Tips to improve timing

[boyinr]

My goal this year is to improve my timing both on the bases and at the plate. One of the items that I sense, is that I feel that i get quicker as the game/players get faster. I am looking for whatever tips, hints, clues, and suggestions. Thanks.

[semper_fi_72]

My goal this year is to improve my timing both on the bases and at the plate. One of the items that I sense, is that I feel that i get quicker timing the game/players as the game gets faster. I am looking for whatever tips, hints, clues, and suggestions. Thanks.

Basic item for each and every call.

PAUSE!!!!! Read!!!!! React!!!!!!!

There is no need to ever hurry a call.

Breath and be deliberate.

[johnnyg08]

Learn how to use your eyes. When you do that, your timing will improve.

[yawetag]

When you attend clinics, many instructors will teach you some arbitrary method for slowing down your timing. Usually this means watching the play, then saying something in your head, then making the call. While this is a great way to teach someone to slow down, it's only an example of how to do it. Over time, that pause becomes natural and you learn the correct rhythm, especially when calling pitches.

For routine plays at first base, examine the complete post-catch action. Make sure F3 isn't bobbling the ball or took a huge step off the base. After you've verified the play was done correctly, make the call.

For closer plays, there is no reason to hurry the call. In fact, there are a lot of time where the call is made for you -- and rushing would have been catastrophic. For example, a steal of 2B where the ball is there well ahead of the runner. Don't rush the call -- you might find F4 or F6 dropped the ball on the tag. Wait to make sure the ball is in the fielder's glove; in fact, ask to see it. Once you've determined the out is there, make the call.

[johnnyg08]

If you don't use your eyes properly, your timing won't improve, it will just take you longer to miss your calls.

[Replacematt]

The #1 thing to remember about good timing is that it is not measured in units of time; rather it is determined by what an umpire does from the time a play starts to the time he makes his call.

There are three types of timing:

1. Good timing

2. False timing

3. Bad timing

Good timing is when an umpire observes all elements of a play from start to finish, mentally processes what he observed in the context of what is relevant to the play, what each element means in context with each other and the whole play, evaluates these mental outcomes, and renders the proper decision. This, like all skills, comes with practice.

False timing is when an umpire uses a mechanism to slow down his decision; often, this enables at least some of the steps of good timing, but never fully incorporates all of them. Some examples you may hear are taking a breath before calling a pitch, deliberately chewing your gum before making a call, or the like. Yawetag alludes to this when he mentions "arbitrary method to slow down." In the end, though, false timing does not address the fundamentals of good timing--it simply widens the window for the steps to occur.

Bad timing, as one may guess, is timing that is neither of the above. The whole play and all of its elements are not fully processed or evaluated, and the call suffers as a result.

The reason why timing is not measured in units is because each umpire that has good timing does it in a different timeframe, which may or may not be coincidental with umpires with false or bad timing.

[johnnyg08]

boyinr, you have received the best advice you can receive on how to improve your timing. Read Matt and yawetag's posts a few times to comprehend what they're trying to explain to you. Any young umpire will benefit from those two posts above. It really is as simple as they're writing, but it takes practice and discipline to do it on every play.

Now get out there and work some games. Get observed by somebody who you know knows what they're doing. If you can afford it, attend a professional clinic and work on those skills, it will make you a better umpire overnight if you're using your eyes correctly.

[Replacematt]

I would say my first post was somewhat academic, so for ease of understanding, let's go with a simple example of how good timing works. Situation: No runners, ground ball hit to F6.

The whole play: The umpire realizes that the most likely play is at 1B, with the call being safe or out.

The (potential) elements: True/not true throw. F3 gloving the ball. BR reaching 1B. F3 touching 1B. F3 tagging BR.

Because of the nature of baseball, the determination of one element can have different outcomes. If there is not a true throw, one element of this play would be a tag of BR; a true throw would have F3 touching 1B. We'll say this is a true throw.

Now, the contexts: Did BR reach 1B before or after F3 gloved the ball? Was F3 touching 1B while in possession of the ball? If so, was it before or after BR reached 1B?

As demonstrated, even a simple play (made simpler because obstruction or other calls were discounted in the example) can be broken down into elements in context. Imagine this as a banger. Once you look at the elements, process them, and contextualize them, the call becomes much easier.

Not only does this make calls easier, but starting the evaluation from the start of the play allows adjustment for further observation of other elements (e.g. a pulled foot on a bad throw.)

[johnnyg08]

I would have given body parts for this same advice years ago...now I'm breaking bad habits to learn the right way to do things. Read this stuff, apply this stuff, and have a hell of a good time umpiring.

