MECHANICS MECHANICS In the 1, 2 and 3 man In the 1, 2 and 3 man systems systems National Umpires Association
Mar 31, 2015
MECHANICSMECHANICS
In the 1, 2 and 3 man In the 1, 2 and 3 man systemssystems
National Umpires
Association
AlignmentsAlignments
Shallow
A
UIC
B
Deep
B
AD
Shallow
D Deep
C
C
E on Rt Handed Batter or shallow
E for 3rd only
E on Lt Handed Batter
► Look purposeful and confident.Look purposeful and confident.► Hustle!!! Don’t walk from position to position.Hustle!!! Don’t walk from position to position.► Don’t get too close (it explodes). Always trade
angle for distance!!!► Stop to make a call & keep head still. (camera still)Stop to make a call & keep head still. (camera still)
……► Always watch the ball. Chest up to ball. (It will Always watch the ball. Chest up to ball. (It will
take you to the play)…take you to the play)…► Take your time making a call. Make sure you get it Take your time making a call. Make sure you get it
right. (Talk or consult rule book if needed…)right. (Talk or consult rule book if needed…)► Make multiple calls in chronological order…Make multiple calls in chronological order…► Don’t over commit (stay in WORKING AREA)…Don’t over commit (stay in WORKING AREA)…► Don’t over sell the obvious calls. Sell the close Don’t over sell the obvious calls. Sell the close
ones.ones.
GENERAL PRINCIPLESGENERAL PRINCIPLES
ONE MAN MECHANICSONE MAN MECHANICSNational Umpires
Association
ONE MAN MECHANICSONE 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.
TWO MAN MECHANICSTWO MAN MECHANICSNational Umpires
Association
COMMUNICATIONCOMMUNICATIONPREGAME (while dressing)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)
FLY BALL COVERAGEFLY BALL COVERAGE No one on… (U1 in A) (trouble No one on… (U1 in A) (trouble
only)only)
UIC
U1
FLY BALL COVERAGEFLY BALL COVERAGE With runner(s) on… (U1 in B or With runner(s) on… (U1 in B or
C)C)
UIC
U1
COMMUNICATION (cont)COMMUNICATION (cont)Between Innings (keep game moving)Between Innings (keep game moving)►Keep each other relaxedKeep each other relaxed►Talk about mechanics and communicationTalk about mechanics and communication►Don’t talk about critical (heated) calls or Don’t talk about critical (heated) calls or
argumentsarguments►Discuss any possible problems coming upDiscuss any possible problems coming upDuring play (can’t be too loud)During play (can’t be too loud)►Home plate umpire does most of the
talking (base umpire reacts)►Except when field umpire is leaving the Except when field umpire is leaving the
infield or working in foul territory…infield or working in foul territory…
ROTATION SITUATIONSROTATION SITUATIONS How to rotate in a two man system…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… ► Don’t yell tell U1 until you are committed to
third or heading back home. COMMUNICATE ea. time…
► Flair into fair (infield grass) to make call @ 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.
ROTATING TO THIRDROTATING TO THIRD
?
ROTATION SITUATIONSROTATION 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!!!).
ROTATION SITUATIONS ROTATION SITUATIONS (cont)(cont)
Situation #1Situation #1:: No one on with a triple (HS)
►SignalSignal: rotate hands or point to 3: rotate hands or point to 3rdrd ►WhenWhen: Batter Runner hits a triple: Batter Runner hits a triple►RotationRotation: UIC man comes up to third : UIC man comes up to third
on ball hit to fence (stay foul, let ball and on ball hit to fence (stay foul, let ball and runner take you into fair territory). Field runner take you into fair territory). Field umpire needs to be prepared to cover umpire needs to be prepared to cover home on the in the park homerun. home on the in the park homerun. COMMUNICATE!!!COMMUNICATE!!!
May want to discuss this in May want to discuss this in pregame…pregame…
ROTATION SITUATIONS ROTATION SITUATIONS (cont)(cont)
Situation #2Situation #2:: 1 1stst only only (any outs) (any outs) (All (All levels)levels)
►SignalSignal: rotate hands or point to 3: rotate hands or point to 3rdrd ►WhenWhen: on clean hit: on clean hit►RotationRotation: UIC man comes up to third : UIC man comes up to third
on ball hit to outfield (stay foul, let ball on ball hit to outfield (stay foul, let ball and runner take you into fair territory). and runner take you into fair territory).
►ExceptionException: Reverse rotate if ball hit : Reverse rotate if ball hit down right field line and UIC has to down right field line and UIC has to rule on diving catch or fair/foul. rule on diving catch or fair/foul. COMMUNICATE!!!COMMUNICATE!!!
