U3K Positioning

[rzanew]

I'm having some trouble with the tag attempt after a uncaught third strike (u3k) and batted balls in front (or on) the plate.  I almost always move to the left for any play (batted ball, bunt, u3k, etc.).  I have been straight-lined a couple of times recently on the catcher's tag of the BR, and couldn't judge whether there was contact for a tag or not.  I'm debating whether I should be moving to the right to get between the catcher and batter and see the tag attempt more clearly.

What is the proper mechanic to be in position to see the tag on u3k or even a batted ball right in front of the plate?  Should I move left or right to get the best view of the play?  Does it depend on whether the batter is right- or left-handed?

On a ground ball to the infield, I clear the catcher to the left and trail the BR up to first base.  On a fly ball, I step to the left and potentially gain distance toward the fielder making the catch.  On a bunt, I move to the left to watch for BR/Catcher interaction and then rule fair/foul (depending on the location).  About the only time I move to the right is a sharp hit down the third base line.  In other words, I'm conditioned to move to the left on just about every play.  If I need to be moving to the right, how can I best change my behavior?

Thanks!

 

[noumpere]

You need to read whether the tag attempt is (going to be) on BR's side (you should move left so you can see between F2 and BR) or on BR's back (you should move right so you can be between the players).

Maybe the easiest answer is to stop moving to your left and read the catcher.  If he moves forward, you can go right -- the batter will likely be in front of (i.e., closer to first) the catcher and the tag attempt will be on the back.  If the catcher move to his right, you can go forward a step or two, and then proceed toward first -- the batter will be "even" with the catcher and the tag sill be on the side

[White47]

not sure if there is a catch all mechanic for a U3K. You just really have to read the situation, and move to the open side. another pointer is to watch the players reactions. Most of the time at HS level and below the players are going to give you the information you need. they're normally not good actors. 

[maineump]

Good advise above - you just need to delay to read the play and react to what the players do. When you are moving out to the left on an infield ball, the area is clear and allows you to do this, anything in front or at the plate read the catcher and batter out of the box.

Many D3K tags can be seen by coming out to the right.

[rzanew]

Thank you for the advice.  I'll try to read the player's movements and then get to a position to read the play. 

Right now I automatically move left, so I'll have to pause and read, before reacting.

[Fittske24]

Here is a post that i made on this subject a few years back. The same logic applies today:

I try to let the play dictate what mechanics to use. Remember that our safe mechanic has many meanings....."Safe", "No catch", "that's Nothing", "balls in play" etc. To everyone else, safe mechanic only looks like safe. So I try to use it only when the situation calls for it.

- On DK3 I will give my swinging strike Mechanic (pointing strike mechanic) with arm extended.

- If it is unclear to the off. or def. that the ball was dropped (i.e. short hop), i will also give a verbal "No Catch"

- I take a read step right or left as needed to see the possible tag attempt.

- If tag is made, I give my OUT mechanic.

- If tag is attempted and missed, I will give the SAFE mechanic.

- If no tag attempt is made, I will leave my right arm extended until runner steps out of the dirt circle then give.a casual "no catch" mechanic. 

Here are a few video clips from one of my recent games of the mechanics mentioned above.