Consistency on the low pitches

[UmpAK]

I am trying to seek advice on how I can stay consistent on the pitches low in the zone. I tend to struggle with keeping my zone consistent with the low pitches, as sometimes I get fooled by the catcher's framing, even though I try very hard to track the ball only with my eyes. Other times, I just really can't tell where the knees exactly are with some of the hitters, due to their pants being baggy etc. 

If anyone has any advice or tips that could help me out, that would be appreciated.

[noumpere]

1) I obviously haven't seen your stance, but try moving back an inch or two.  The low pitch is harder to see if you ar looking down through the zone.

2) Make sure you are working low enough.  The higher you are, the steeper the angle.

3) Glance at the batter's knees as you get in your stance.  It will give you an idea of how far our eyes need to move to get to the bottom of the zone.

4) More reps.

[BLWizzRanger]

What I tried and it worked for me was timing and after seeing the entire pitch, I would move my eyes to the knees.  For some reason, I was able to realize the path better and make the appropriate call.  I think this also helped me disregard the catcher framing of the glove coming up into the zone.

I also focused on my head height, mainly by spreading my legs out more to lower my head, to be more consistent with it as well.

YMMV.

[noumpere]

I should add -- train your eyes on tracking.  Lie on your back and toss a tennis ball or a rolled up pair if sock up in the air and track it all the way down to your hands.

[grayhawk]

It's a good thing to work on. The pitch at the bottom of the zone will pretty much determine what kind of day you'll have. Pitchers need that pitch more than any other, and umpires need it too. Getting the low pitch gets ground balls, which gets you out of there.

[834k3r]

2 hours ago, BLWizzRanger said:

timing

💯

[DevildogUmp]

In addition to the above, find a way to see more pitches without game pressure. If you are able, reach out to your local high school, junior college, middle school, or travel program and ask about going in to call cage work. Our local high schools welcome umpires in the preseason during their cage sessions. It gets us back into the swing of things preseason and helps their pitchers working with an umpire making calls.