MECHANICS

1
MECHANICS

• In the 1, 2 and 3 man systems

2
Alignments
E on Rt Handed Batter or shallow E for 3rd only
E on Lt Handed Batter
A
D
Shallow A
Shallow D
Deep B
Deep C
B
C
UIC
3
GENERAL PRINCIPLES

• Look purposeful and confident.
• Hustle!!! Dont walk from position to position.
• Dont get too close (it explodes). Always trade
  angle for distance!!!
• Stop to make a call keep head still. (camera
  still)
• Always watch the ball. Chest up to ball. (It
  will take you to the play)
• Take your time making a call. Make sure you get
  it right. (Talk or consult rule book if needed)
• Make multiple calls in chronological order
• Dont over commit (stay in WORKING AREA)
• Dont over sell the obvious calls. Sell the
  close ones.

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ONE MAN MECHANICS
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ONE MAN MECHANICS

• HUSTLE!!!
• Do the best you can
• Try to get to the middle of infield with multiple
  base runners.
• Remind catcher to stay down on pickoffs.
• Take a couple of extra steps before making your
  call.
• Make calls quick (w/ multiple runners) in case of
  next throw.
• With multiple calls, do them in chronological
  order.

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TWO MAN MECHANICS
7
COMMUNICATION

• PREGAME (while dressing)
• Fly ball coverage. (The Vee)
• Touch Tag responsibilities (UIC 3rd home
  and U1 has 1st 2nd)
• Bounding ball down the line (UIC up to front edge
  of bag)
• Rotations (signals)
• Call balks if you see it (angles)
• Infield Fly signal
• Help with ball in dirt (third strike or foul tip)

8
FLY BALL COVERAGE No one on (U1 in A) (trouble
only)
U1
UIC
9
FLY BALL COVERAGE With runner(s) on (U1 in B or
C)
U1
UIC
10
COMMUNICATION (cont)

• Between Innings (keep game moving)
• Keep each other relaxed
• Talk about mechanics and communication
• Dont talk about critical (heated) calls or
  arguments
• Discuss any possible problems coming up
• During play (cant be too loud)
• Home plate umpire does most of the talking (base
  umpire reacts)
• Except when field umpire is leaving the infield
  or working in foul territory

11
ROTATION SITUATIONS

• How to rotate in a two man system
• UIC will come up about half way to 3rd in foul.
• Decide to commit to 3rd only if ball and runner
  are coming to third
• Dont yell tell U1 until you are committed to
  third or heading back home. COMMUNICATE ea.
  time
• Flair into fair (infield grass) to make call _at_
  3rd.
• Be ready to rotate back home in case of
  overthrow. (May have to call play at plate in
  fair territory.)
• UIC only makes calls on plays when runner is
  coming into 3rd. If throw behind U1 has that
  call.

12
ROTATING TO THIRD
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ROTATION SITUATIONS

• There are 4 situations when UIC is supposed to
  rotate to up to third base
• In two man, you must read. Only go if the ball
  and runner are coming to third
• In three or four man you go all the way up no
  reading (NO DECISION MAKING!!!).

14
ROTATION SITUATIONS (cont)

• Situation 1 No one on with a triple (HS)
• Signal rotate hands or point to 3rd
• When Batter Runner hits a triple
• Rotation UIC man comes up to third on ball hit
  to fence (stay foul, let ball and runner take you
  into fair territory). Field umpire needs to be
  prepared to cover home on the in the park
  homerun. COMMUNICATE!!!
• May want to discuss this in pregame

15
ROTATION SITUATIONS (cont)

• Situation 2 1st only (any outs) (All levels)
• Signal rotate hands or point to 3rd
• When on clean hit
• Rotation UIC man comes up to third on ball hit
  to outfield (stay foul, let ball and runner take
  you into fair territory).
• Exception Reverse rotate if ball hit down right
  field line and UIC has to rule on diving catch or
  fair/foul. COMMUNICATE!!!

