Finally got some video of myself behind the plate

[Cajuncubsfan]

Ok, I'm scared to post this because you guys can be tuff but I also want to see your comment because y'all always see things I don't see.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l61/CajunCubsFan/392c11ec.mp4

[yawetag]

Before I comment, does this start at the beginning of an inning? If not, what's the situation? How many umpires? Age group?

[Cajuncubsfan]

This is a Mens wood bat league scrimmage and I'm by myself. It is the beginning of an inning and my wife is an awful camera person.

[johnnyg08]

I would go more "heel-toe" with your right foot. It looks too deep. Bringing that foot up will help square you up as well. Should be about 6" off the catcher's rear. or "toe" hence, heel/toe.

[johnnyg08]

Head height looks good. Doesn't look like you're flinching.

[johnnyg08]

On ball 4 there's no need to point to 1b. he knows where he's supposed to go.

[johnnyg08]

With the LH batter up, your feet were more square, but your slot foot was too far back.

[johnnyg08]

On balls in the air, like the one right at the end of the video that went out of play behind home plate. Watch F2 and let him take you too the ball. Otherwise, you could get run over by looking for the ball. Let F2 take you to the ball. Open the gate, like you did and look at F2. It's looks better too.

[yawetag]

Things I noticed:

(1) You never put the ball in play. Not at the beginning of the inning or after foul balls.

(2) It's hard to tell from this angle, but your head height seems too low. The bottom of your chin should be at the TOP of the catcher's head.

(3) If you're working solo, there is no reason for you to stay behind the catcher on any hit. When the first batter hit the ball, you should be coming out toward the mound to watch the ball and have an angle on the play at first. If it's a multiple-umpire game, you should be coming up the line.

(4) It doesn't sound like you're vocalizing balls. While it's not required, I've found it helps with my timing on strike calls.

(5) Your timing on the first strike to the third batter seems a bit quick. Your timing on the other called strikes doesn't seem as bad, though.

(6) No strike mechanic at all for your third strike call. This is one of the few times you can have a bit of fun. Instead, you only stand there and say "strike."

(7) On the foul back, follow F2 (as johnny mentioned). He'll lead you to the ball. In addition, I was taught to not take my mask off until F2 takes his and throws it away from him. Sometimes they have the tendency to throw them at umpires accidentally.

(8) Once you know the ball's out of play, don't stare at it. Get a new ball ready and either throw it to F1 or give it to F2.

[mjr_2013]

(7) On the foul back, follow F2 (as johnny mentioned). He'll lead you to the ball. In addition, I was taught to not take my mask off until F2 takes his and throws it away from him. Sometimes they have the tendency to throw them at umpires accidentally..

Sure... Accident... THAT'S what it is.

Actually that exact thing happened in todays White Sox-Tigers game... AJ Pierzynski tossed his mask aside on a pop up and it hit the PU in the shoulder of his chest protector. He didn't flinch at all though, so no harm was done.

[JamesC]

Just a couple quick things I noticed. As has already been mentioned, your timing on strikes seemed a bit quick on some. Nothing wrong with taking another half second to analyze what you just saw. Don't watch the ball, watch the fielder on flies. Get out from behind the plate on ANY hit, and this applies even if you are NOT working solo. Don't be lazy back there. We may not make the big bucks, but laziness will get you in far more trouble than just about anything else (with the exception of horribly blown calls). And one thing that I absolutely HATE to see from the guy(s) I'm working with, don't worry about your indicator. It's not going anywhere. That should be there strictly for a reminder. Keep up with what is going on in your head, and on the rare occasion something happens, then take a glance at it. I know I counted at least 4-5 times you looked at it within that video. I'm not going to comment on the stance. The stance(s) is a touchy topic for me. I feel as though not all umpires are going to be as comfortable in the "required" stance, and may need to adjust accordingly. If you are comfortable, and can see ALL of the strike zone, then I say carry on. Just my two cents.

[johnnyg08]

I will agree with what JamesC states about stance. BUT, if you feel like you're missing certain pitches, it is important to go back to fundamentals. If you're seeing all of the pitches into the glove with your eyes, then stick with it.

[Haid D' Salaami]

1.. you didnt put the ball in play to start the inning ( or game)

2. take your mask off when the ball is hit.

3. head height was good... looks like you were well up in the slot.

4. You dont have to point the batter to 1st on a base on ball award. it looked like you were asking for help on a check swing.

5.. timing was a little fast on the strike call.. and try to put the voice and mechanic together

6. Strike 3 mechanic?

and maybe on the 1st play you had.. try to get out there a little more.. so some hustle.

[Thunderheads]

Hell Cajun, I just give you props for posting a video! :clap:

[24sdad]

Agree with what has been posted above.

Don't let someone toss you a ball. Have them throw it to the F2, who will then hand you the ball. I always pre-game this with my F2 as I am taking a couple warm up pitches. Maybe its a So Cal thing, but on-deck batters who pick up a foul ball and are close to F2 and myself, will not toss it to either of us, but run up (or hang on to it until they bat) and hand it to me.

Don't remember if it was posted already or not, but don't signal obvious foul balls and don't be a spectator on the foul that clearly when out of play. Get a new ball back to F1 ASAP.

Remember, mask off with left hand and mask on with left hand.

Looking at indicator - I notch my indicator wheels at zero. Easy to tell just by feel when I need to bring them back to zero. If you have to look at it (you do it way too often), bring your hand up to your mask to adjust it and peek at it then.

You do look solid back there. Kudos for posting this.

[JaxRolo]

I agree with Yawtag and others and also Hustle. On the hit or foul ball you kinda just walked up a bit and walked backed very lazily.

You also need to be crisper with your mechanics. Watch Fittske's video for an example.

[Cajuncubsfan]

Hell Cajun, I just give you props for posting a video!

I was scared to, but I wanted people here to see that I am trying to learn and get better. This is the first time I have ever seen video of myself and I didn't even know I did some of this stuff

[Thunderheads]

Hell Cajun, I just give you props for posting a video!

I was scared to, but I wanted people here to see that I am trying to learn and get better. This is the first time I have ever seen video of myself and I didn't even know I did some of this stuff

I remember seeing a video of myself as well and thinking ....is that me?! I don't do that, do I ?!? :D

[JaxRolo]

Hell Cajun, I just give you props for posting a video!

I was scared to, but I wanted people here to see that I am trying to learn and get better. This is the first time I have ever seen video of myself and I didn't even know I did some of this stuff

I remember seeing a video of myself as well and thinking ....is that me?! I don't do that, do I ?!?

A video tells a thousand words.

You may not like what you see. So Fix it! :nod:

[yawetag]

I was scared to, but I wanted people here to see that I am trying to learn and get better. This is the first time I have ever seen video of myself and I didn't even know I did some of this stuff

Even though we like to gang up on people like wolves, we're here for two reasons: (1) to make ourselves better umpires, and (2) to make others better umpires. I'd venture to say most of us are here more for #2 than #1 -- in the end, helping someone else makes us better umpires, too.