ROTATION SITUATIONS ROTATION SITUATIONS (cont)(cont)
Situation #3Situation #3:: 1 1stst & 3 & 3rdrd (any outs) (all (any outs) (all levels)levels)
►SignalSignal: rotate hands or point to 3: rotate hands or point to 3rdrd ►WhenWhen: on clean hit: on clean hit►RotationRotation: UIC man comes up to third : UIC man comes up to third
on ball hit to outfield (stay foul, let ball on ball hit to outfield (stay foul, let ball and runner take you into fair territory). and runner take you into fair territory). UIC has to watch runner touch plate over UIC has to watch runner touch plate over his/her shldr as moving up line. his/her shldr as moving up line.
►ExceptionException: Reverse rotate if ball hit : Reverse rotate if ball hit down right field line and UIC has to rule down right field line and UIC has to rule on diving catch or fair/foul. on diving catch or fair/foul. COMMUNICATE!!!COMMUNICATE!!!
ROTATION SITUATIONS ROTATION SITUATIONS (cont)(cont) Situation #4Situation #4:: 1st & 2rd 1st & 2rd (less than 2 outs) (all (less than 2 outs) (all
levels) levels) “BUMPING” “BUMPING” (man to man coverage)(man to man coverage)
► SignalSignal: fist on fist and point to third : fist on fist and point to third ► WhenWhen: on outfield fly ball with R2 tagging: on outfield fly ball with R2 tagging► RotationRotation: UIC comes up to third on fly ball hit : UIC comes up to third on fly ball hit
to outfield (stay foul, let ball and runner take to outfield (stay foul, let ball and runner take you into fair territory). U1 will watch tag at you into fair territory). U1 will watch tag at second and catch if in the Vee. If runner has second and catch if in the Vee. If runner has third or no throw, UIC should get back home. third or no throw, UIC should get back home. UIC should communicate his/her location. UIC should communicate his/her location.
► ExceptionException: Reverse rotate if ball hit down : Reverse rotate if ball hit down right field line and UIC has to rule on diving right field line and UIC has to rule on diving catch or fair/foul. COMMUNICATE!!!catch or fair/foul. COMMUNICATE!!!
TWO MAN MECHANICSTWO MAN MECHANICSPlate UmpirePlate Umpire (General Principles) (General Principles)►Don’t get caught in the plate area unless Don’t get caught in the plate area unless
play is developing there. play is developing there. Move your Move your ###!!!###!!!
►Fair/foul up to front edge of bag and Fair/foul up to front edge of bag and beyond if no umpire on line.beyond if no umpire on line.
►Help with interference, pulled foot, tag or Help with interference, pulled foot, tag or overthrow at first on ground balls (with no overthrow at first on ground balls (with no threat of play at home). End up on foul line threat of play at home). End up on foul line over half way to first. over half way to first. Move your Move your ######!!! !!! (Follow overthrow into foul territory…)(Follow overthrow into foul territory…)
►Stay on left side of mound during a DP, Stay on left side of mound during a DP, watch for the force play slide rule at watch for the force play slide rule at second.second.
TWO MAN MECHANICS: TWO MAN MECHANICS: PlatemanPlateman
Fair Foul…Fair Foul…
TWO MAN MECHANICS: TWO MAN MECHANICS: PlatemanPlatemanFair Foul…Fair Foul…
If ball ends up past 1If ball ends up past 1stst, it is U1’s call., it is U1’s call.
UIC
U1
TWO MAN MECHANICS: TWO MAN MECHANICS: PlatemanPlateman
Help at first (move on overthrow)…Help at first (move on overthrow)…
TWO MAN MECHANICS: A TWO MAN MECHANICS: A pos.pos.
Plays at first: Double PlayPlays at first: Double Play
UIC
U1 R1
Look for obstructio
n
Help with play at first
TWO MAN MECHANICSTWO MAN MECHANICSPlate UmpirePlate Umpire (Continued) (Continued)►On pop ups, get as far out as possible On pop ups, get as far out as possible
in order to see the catch better. Do in order to see the catch better. Do not run directly at the catch (get a not run directly at the catch (get a side view). Also helps to cover if side view). Also helps to cover if partner leaves. partner leaves. Move your ###!!!Move your ###!!!
►Plays at home should be called from Plays at home should be called from 33rdrd to 1 to 1stst baseline extended when baseline extended when possible (in the slice). Start straight possible (in the slice). Start straight back & move according to throw. back & move according to throw. Slowly circle the play as it develops.Slowly circle the play as it develops.
