Head Movement

[kstrunk]

I was watching Gerry Davis call the Yankees game last night, and noticed he moves his head when calling pitches, not just occasionally either. In anticipation and preparation for my first season, I've been reading everything and anything (probably not a great idea) about proper mechanics. I've found much that says 'work to keep your head completely still, tracking the ball only with your eyes'(which makes sense), and I've found some that says it's ok to move your head 'naturally' as you track the ball, so you don't risk losing the ball.

 

Is their a RIGHT WAY? If so, what is it? 

[KLAH316]

I was watching Gerry Davis call the Yankees game last night, and noticed he moves his head when calling pitches, not just occasionally either. In anticipation and preparation for my first season, I've been reading everything and anything (probably not a great idea) about proper mechanics. I've found much that says 'work to keep your head completely still, tracking the ball only with your eyes'(which makes sense), and I've found some that says it's ok to move your head 'naturally' as you track the ball, so you don't risk losing the ball.

 

Is their a RIGHT WAY? If so, what is it? 

Like as been said here at Umpire-Empire for a long time:  "Do not emulate MLB Umpires if you are trying to improve your game"

[JaxRolo]

I've been taught at collegiate clinics that you need to try to keep head still but on some pitches (ball low outside may be one). That it is ok to have some head movement to be able to track it properly.

[wingman3110]

Head height helps in tracking with your eyes, especially with catcher set up inside. With that said I do occasionally find myself moving my head. Something I try to work on eliminating every time I'm on the stick.

[scrounge]

To be honest, I'm not so sure that the whole "keep your head still" instruction isn't actually the 'best' way and isn't simply just long-standing tradition more than actual science. I get the rationale - keep the camera steady. But what's the 'camera'?

 

No matter what, something is moving. Either your head is still and your eyes are moving or your head can move and your eyes can stay relatively fixed. Again something is moving - it's really a choice of which you'll move to track a fast-moving object. I think using your eyes is much easier to teach and enforce consistently but especially on outside pitches or big breakers, I suspect its not the only or for some the best answer.

[grayhawk]

Softball teaches umpires to move their head to track the ball.

 

Personally, my approach is the keep my head still and track with my eyes all the way to the mitt.  However, some pitches are so far up/down/out that a little head movement is okay.  If I am tracking a pitch that gets fouled straight back, I naturally follow it over my shoulder which requires head movement.

[catsbackr]

kstrunk,

 

My advice would be to not watch MLB umpires for mechanics, techniques, etc. If you can, watch major conference NCAA umpires or if in your area watch MiLB umpires work. These guys usually have mechanics down pat.

[BigUmpire]

@kstrunk
Time for you to find 1-2 professional clinics to go to.
You will be a different umpire


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[Mike Prince]

I think on some pitches you may need to move your head slightly.  But, keeping your head still as a rule will result in a more consistent zone.  When you move your head your eyes have to adjust to that movement so in reality two things (field of vision as well as perspective) are moving at once.

 

If you move your head on every pitch I think that is not good.  If you stand behind the plate like a robot and never move your head that probably isn't good either.  And in general don't use what a MLB umpire does (especially behind the plate) as any barometer of what is correct or incorrect.

[blue23ll]

I think the 'keep your head completely still' philosophy is good in theory, but I don't think being 100% still is possible. There will always be some head movement. The key, I think is to track the pitch from the pitcher, through the zone, to the catchers mitt, with just your eyes. The head movement during this should always be minimal. Then once the pitch has reached the glove, then I move my head to focus on where the ball actually ends up. My 2 pesos, your mileage may vary.

[kstrunk]

So grateful folks! Much learned. Don't watch big league umps, and get in a clinic! I'm also going to continue practicing keeping my head still; as still as possible anyway. Thanks again.!

[Mike Prince]

Search for the "sock drill" or "tennis ball drill".  You can lie on your back and toss a "sock ball" up in the air and track it with your eyes until it leaves your field of vision (with a still head of course).  The advantage of using socks for this is that they won't hurt when they land on your face

[midtnump]

To be honest, I'm not so sure that the whole "keep your head still" instruction isn't actually the 'best' way and isn't simply just long-standing tradition more than actual science. I get the rationale - keep the camera steady. But what's the 'camera'?

 

No matter what, something is moving. Either your head is still and your eyes are moving or your head can move and your eyes can stay relatively fixed. Again something is moving - it's really a choice of which you'll move to track a fast-moving object. I think using your eyes is much easier to teach and enforce consistently but especially on outside pitches or big breakers, I suspect its not the only or for some the best answer.

Its almost the same principle in hitting. The least amount of head movement allows you to track the true(actual) line of the ball. Keep the eyes steady and making contact with the ball becomes easier. That was the very first thing I worked on coaching kids over the years.

[Jimurray]

So grateful folks! Much learned. Don't watch big league umps, and get in a clinic! I'm also going to continue practicing keeping my head still; as still as possible anyway. Thanks again.!

Dont move your head unless your nose keeps your left eye from seeing the pitch. Vice versa for a LH batter.

[johnnyg08]

I will disagree slightly with the posters on here.

 

If you're going to watch MLB guys for plate mechanics.  Watch all of the AAA call ups and the brand new full time MLB guys.

 

Dan Iassogna has very good plate mechanics as well as many others. 

 

Just like in your local group...there are guys who you should listen to and there are guys who you should listen to but ignore everything they do or tell you.

 

Overall, the MLB guys are the best in the world.