16
ROTATION SITUATIONS (cont)

• Situation 3 1st 3rd (any outs) (all levels)
• Signal rotate hands or point to 3rd
• When on clean hit
• Rotation UIC man comes up to third on ball hit
  to outfield (stay foul, let ball and runner take
  you into fair territory). UIC has to watch
  runner touch plate over his/her shldr as moving
  up line.
• Exception Reverse rotate if ball hit down right
  field line and UIC has to rule on diving catch or
  fair/foul. COMMUNICATE!!!

17
ROTATION SITUATIONS (cont)

• Situation 4 1st 2rd (less than 2 outs) (all
  levels) BUMPING (man to man coverage)
• Signal fist on fist and point to third
• When on outfield fly ball with R2 tagging
• Rotation UIC comes up to third on fly ball hit
  to outfield (stay foul, let ball and runner take
  you into fair territory). U1 will watch tag at
  second and catch if in the Vee. If runner has
  third or no throw, UIC should get back home. UIC
  should communicate his/her location.
• Exception Reverse rotate if ball hit down right
  field line and UIC has to rule on diving catch or
  fair/foul. COMMUNICATE!!!

18
TWO MAN MECHANICS

• Plate Umpire (General Principles)
• Dont get caught in the plate area unless play is
  developing there. Move your !!!
• Fair/foul up to front edge of bag and beyond if
  no umpire on line.
• Help with interference, pulled foot, tag or
  overthrow at first on ground balls (with no
  threat of play at home). End up on foul line over
  half way to first. Move your !!! (Follow
  overthrow into foul territory)
• Stay on left side of mound during a DP, watch for
  the force play slide rule at second.

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TWO MAN MECHANICS Plateman
Fair Foul
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TWO MAN MECHANICS Plateman
Fair Foul If ball ends up past 1st, it is U1s
call.
UIC
U1
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TWO MAN MECHANICS Plateman
Help at first (move on overthrow)
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TWO MAN MECHANICS A pos.
Plays at first Double Play
U1
R1
Help with play at first
Look for obstruction
UIC
23
TWO MAN MECHANICS

• Plate Umpire (Continued)
• On pop ups, get as far out as possible in order
  to see the catch better. Do not run directly at
  the catch (get a side view). Also helps to cover
  if partner leaves. Move your !!!
• Plays at home should be called from 3rd to 1st
  baseline extended when possible (in the slice).
  Start straight back move according to throw.
  Slowly circle the play as it develops.

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TWO MAN MECHANICS Plateman
Get out as far as you can on flyballs
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TWO MAN MECHANICS Plateman
Be prepared to take the runner
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TWO MAN MECHANICS Plateman
Take plays at plate from slice of pie
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TWO MAN MECHANICS (cont)

• Field Umpire A pos. (on line, in foul, 10
  behind)
• Take plays at first at 90o w/ throw 20-25 from
  base. (do not get too close it explodes)
• Call plays at 1st in foul territory when squeezed
  by 2nd baseman (UIC has runner into 2nd).
• Call the toss from the pitcher (from A position
  only) from just inside of foul line.
• Fair/foul over first and down line. Trail the
  ball???
• Go out call catches in outfield on trouble
  balls or fair/foul over your head. (PAUSE, READ
  REACT.)
• Help with third strike in the dirt (point down).