TWO MAN MECHANICS: TWO MAN MECHANICS: PlatemanPlateman
Get out as far as you can on flyballs…Get out as far as you can on flyballs…
TWO MAN MECHANICS: TWO MAN MECHANICS: PlatemanPlateman
Be prepared to take the runner…Be prepared to take the runner…
TWO MAN MECHANICS: TWO MAN MECHANICS: PlatemanPlateman
Take plays at plate from slice of pie…Take plays at plate from slice of pie…
TWO MAN MECHANICS TWO MAN MECHANICS (cont)(cont)
Field Umpire: A pos.Field Umpire: A pos. (on line, in foul, 10’ behind) (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).
TWO MAN MECHANICS: A TWO MAN MECHANICS: A pos.pos.
Plays at first: Plays at first: normalnormal, , tosstoss, or , or squeezedsqueezed
UIC
U1
Pause, Read & React (applies Pause, Read & React (applies to all)to all)
This is the hardest skill to get right... You can’t be wrong if you go out…
► Pause: (Is the ball in your area of responsibility?) Step in (toward plate). Helps partner’s read… Don’t 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 hard…Leave no doubt…) Get a side view of the catch (trade angle for
distance) (never run directly at the play) Stop to make the call…
TWO MAN MECHANICS: A TWO MAN MECHANICS: A pos.pos.
U1
Going out to the outfield:Going out to the outfield:
UIC
Take an angle…Take an angle…
Get a side Get a side view of view of catch…catch…
TWO MAN MECHANICS TWO MAN MECHANICS (cont)(cont)
Field Umpire: B/C pos. 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.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.
Working AreaWorking Area From B & C positionFrom B & C position
UIC
U1U1
Working Area
B & C Position MovementsB & C Position Movements PickoffPickoff, , Steal @ 2Steal @ 2ndnd, , Play at 3Play at 3rdrd
UIC
U1U1
THREE MAN THREE MAN MECHANICSMECHANICS
National Umpires
Association
THREE MAN MECHANICSTHREE MAN MECHANICSGeneral ResponsibilitiesGeneral Responsibilities► See a balk call a balk.See a balk call a balk.► Move your ###!!! You run more in 3 man.Move your ###!!! You run more in 3 man.► General Rule: Keep an umpire on both ends of a General Rule: Keep an umpire on both ends of a
standard double play.standard double play.► For UIC… Rotate all of the way (no read). For UIC… Rotate all of the way (no read). ► Once your out, stay out (unless U1 to plate for in Once your out, stay out (unless U1 to plate for in
the park HR). Never cross dirt in HS from B or C.the park HR). Never cross dirt in HS from B or C.► Only go out on trouble balls. Only go out from A Only go out on trouble balls. Only go out from A
or D position. PAUSE, READ AND REACT. Give a or D position. PAUSE, READ AND REACT. Give a clear read… Leave not doubt (turn your back)…clear read… Leave not doubt (turn your back)…
► UIC has throwbacks into 1UIC has throwbacks into 1stst only when no one on. only when no one on.
THREE MAN MECHANICS THREE MAN MECHANICS (cont)(cont)Plate Umpire (UIC)Plate Umpire (UIC)
► Fair foul up to the bag (if umpire on the line) or Fair foul up to the bag (if umpire on the line) or over the bag if base is unattended.over the bag if base is unattended.
► If you rotate to third, rotate all the way (if all If you rotate to third, rotate all the way (if all both partners are in). U1 will have the plate. both partners are in). U1 will have the plate. Rotate in same situations as in two man.Rotate in same situations as in two man.
► Has base touches at unoccupied base(s) (if Has base touches at unoccupied base(s) (if they turn back) and at home. they turn back) and at home.
► You have tag at 3You have tag at 3rdrd if U3 leaves or turns back… if U3 leaves or turns back…► Has fly balls to foul line if no umpire is on that Has fly balls to foul line if no umpire is on that
line. line. ► Still comes out and up line (45’ line) on plays at Still comes out and up line (45’ line) on plays at
first. Do not worry about force play slide rule.first. Do not worry about force play slide rule.► Check swings to umpire opposite of batter.Check swings to umpire opposite of batter.
THREE MAN MECHANICS THREE MAN MECHANICS (cont)(cont)First Base Umpire (U1) First Base Umpire (U1)
A position (not too deep):A position (not too deep): poss. DP or no one on poss. DP or no one on► Fly balls to your side. (CF in & to you.) Only on Fly balls to your side. (CF in & to you.) Only on
trouble balls. Otherwise call it from where you are trouble balls. Otherwise call it from where you are (hold up plate guy). (hold up plate guy).