[Umpire in Chief]

There have been some good responses here.

My $0.02 would be to be aware of your timing. You will feel if you are quick. Think about it. It is all about your eyes and your mind.

Don't use hokie techniques because they will give you false timing. False timing will bite you when it comes to crunch time. You will forget your technique and jump on the call.

From observing others behind the plate I notice they get bit by the timing bug when they don't track the ball all the way to the glove. I can see them making their call in their mind before the ball is caught by taking their eyes off the ball and then looking up towards the pitcher as the ball hits the mitt.

[JaxRolo]

There have been some good responses here.

My $0.02 would be to be aware of your timing. You will feel if you are quick. Think about it. It is all about your eyes and your mind.

Don't use hokie techniques because they will give you false timing. False timing will bite you when it comes to crunch time. You will forget your technique and jump on the call.

From observing others behind the plate I notice they get bit by the timing bug when they don't track the ball all the way to the glove. I can see them making their call in their mind before the ball is caught by taking their eyes off the ball and then looking up towards the pitcher as the ball hits the mitt.

Very good point! When you predict what the call is going to be it will throw you way off if something strange happens. Slow Down (Pause), watch the entire play (Read), then make your call (React)

[mstaylor]

In clinics many instructors will teach a mechanism for slowing you down to get you used to the time it should take to properly make your decision. This is good but it what was referenced as false timing. If you only learn this part of the mechanic then you are still rushing your calls, you are just taking longer to tell everybody. The second part of the lesson is you then have add actions into that new time. Watch the ball all the way to the glove and what the batter does, then call ball/strike. At first, you watch the ball accross the field, watch the foot, listen for the catch, then look up to make sure he has controlled the catch, then call the out.

The important thing to remember is to slow down so you can actually decide what it is you saw and let the whole play happen. This will keep you from calling a guy out at second, only to see the ball on the ground. In clinics or when practicing at home, use a phrase or some other method to slow yourself down, then work on adding the extra pieces of the puzzle to make you more accurate.

[Umpire in Chief]

These false timing techniques are good in the sense that they do get you actively thinking about the speed of making a call.

The problem with these is two fold:

1. Some people perceive this as real timing. They are still making their decision at the same speed, just slowing their delivery.
   
2. Moving from these false timing techniques to good timing is something I have yet to figure out how to teach. It is an unnatural evolution. It has to be observed, and felt individually.
   

When you get to the point where you have true good timing you definitely feel it. And more importantly you feel when you get quick.

[mstaylor]

These false timing techniques are good in the sense that they do get you actively thinking about the speed of making a call.

The problem with these is two fold:

1. Some people perceive this as real timing. They are still making their decision at the same speed, just slowing their delivery.
   
2. Moving from these false timing techniques to good timing is something I have yet to figure out how to teach. It is an unnatural evolution. It has to be observed, and felt individually.
   

When you get to the point where you have true good timing you definitely feel it. And more importantly you feel when you get quick.

A good clinician has to explain what he is doing. He has to explain that you have to slow down and see the whole play. This the beauty of multiple trips through the cage. He will get you slowed down, then explain all the things you have to add into the new time slot. Watch the ball all the way to the glove, determine if the batter swung or checked and did the ball catch the zone. Did the catcher retain the ball on a third strike? All these things need to be inserted in your new found time.

When I teach at clinics, field or plate, I explain why the mechanic is used and it's intended purpose. I explain doing the mechanic will put you in the best place most of the time, knowing the intended purpose allows them to know how to adjust when it blows up, and plays will blow up.

[Fittske24]

The #1 thing to remember about good timing is that it is not measured in units of time; rather it is determined by what an umpire does from the time a play starts to the time he makes his call.

There are three types of timing:

1. Good timing

2. False timing

3. Bad timing

In my opinion, false timing is bad timing in good timing clothing. What I mean is the reason why you need a "timing mechanism" to slow yourself down, is because you have not corrected the "issues" that cause you to have poor timing in the first place.

Quick timing can be caused by a lot of factors, but the biggest cause is not tracking the pitch all the way to its termination. This includes seeing the ball enter into the catchers mit, AND waiting until the catchers mit/arm stops moving. Most umpires with quick timing have made their mind up well before the pitch has terminated.

Calling a pitch should be just like ordering food at a drive-thru.

• First you stop to see what’s on the menu ( See the pitch through to termination)
  
• Decide what you want to order (Decide if the pitch is a ball/strike)
  
• Speak loudly and directly into the speaker ( Speak loudly using proper ball/strike mechanic)
  

However, umpires with quick timing already know what they want to order before making it to the menu and they can't wait to yell it out!

