2 man mechanics

[Omega194]

I am looking to see what I can do to cover some ground.  I am in C position, ground ball to left side of the infield (SS or 3B)  I step up watch the fielder make the play. I follow the ball with my eyes get into HOK position and make the call.

 

Problem:  too far away from 1st base. 

 

so do I as the fielder makes the play start heading through the working area towards 1st base while the throw is being made then breakdown to HOK then make the call

[FlaUmp22]

you always want to try to be on the same side of the field as where the play is being made (in this case first base) in the 2 man its not always possible but yes you start working your way through the working area while the fielder is beginning to make the throw but you still want to keep your head on the ball... just make sure you are STOPPED to clearly see the play

[Texas Manny]

You are working in the box behind the mound. Once the ball is hit, step up and turn like you did. Watch the fielder. As he begins to throw, start moving towards first and follow the throw over your shoulder. Get set, HOK, and then call it. You are only going to get a few steps, maybe a few more, but you should be able to get to the B area. As you improve, your speed will develope and you can get closer. You'll learn to cheat with runners on base.

 

Angle is primary. Distance is secondary. Always go for angle. The distance will come.

[grayhawk]

Good advice above.  Also, after you make your call, gain some more distance towards the bag (assuming they aren't now making a play somewhere else).  Gives the illusion that you were closer to it than you really were.

[ricka56]

Ideally you want to be behind the mound on the 1B side. But you have to be careful on the GB to F5 that you aren't stepping into F5's throwing lane to 1B. GB to F5, I try to get to 'B' position. If GB goes to F6, I run to behind the mound, 1B side. Hustle.

[MidAmUmp]

I agree with most of what everyone has said.

 

I will say this:

Rule #1 - Assume all ground balls on the infield are going to 1st base.

Rule #2 - You have to move.

So...

1. Make sure your starting position in C is 1/2 way between the mound and 2nd.  Far too many guys get too far back and it ends up taking them out of the play at 1st.  I've heard every excuse in the world (I don't want to get hit, closer to the pickoff at 2nd, etc.).  Get up in there and you've already won half the battle.

2. When the ball is hit, step up, turn and face the ball.

3. Start working towards 1st, letting the throw turn you to 1st base.

 

There should be no reason you can't get to the far 1st base side of the working area, stopped and set BEFORE the play at 1st.

 

On a ball to straight away SS or that takes him up the middle, work towards the back of the mound and then across.  This gets you a good angle for a pulled foot/swipe tag.

On a ball that takes the SS towards 3rd or to the 3rd baseman, work across and let the throw go in front of you.

[celt62]

I'm assuming if you're in the "C" position in 2-man that there's either runners on second, third or both or loaded.  I would go to the working area on the "B" side but not too far because you are also responsible for second and third because the PU has to stay home. Unless it's first and third and you'd be in "B" anyway.  I wouldn't want to be on "B" side and make that call at third from there.  They'll love you for that.