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Posted this on Ask the Umpire first, then saw the mechanics thread. (Sorry...newbie to the forum) Couple of plate work questions: Question 1: How do you handle the situation with a tall catcher and short batter? If I set up with my eyes at the top of the strike zone, I'm losing the outside corner because the catcher's head is in the way; and if I set up with my chin no lower than the top of catcher's head, I can see the outside corner, but am well above the top of the strike zone. Question 2: How do you handle a catcher who slides over to the inside corner when a batter is already crowding the plate? When this happens, it takes my slot away. I've been told to set up higher, but when I do that I can't see the catcher glove the ball, meaning I'm guessing on pitches low in the zone. I'm working middle school and high school baseball and softball.

Hi, I've been umpiring for a number of years, but never joined an umpiring forum until now. I'm in Central North Carolina, and work high school and middle school baseball and softball in the Mid State Umpire Association, and also officiate football in the North State FB Officials Association. Just looking for some ideas to help me improve. You're never too old to learn.

Couple of plate work questions: Question 1: How do you handle the situation with a tall catcher and short batter? If I set up with my eyes at the top of the strike zone, I'm losing the outside corner because the catcher's head is in the way; and if I set up with my chin no lower than the top of catcher's head, I can see the outside corner, but am well above the top of the strike zone. Question 2: How do you handle a catcher who slides over to the inside corner when a batter is already crowding the plate? When this happens, it takes my slot away. I've been told to set up higher, but when I do that I can't see the catcher glove the ball, meaning I'm guessing on pitches low in the zone. I'm working middle school and high school baseball and softball.