► Fair foul over your bag. Fair foul over your bag. ► Pick offs at first. (stay shallow) (20’ from bag) Pick offs at first. (stay shallow) (20’ from bag)
See pitcher over inside of runner.See pitcher over inside of runner.► Tags & touches at first. Tags & touches at first. ► Calls at first (tail end of DP). May have to back out.Calls at first (tail end of DP). May have to back out.► Must cover plate if UIC rotates up to third (try to Must cover plate if UIC rotates up to third (try to
get to point)get to point)► Be in position to trail batter runner into 2Be in position to trail batter runner into 2ndnd if not in if not in
reverse rotation situation. (signal: behind back)reverse rotation situation. (signal: behind back)► Pivot (or get to the middle) if U3 leaves…Pivot (or get to the middle) if U3 leaves…
THREE MAN MECHANICS THREE MAN MECHANICS (cont)(cont)
First Base Umpire (U1) (cont)First Base Umpire (U1) (cont)Deep B positionDeep B position:: man on 2 man on 2ndnd only or 2 only or 2ndnd & &
33rdrd..►Fly balls in small Vee (1/4). (CF to RF Fly balls in small Vee (1/4). (CF to RF
coming in) Do not leave infield grass (can coming in) Do not leave infield grass (can in college).in college).
►Pickoff and touches at second. Pickoff and touches at second. ►Plays at 2nd or 1st.Plays at 2nd or 1st.►On plays at first, get as deep as you can On plays at first, get as deep as you can
(toward normal play in A position)(toward normal play in A position)►Help with third strike or foul tip in the dirt.Help with third strike or foul tip in the dirt.
THREE MAN MECHANICS THREE MAN MECHANICS (cont)(cont)
Third Base Umpire (U3)Third Base Umpire (U3) D position (not to deep)D position (not to deep):: man on 2man on 2ndnd & &
33rdrd, 3, 3rdrd only, or no one on. only, or no one on.►Fly balls to your side. (CF to you.) Only Fly balls to your side. (CF to you.) Only
leave on trouble balls.leave on trouble balls.►Fair foul over your bag. Fair foul over your bag. ►Pick offs at third. (20 to 25’behind bag)Pick offs at third. (20 to 25’behind bag)►Tags & touches at third. Tags & touches at third. ►Calls & touches at second with no one on Calls & touches at second with no one on
or 3or 3rdrd only (& U1 leaves). You must rotate only (& U1 leaves). You must rotate into infield. It is very difficult to leave into infield. It is very difficult to leave runner. runner.
THREE MAN MECHANICS THREE MAN MECHANICS (cont)(cont)
Third Base Umpire (U3)Third Base Umpire (U3)
C positionC position:: man on 1man on 1stst only (deep), 1 only (deep), 1stst & & 22ndnd, or bases loaded. , or bases loaded.
►Fly balls in small Vee (1/4). (CF to LF in)Fly balls in small Vee (1/4). (CF to LF in)►Pickoff and touches at second. Pickoff and touches at second. ►First play on infield at 2First play on infield at 2ndnd or 3 or 3rdrd. . ►Steals at second & third.Steals at second & third.►Watch for obstruction on DP (stay on it).Watch for obstruction on DP (stay on it).►Help with third strike in the dirt.Help with third strike in the dirt.►You have throwback into first if U1 leaves You have throwback into first if U1 leaves
FLY BALL COVERAGE w/ on FLY BALL COVERAGE w/ on LinesLines
U1 in Blue, U3 in Red & UIC in no colorU1 in Blue, U3 in Red & UIC in no color
U1
U3
UIC
FLY BALL COVERAGE w/ U3 in FLY BALL COVERAGE w/ U3 in CC
U1 in Blue, U3 in Red & UIC in no colorU1 in Blue, U3 in Red & UIC in no color
U1U3
UIC
FLY BALL COVERAGEFLY BALL COVERAGE w/ U1 in B w/ U1 in B U1 in Blue, U3 in Red & UIC in no colorU1 in Blue, U3 in Red & UIC in no color
U3 U1
UIC