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TWO MAN MECHANICS A pos.
Plays at first normal, toss, or squeezed
U1
UIC
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Pause, Read React (applies to all)

• This is the hardest skill to get right... You
  cant be wrong if you go out
• Pause (Is the ball in your area of
  responsibility?)
• Step in (toward plate). Helps partners read
• Dont be in a hurry.
• Read (Five situations that you go on)
• Line Drive at Fielder (go right away, no pause)
• Fair or Foul
• Possible HR?
• Multiple fielders converging on play
• Catch being made below the belt
• React (Go hardLeave no doubt)
• Get a side view of the catch (trade angle for
  distance) (never run directly at the play)
• Stop to make the call

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TWO MAN MECHANICS A pos.
Going out to the outfield
Take an angle
Get a side view of catch
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TWO MAN MECHANICS (cont)

• Field Umpire B/C pos. (edge of dirt to plate)
• Get to the working area w/ multiple runners
• Always chest up to ball (watch the ball).
• Help with third strike in the dirt (point down).
• Walk forward to make a pick off call at first.
• Trail the ball, not runner, into a stolen base.
  (move forward arc to the play)
• Arc to plays at third (steal or throw on bunt)
• When calling catches in the Vee, move to the edge
  of grass on trouble balls.
• Try to get tag ups, touches and the catch in the
  same picture while working the Vee.

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Working Area From B C position
Working Area
U1
U1
UIC
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B C Position Movements Pickoff, Steal _at_ 2nd,
Play at 3rd
U1
U1
UIC
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THREE MAN MECHANICS
35
THREE MAN MECHANICS

• General Responsibilities
• See a balk call a balk.
• Move your !!! You run more in 3 man.
• General Rule Keep an umpire on both ends of a
  standard double play.
• For UIC Rotate all of the way (no read).
• Once your out, stay out (unless U1 to plate for
  in the park HR). Never cross dirt in HS from B
  or C.
• Only go out on trouble balls. Only go out from A
  or D position. PAUSE, READ AND REACT. Give a
  clear read Leave not doubt (turn your back)
• UIC has throwbacks into 1st only when no one on.

36
THREE MAN MECHANICS (cont)

• Plate Umpire (UIC)
• Fair foul up to the bag (if umpire on the line)
  or over the bag if base is unattended.
• If you rotate to third, rotate all the way (if
  all both partners are in). U1 will have the
  plate. Rotate in same situations as in two man.
• Has base touches at unoccupied base(s) (if they
  turn back) and at home.
• You have tag at 3rd if U3 leaves or turns back
• Has fly balls to foul line if no umpire is on
  that line.
• Still comes out and up line (45 line) on plays
  at first. Do not worry about force play slide
  rule.
• Check swings to umpire opposite of batter.

37
THREE MAN MECHANICS (cont)

• First Base Umpire (U1)
• A position (not too deep) poss. DP or no one on
• Fly balls to your side. (CF in to you.) Only
  on trouble balls. Otherwise call it from where
  you are (hold up plate guy).
• Fair foul over your bag.
• Pick offs at first. (stay shallow) (20 from
  bag) See pitcher over inside of runner.
• Tags touches at first.
• Calls at first (tail end of DP). May have to
  back out.
• Must cover plate if UIC rotates up to third (try
  to get to point)
• Be in position to trail batter runner into 2nd if
  not in reverse rotation situation. (signal
  behind back)
• Pivot (or get to the middle) if U3 leaves

38
THREE MAN MECHANICS (cont)

• First Base Umpire (U1) (cont)
• Deep B position man on 2nd only or 2nd 3rd.
• Fly balls in small Vee (1/4). (CF to RF coming
  in) Do not leave infield grass (can in college).
• Pickoff and touches at second.
• Plays at 2nd or 1st.
• On plays at first, get as deep as you can (toward
  normal play in A position)
• Help with third strike or foul tip in the dirt.

39
THREE MAN MECHANICS (cont)

• Third Base Umpire (U3)
• D position (not to deep) man on 2nd 3rd, 3rd
  only, or no one on.
• Fly balls to your side. (CF to you.) Only leave
  on trouble balls.
• Fair foul over your bag.
• Pick offs at third. (20 to 25behind bag)
• Tags touches at third.
• Calls touches at second with no one on or 3rd
  only ( U1 leaves). You must rotate into
  infield. It is very difficult to leave runner.