Here are some additional things to consider when it comes to timing:

Proper timing directly relates to proper use of eyes by the home plate umpire. Timing is developed by allowing for "lag time" between the reception of the pitch by the catcher and the actual physical signal (strike) or voice (ball) performed by the umpire. This lag time allows for the umpire to fully evaluate the pitch. An underlying principal of ball/strike reaction by the umpire is this: the call is mental, and the signal is physical. Proper lag time allows the umpire to make his "call" and then perform his signal. With proper use of the eyes, the required lag time will be consistently employed as no reaction by the umpire should happen until the catcher’s glove stops moving.

When observing and evaluating timing, there should be a consistent amount of "lag time" between the reception of the pitch and the umpire’s response to it. Observer/evaluators should be aware when strike calls and their corresponding signals are performed too quickly-usually on a "down the middle" fastball. Ball calls verbalized too quickly, more often than not, may be a reaction to a missed pitch as umpires are prone to make a quick ball call on pitches that surprise them.

In summary, the "lag time" between when a catcher gloves the pitch and the plate umpire verbalizes "strike" with corresponding signal, or when the catcher gloves the pitch and the umpire verbalizes "ball," should be performed after a like amount of time has passed after the pitch has been received. This interval of time must remain consistent. Coaches, players, and spectators become accustomed to the timing and rhythm of the plate umpire as he calls balls and strikes. Any deviation from this rhythm may call into question the consistency of the umpire and affect his believability. It is better to have slow timing, indicating deliberateness and concentration, than to be too quick, indicating surprise and misjudgment.

-"Essentials of Observation/Evaluation for the Division II Umpire"

[hckyosgood30]

Like most have said already here, timing is a constant proper use of eyes all the till the end of the play. It's truly full and devout focus. Even more so then catchers and hitters have. As umpires we don't have the luxury of knowing what pitch is coming like a catcher. Yet the catcher still watches the ball all the way into his glove in order to catch it. So how can we not hold ourselves to a higher standard by not knowing what is coming and still having to render our decision. If you focus properly all the way to the end of each play, say the catchers is taking the ball out of his glove then the pitches truly start to call themselves. But I agree with others on here that "false timing" is the enemy to many umpires who want to get better. Because on tape or to the casual observer you look like you have ok/good timing but you're giving up on the pitch/play way to soon and you've stopped focusing for waiting sake.

[sdix00]

Calling a pitch should be just like ordering food at a drive-thru.

• First you stop to see what’s on the menu ( See the pitch through to termination)
  
• Decide what you want to order (Decide if the pitch is a ball/strike)
  
• Speak loudly and directly into the speaker ( Speak loudly using proper ball/strike mechanic)
  

However, umpires with quick timing already know what they want to order before making it to the menu and they can't wait to yell it out!

Brilliant.

Also, I think I just figured out why they spit in my food.

Drive-thru speaker: "Welcome to Burger King. I will be with you in a second."

Me: "uh, yeah, I want a Big Mac fries and a Coke"

Drive-thru speaker: "Sir, I said would be with you in a second, and we don't sell Big Macs"

[SAB_UIC_TX]

Here's a timing question relative to a specific situation: 3 - 0 count, pitch comes in and the batter immediately takes off for 1st before you've made the call automatically assuming it's a ball and you call "STRIKE". Do you speed up the call to keep him from taking off for 1st or do you keep your timing the same?

I keep it the same, if he takes off and has to come back that's his issue. I've been told by guys to speed that call up to keep the batter in the box. I don't like to change my timing during a game, like it's been said above, it sets the expectation of the everyone present. I feel if I call a quick one that give the impression I might be trying to grab one.

[yawetag]

If your timing is right, speeding up would mean making a call before you've determined the outcome of the pitch. The point of timing isn't to have some arbitrary time between the play (or pitch) and your call, but to ensure the play (or pitch) is complete, dissecting what happened, and making the correct call.

If someone is telling you to speed it up, then you're speaking with someone that's either anticipating the result of the play, or you're speaking with someone that's making their mind up entirely too quickly.

There's not a pause between a pitch and call because I'm adding drama to the game; there's a pause because I'm watching the complete pitch and making my decision before I make a movement or a sound.

[johnnyg08]

Here's a timing question relative to a specific situation: 3 - 0 count, pitch comes in and the batter immediately takes off for 1st before you've made the call automatically assuming it's a ball and you call "STRIKE". Do you speed up the call to keep him from taking off for 1st or do you keep your timing the same?

