Blue, U3 in
Red UIC in no color
U1
U3
UIC
44No one on play at 1st from the infield
U1
U3
UIC
45No one on ball hit to outfield (no one leaves)
U1
U3
UIC
46No one on ball hit to outfield (U1 leaves)
U1
U3
You have throwback
UIC
47No one on ball hit to outfield (U3 leaves)
U1
U3
UIC
48Man on FirstBall in Infield (DP)
U3
U1
R1
UIC
49Man on First Ball Hit to OF (no one leaves)
U1
U3
R1
UIC
Do not release until R1 commits to 3rd
50Man on First Ball Hit to OF (U1 leaves)
You have throwbacks
U1
U3
R1
UIC
51Man on First ThirdBall in Infield (DP)
U3
U1
R1
R3
UIC
52Man on First Third Ball Hit to OF (no one
leaves)
U1
U3
R1
R3
UIC
Do not release until R1 commits to 3rd
53Man on First Third Ball Hit to OF (U1 leaves)
You have throwbacks
U1
U3
R1
R3
UIC
54Man on First SecondBall in Infield (DP)
R3
U1
R1
U3
UIC
55Man on First Second Clean Hit to OF (no one
leaves)
R2
U1
R1
U3
UIC
56Man on First Second Hit to OF (U1 leaves)
You have tag at 1st 2nd
Stay out
U1
R2
R1
U3
UIC
Take runner into 3rd if tagging (bump)
Reverts to 2 man
57Bases LoadedBall in Infield (DP)
R2
U1
R1
U3
R3
UIC
58Bases Loaded Clean Hit to OF (no one leaves)
R2
U1
R1
U3
R3
UIC
Back up so you can see tag or touch at 3rd
59Bases Loaded Hit to OF (U1 leaves)
You have tag at 1st 2nd
Stay out
U1
R2
R1
U3
R3
UIC
Back up so you can see tag or touch at 3rd
Reverts to 2 man
60Man on Second OnlyBall in Infield
Shallow up for poss. steal
U1
R2
U3
UIC
61Man on Second OnlyClean Hit to OF (no one
leaves)
R2
U1
U3
UIC
62Man on Second Only (tagging) Hit to OF
Dont be afraid to call from foul
You have tag If U3 leaves, you take runner into
3rd
R2
U1
U3
UIC
63Man on Second ThirdBall in Infield (DP)
R3
U1
R1
U3
UIC
64Man on First Second Clean Hit to OF (no one
leaves)
R2
U1
R1
U3
UIC
65Man on First Second Hit to OF (U1 leaves)
You have tag at 1st 2nd
Stay out
U1
R2
R1
U3
UIC
Take runner into 3rd if tagging (bump)
Reverts to 2 man
66Man on Third OnlyBall in Infield
You are either into infield or out into outfield
No runner responsibilities at 3rd
U1
U3
R2
UIC
67Man on Third Only Clean Hit to OF (no one
leaves)
U1
U3
R2
UIC
68Man on Second Only (tagging) Hit to OF
Dont be afraid to call from foul
You have tag If U3 leaves, you take runner into
3rd
U1
U3
R3
UIC
69Credits.
Created on 1/20/2008 by Deron W Brown 719
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