No one on No one on play at 1play at 1st st from the infield from the infield
U1U1U3U3
UICUIC
No one on No one on ball hit to outfield (no one ball hit to outfield (no one
leaves) leaves)
U1U1U3U3
UICUIC
No one on No one on ball hit to outfield (U1 leaves) ball hit to outfield (U1 leaves)
U1U1U3U3
UICUIC
You have throwback…
No one on No one on ball hit to outfield (U3 leaves) ball hit to outfield (U3 leaves)
U1U1U3U3
UICUIC
Man on FirstMan on FirstBall in Infield (DP) Ball in Infield (DP)
U1U1U3U3
UICUIC
R1R1
Man on First Man on First Ball Hit to OF (no one leaves) Ball Hit to OF (no one leaves)
U1U1U3U3
UICUIC
R1R1
Do not release until R1 commits
to 3rd …
Man on First Man on First Ball Hit to OF (U1 leaves) Ball Hit to OF (U1 leaves)
U1U1U3U3
UICUIC
R1R1
You have throwbacks
…
Man on First & ThirdMan on First & ThirdBall in Infield (DP) Ball in Infield (DP)
U1U1U3U3
UICUIC
R1R1
R3R3
Man on First & Third Man on First & Third Ball Hit to OF (no one leaves) Ball Hit to OF (no one leaves)
U1U1U3U3
UICUIC
R1R1
R3R3
Do not release until R1 commits
to 3rd …
Man on First & Third Man on First & Third Ball Hit to OF (U1 leaves) Ball Hit to OF (U1 leaves)
U1U1U3U3
UICUIC
R1R1
R3R3
You have throwbacks
…
Man on First & SecondMan on First & SecondBall in Infield (DP) Ball in Infield (DP)
U1U1U3U3
UICUIC
R1R1R3R3
Man on First & Second Man on First & Second Clean Hit to OF (no one Clean Hit to OF (no one
leaves) leaves)
U1U1U3U3
UICUIC
R1R1
R2R2
Man on First & Second Man on First & Second Hit to OF (U1 leaves) Hit to OF (U1 leaves)
U1U1
U3U3
UICUIC
R1R1R2R2
You have tag at 1st &
2nd…
Take runner into 3rd if tagging (bump)…
?
Stay out…
Reverts to 2 man
Bases LoadedBases LoadedBall in Infield (DP) Ball in Infield (DP)
U1U1U3U3
UICUIC
R1R1R2R2
R3R3
Bases Loaded Bases Loaded Clean Hit to OF (no one Clean Hit to OF (no one
leaves) leaves)
U1U1U3U3
UICUIC
R1R1
R2R2
R3R3
Back up so you can see tag or touch at
3rd…
Bases Loaded Bases Loaded Hit to OF (U1 leaves) Hit to OF (U1 leaves)
U1U1
U3U3
UICUIC
R1R1R2R2
You have tag at 1st &
2nd…
Stay out…
Reverts to 2 man
R3R3
Back up so you can see tag or touch at
3rd…
Man on Second OnlyMan on Second OnlyBall in Infield Ball in Infield
U1U1
U3U3
UICUIC
R2R2
Shallow up for poss. steal…
Man on Second OnlyMan on Second OnlyClean Hit to OF (no one Clean Hit to OF (no one
leaves) leaves)
UICUIC
R2R2
U3U3U1U1
Man on Second Only (tagging) Man on Second Only (tagging)
Hit to OF Hit to OF
U1U1U3U3
UICUIC
R2R2
Don’t be afraid to call from foul…
You have tag… If U3 leaves, you take runner
into 3rd…
Man on Second & ThirdMan on Second & ThirdBall in Infield (DP) Ball in Infield (DP)
U1U1U3U3
UICUIC
R1R1R3R3
Man on First & Second Man on First & Second Clean Hit to OF (no one Clean Hit to OF (no one
leaves) leaves)
U1U1U3U3
UICUIC
R1R1
R2R2
Man on First & Second Man on First & Second Hit to OF (U1 leaves) Hit to OF (U1 leaves)
U1U1
U3U3
UICUIC
R1R1R2R2
You have tag at 1st &
2nd…
Take runner into 3rd if tagging (bump)…
?
Stay out…
Reverts to 2 man
Man on Third OnlyMan on Third OnlyBall in Infield Ball in Infield
U1U1
U3U3
UICUIC
R2R2
You are either into infield or out into outfield… No runner responsibilities
at 3rd…
Man on Third Only Man on Third Only Clean Hit to OF (no one Clean Hit to OF (no one
leaves) leaves)
UICUIC
R2R2U3U3
U1U1
Man on Second Only (tagging) Man on Second Only (tagging)
Hit to OF Hit to OF
U1U1U3U3
UICUIC
R3R3
Don’t be afraid to call from foul…
You have tag… If U3 leaves, you take runner
into 3rd…
Credits….Credits….Created on 1/20/2008 by:
Deron W Brown
719 Clarendon Rd
Troy, OH 45371
937-339-2798