Read the article Strike Zone Mechanics in this same section of the Locker Room website for detailed mechanics for calling balls and strikes. This article covers other situations involving the plate umpire but not related to the strike zone – hit by pitch, illegally batted ball, batted ball near the plate. Batter hit by pitch This can be a difficult
Strike Zone Mechanics
Basic strike zone mechanics Should the word “basic” be included in any article posted to this college umpire website? Are not college umpires expected to know the basics? Yes, but the strike zone mechanics for college umpires are different than other codes; perhaps some of us do not realize this, especially if you are new to umpiring at the college
Giving the Count
One of the most important jobs for softball umpires is game management. And one of the most overlooked aspects of game management is giving the count. Regardless of the level you work, giving the count is part of your repertoire. While some levels require giving the count more than others, when and how you give the count can save
Zoned Out – Techniques for Rough Days Behind the Plate
Every umpire has had a rough game behind the plate. We have all had moments, or games, where we are struggling to decipher the balls and strikes. It happens at all levels and to veterans and rookies alike. External factors – bad pitching, catchers who shift late, etc. – may be a factor, but often our problems are our own
Left-handed catchers
From Referee Magazine, September 2020 Most softball catchers are right-handed, but it sometimes seems left-handed catchers are more frequent than in the past. The strike zone does not change, but a few tips on the mechanics of working behind a left-handed catcher is helpful. Watch warmup pitches Umpires should do this for each half-inning of the first inning regardless of
Mechanic for Plate Umpire after Batter Hit by Pitch (Lost Mechanic)
A good mechanic which must be used whenever a batter is hit with a pitch –get your mask off, come out quickly from behind the plate and get between the batter going to first and the circle. You must still use this mechanic as a good preventive umpiring technique even if it is not specifically covered in the current CCA manual. The
Tag Plays at the Plate
A tag play at the plate is among the most exciting plays in softball. The decision the umpire renders on a close play at home determines whether the run scores. Sometimes the play even decides the game. Here are a few things to consider when anticipating this play: Get the mask off early to locate the ball and the subsequent
Adjusting to see the strike zone
Source: Referee.com April 4, 2018 When the strike zone disappears Any fast-pitch softball umpire is familiar with the slot position when working a game as the plate umpire: assuming an approved stance behind the catcher, aligned slightly inside the inside corner of the plate and outside the perimeter of the strike zone. The rationale for this position, as explained in
Calling Balls and Strike – Reaction Time
Here is a link to a good video from YouTube which discusses calling BALLS AND STRIKES. If the link does not work do a search in YouTube: Sport Science – Episode 5 – Out of Control – Bad Calls. The art of calling balls and strikes is basically the same for baseball and softball. While watching the video, keep in
Tracking the Pitch
Use this URL for a video from our baseball brethren for tracking the pitch. The concepts are the same for softball.
Myths and Biases When Calling Balls and Strikes
The main part of this article is the interesting study referenced in the section below – Biases When Calling Balls and Strikes. But before that, let us completely eliminate some myths about calling balls and strikes. Yes, some umpires may still believe these, or you might have heard them from a veteran umpire who still has not adjusted his/her game
Building Rapport with Catcher
One of the attributes of a successful plate umpire is the ability to work with catchers. This defensive player is a major factor in a team’s success while in the field. A top-notch catcher will be involved with almost every aspect of the game. One such aspect, overlooked by many catchers but very evident in the good catchers, is that
Working with the Challenging Catcher
Not every game affords the luxury of working with a good catcher. What does a plate umpire do when the game unfolds with a cantankerous battery-mate, or one who is oblivious to the finer points of working successfully with a plate umpire? Catcher sets up blocking the slotThe umpire must see the pitch from the time it leaves the pitcher’s