There are four common stances that umpires use behind the plate: the box; the knee; the scissors; and the slot. All of these stances are used in major league baseball. The effectiveness of the stance depends on the individual. Experiment with these stances and find one that is the most effective and comfortable for you.
- Above diagrams show starting Slot position of BU1 and BU2 for different runner scenarios. For example, when runners on 1B and 3B, BU1 starts in Slot B and BU2 starts in Slot D. Tip: If you forget where you should stand to start a play, stand in the Slot that is directly in front of the lead runner.
- Coach Pitch plate umpire mechanics- practice same slot position/ball tracking but only signal swinging strikes. Keep track of number of pitches. No HBP free base. Player receives 5 pitches or 3 swinging strikes before.
In a recent conversation with 10.5-year MLB Umpire Veteran Marvin Hudson during Spring Training in Fort Myers, we discussed this very issue. His advice is simple, 'You want to get in the slot and get as low as you can.' Slot Position If you don't know, the slot is the position in-between the catcher and the batter. This position is referred to as working the 'slot'. The umpire's feet should be placed approximately shoulder width apart with the foot closest to the batter slightly forward. It is important that the umpire remain balanced and comfortable. Prior to assuming the set position, the umpire should assume a ready position by properly.
- The box stance is the most widely used stance in umpiring. Square up to the plate, one foot slightly forward (towards the batter's back foot), knees flexed, back slightly bent, and completely balanced. This stance can be used over the center of the plate or in the slot (to find the slot position your body so that your nose is centered over the inside edge of the plate). As the pitcher comes forward to deliver the baseball drop smoothly in a crouch. Most umpires crouch to a level that their eyes are at the top of the strike zone. More experienced umpires who use this stance like to stay higher in the zone to prevent being obstructed by the catcher. Below are two great examples of MLB umps using the box.
The Knee Stance - Occasionally you will find umpires who 'work the slot' will kneel down on one knee. The umpire will place his knee on the ground behind the catcher. Tall umpires favor this stance. This stance has the advantage of relieving back pressure and allows the umpire to get low in the zone (especially good for 9 year olds). Disadvantages include more pressure on the legs and decreased mobility.
The Scissors Stance - This stance is more common in professional ranks and less common in the amateurs. Instead of kneeling the umpire extends one leg behind him. Some umpires report neck strain from this stance and it is a difficult stance to master.
The Slot Stance - The slot stance is taught by the Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring. It is basically the box stance except the front foot is one shoe length in front of the foot behind the catcher. The feet are also placed wider apart and is more comfortable. The slot is a very comfortable stance for those umpires that 'work the slot.' Below is an amateur umpire working an exaggerated slot stance. This exaggerated slot stance is used by many fastpitch softball umpires.
Here is a more conservative slot stance:
Plate and Base evaluation criteria from the ACCC Umpire Supervisor
This page shows evaluation scores and criteria used to evaluate on field performance of an umpire. The evaluations are used for critique purposes. These evaluations are meant to improve each umpire's performance and to help bring about talking points and improvements for the staff as a whole.
These evaluations will be logged electronically and statistical analysis will be performed on individual umpires as well as the ACCUA staff combined.
Adjustments will be made using these evaluations mid-season and used as training/improvement information for off season ACCC umpire instructional camps.
5 – Superior – Used only for those considered the best in the league.
4 – Above Standard – A higher standard than average, but not the best in the league.
3 – Meets Standard – Usual quality of work expected of an umpire at this level.
2 – Marginal – Less than the usual quality expected in the league.
1 – Below Standard – Below the minimum quality of work, not an acceptable rating for continuation at this level.
Umpire Slot Position
Plate Work & Base Work Criteria:
- Positioning: (Head, Body & Feet) – Is the umpires head show solid stability? Is the head drifting during flight of pitch? Is the umpires head and slot position correct? Does the plate stance allow for endurance and a quick first step? Etc…
- Timing – Is the umpires timing from the time the pitch hits the catcher's mitt, until the umpires absolute first voice or physical movement an adequate amount of time to judge the pitched ball?
- Strike Zone Interpretation – Is the umpire strike zone a teacup, average or too large? Does the umpire call a strike zone size consistent with the standards of college baseball?
- Strike Zone Consistency – Does the umpire maintain his strike zone throughout the course of the game for both teams?
- Style / Mechanics of calls – Including gestures, strike call, foul call and etc… Are they appropriate for college baseball?
- Voice – Is the umpire's voice loud, confident. Is it appropriate for college baseball?
- Reaction to development of plays – Does the umpire anticipate and react in real time situations? Does the umpire adjust and get in the best position to rule on a play?
- Positioning for plays – Does the umpire get to the right position (distance and angle) in an appropriate amount of time to best judge a play?
- Judgment on plays – Does the umpire simply get calls correct? Safe/out, fair/fouls.
- Crew Communication – Does the umpire communicate with partner(s) during rotations, missed coverage's and signaling?
- Knowledge of 2/3man plate Mechanics – Getting up the 1st base line, clearing home plate, bunt coverage, fair/foul, safe/out, balk coverage, positioning at the plate, over-throws, double plays, etc.
Game & Situation Management:
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- ACCC League Policies & Procedures – Does the plate umpire manage lineup changes, pitching changes, between innings, substitutions, batters staying in box, pitch time, warm-ups and etc. effectively?
- Rules application/knowledge – Base awards, over throws, obstruction/interference, etc… Does the umpire enforce rules correctly? Does he speak up when he see's partner(s) enforcing rules incorrectly?
- Situation and Ejection Management – Did the plate umpire handle any disputes, arguments, ejections and etc. well? Did he let these consume too much time or mismanage these situations?
Umpire Slot Position
Appearance & Professionalism:
Plate Umpire Slot Position
- Focus – Is the umpire constantly paying attention to all details of the game? Is he in tune with what's going on not only during pitches and live play scenarios, but is he aware of the 'game within the game' situations that veteran umpires follow?
- Appearance – Does the umpire maximize his appearance with his body type? Is his uniform clean, sharp and pressed? This is a head to toe evaluation on the umpires overall look.
- Physical Fitness – Does the umpire look he is in shape? Does he appear athletic?
- Mobility – Is the umpire making the most out of his physical capabilities? Can he move around the field of play?
- Hustle – Is the umpire lazy or sand bagging? Does he run part way, get bad angles and distances vs. great angles and great distance?
- Attitude – Does the umpire portray he is better than the level he is calling? Does he big time anyone? Look like he is having fun? Does he have a good attitude towards his partners?
- Professionalism (on and off the field) – Is the umpire respectful to coaches, players, and partners? Is he clean shaven and appear like he belongs at a college baseball game?