I keep it the same, if he takes off and has to come back that's his issue. I've been told by guys to speed that call up to keep the batter in the box. I don't like to change my timing during a game, like it's been said above, it sets the expectation of the everyone present. I feel if I call a quick one that give the impression I might be trying to grab one.

You keep your timing the same. Proper timing is proper timing no matter the instance. Do not change for the players. When would it end otherwise?

You have a job to do, they have a job to do.

[mstaylor]

Many times the batter is trying to buy a ball call when they do that. Keep your timing as is and forget idiot batters and anybody that is telling to change.

[carolinablue]

Here's a timing question relative to a specific situation: 3 - 0 count, pitch comes in and the batter immediately takes off for 1st before you've made the call automatically assuming it's a ball and you call "STRIKE". Do you speed up the call to keep him from taking off for 1st or do you keep your timing the same?

I keep it the same, if he takes off and has to come back that's his issue. I've been told by guys to speed that call up to keep the batter in the box. I don't like to change my timing during a game, like it's been said above, it sets the expectation of the everyone present. I feel if I call a quick one that give the impression I might be trying to grab one.

When they do that, I take a little longer so they have farther to run back with a stupid look on their face.

[zm1283]

Here's a timing question relative to a specific situation: 3 - 0 count, pitch comes in and the batter immediately takes off for 1st before you've made the call automatically assuming it's a ball and you call "STRIKE". Do you speed up the call to keep him from taking off for 1st or do you keep your timing the same?

Here is a tip that some good college umpires told me about. I have tried it a few times and it seems to work.

After you have made your decision on the pitch (Assuming it's a strike), but before you raise up to call it a strike, say something like "Yep" or "Yes". It lets the batter know that the pitch is a strike and will sometimes keep them from taking off on you.

So it's something like this...

Ball hits mitt.

You decide it's a strike

Say "Yep"/"Yes"

Raise up and give your strike mechanic

It may not work for everyone and everyone may not like it, but some umpires do it.

[mstaylor]

Here's a timing question relative to a specific situation: 3 - 0 count, pitch comes in and the batter immediately takes off for 1st before you've made the call automatically assuming it's a ball and you call "STRIKE". Do you speed up the call to keep him from taking off for 1st or do you keep your timing the same?

Here is a tip that some good college umpires told me about. I have tried it a few times and it seems to work.

After you have made your decision on the pitch (Assuming it's a strike), but before you raise up to call it a strike, say something like "Yep" or "Yes". It lets the batter know that the pitch is a strike and will sometimes keep them from taking off on you.

So it's something like this...

Ball hits mitt.

You decide it's a strike

Say "Yep"/"Yes"

Raise up and give your strike mechanic

It may not work for everyone and everyone may not like it, but some umpires do it.

That is an example of false timing. It is a mechanism to slow you down visually but it doesn't slow down your decision making. Now if that yes or no is part of the decision then fine. If it just to make you say strike or ball slower then you need to change what you are doing. Take that same amount of time and use it to make sure the catcher has held the ball, he hasn't pulled the the pitch or there is no BI on a steal.

[MidAmUmp]

Here's a timing question relative to a specific situation: 3 - 0 count, pitch comes in and the batter immediately takes off for 1st before you've made the call automatically assuming it's a ball and you call "STRIKE". Do you speed up the call to keep him from taking off for 1st or do you keep your timing the same?

Here is a tip that some good college umpires told me about. I have tried it a few times and it seems to work.

After you have made your decision on the pitch (Assuming it's a strike), but before you raise up to call it a strike, say something like "Yep" or "Yes". It lets the batter know that the pitch is a strike and will sometimes keep them from taking off on you.

So it's something like this...

Ball hits mitt.

You decide it's a strike

Say "Yep"/"Yes"

Raise up and give your strike mechanic

It may not work for everyone and everyone may not like it, but some umpires do it.

That is an example of false timing. It is a mechanism to slow you down visually but it doesn't slow down your decision making. Now if that yes or no is part of the decision then fine. If it just to make you say strike or ball slower then you need to change what you are doing. Take that same amount of time and use it to make sure the catcher has held the ball, he hasn't pulled the the pitch or there is no BI on a steal.

You are misreading what he wrote. He was responding to a question about what to do with a 3-0 strike (only) to attempt to keep the batter from taking off. I'm one of the people who has taught him this. What we are saying is say Yes, then stand up and call the strike. That may keep the batter there. This has nothing to do with timing.