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THREE MAN MECHANICS (cont)

• Third Base Umpire (U3)
• C position man on 1st only (deep), 1st 2nd,
  or bases loaded.
• Fly balls in small Vee (1/4). (CF to LF in)
• Pickoff and touches at second.
• First play on infield at 2nd or 3rd.
• Steals at second third.
• Watch for obstruction on DP (stay on it).
• Help with third strike in the dirt.
• You have throwback into first if U1 leaves

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FLY BALL COVERAGE w/ on Lines U1 in Blue, U3 in
Red UIC in no color
U1
U3
UIC
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FLY BALL COVERAGE w/ U3 in C U1 in Blue, U3 in
Red UIC in no color
U1
U3
UIC
43
FLY BALL COVERAGE w/ U1 in B U1 in Blue, U3 in
Red UIC in no color
U1
U3
UIC
44
No one on play at 1st from the infield
U1
U3
UIC
45
No one on ball hit to outfield (no one leaves)
U1
U3
UIC
46
No one on ball hit to outfield (U1 leaves)
U1
U3
You have throwback
UIC
47
No one on ball hit to outfield (U3 leaves)
U1
U3
UIC
48
Man on FirstBall in Infield (DP)
U3
U1
R1
UIC
49
Man on First Ball Hit to OF (no one leaves)
U1
U3
R1
UIC
Do not release until R1 commits to 3rd
50
Man on First Ball Hit to OF (U1 leaves)
You have throwbacks
U1
U3
R1
UIC
51
Man on First ThirdBall in Infield (DP)
U3
U1
R1
R3
UIC
52
Man on First Third Ball Hit to OF (no one
leaves)
U1
U3
R1
R3
UIC
Do not release until R1 commits to 3rd
53
Man on First Third Ball Hit to OF (U1 leaves)

You have throwbacks
U1
U3
R1
R3
UIC
54
Man on First SecondBall in Infield (DP)
R3
U1
R1
U3
UIC
55
Man on First Second Clean Hit to OF (no one
leaves)
R2
U1
R1
U3
UIC
56
Man on First Second Hit to OF (U1 leaves)
You have tag at 1st 2nd
Stay out
U1
R2
R1
U3
UIC
Take runner into 3rd if tagging (bump)
Reverts to 2 man
57
Bases LoadedBall in Infield (DP)
R2
U1
R1
U3
R3
UIC
58
Bases Loaded Clean Hit to OF (no one leaves)
R2
U1
R1
U3
R3
UIC
Back up so you can see tag or touch at 3rd
59
Bases Loaded Hit to OF (U1 leaves)
You have tag at 1st 2nd
Stay out
U1
R2
R1
U3
R3
UIC
Back up so you can see tag or touch at 3rd
Reverts to 2 man
60
Man on Second OnlyBall in Infield
Shallow up for poss. steal
U1
R2
U3
UIC
61
Man on Second OnlyClean Hit to OF (no one
leaves)
R2
U1
U3
UIC
62
Man on Second Only (tagging) Hit to OF
Dont be afraid to call from foul
You have tag If U3 leaves, you take runner into
3rd
R2
U1
U3
UIC
63
Man on Second ThirdBall in Infield (DP)
R3
U1
R1
U3
UIC
64
Man on First Second Clean Hit to OF (no one
leaves)
R2
U1
R1
U3
UIC
65
Man on First Second Hit to OF (U1 leaves)
You have tag at 1st 2nd
Stay out
U1
R2
R1
U3
UIC
Take runner into 3rd if tagging (bump)
Reverts to 2 man
66
Man on Third OnlyBall in Infield
You are either into infield or out into outfield
No runner responsibilities at 3rd
U1
U3
R2
UIC
67
Man on Third Only Clean Hit to OF (no one
leaves)
U1
U3
R2
UIC
68
Man on Second Only (tagging) Hit to OF
Dont be afraid to call from foul
You have tag If U3 leaves, you take runner into
3rd
U1
U3
R3
UIC
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Credits.
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