Here's a good mechanics video on you tube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSRH4gVIJfo
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It puts forth some good information but there are quite a few mistakes in it also.
MT what do you see?
The out at first I prefer to be at more of an angle he only took two steps. In the B and C positions I like to be a little closer it seems as though they are too deep.
Right off the bat I don't recommend the creep or the standing set. Then he does a standing set in a two steps fair position, neither I prefer. I agree he is too deep in the middle. I realize it is a set-up but when they do the bunt in front of the plate, the PU isn't wearing a mask. With live pitching he really should have it on, plus he could show how to take it off and carry it. Then he cuts right up the inside of the line and almost looks like he's in the way of the throw. I prefer to be in foul territory for this call. On the call at first, he uses a big out call on a call that isn't that close but uses a regular hammer on the double play calls that are close. They also use some nonstandard terms with no introduction or explanation. The sweet spot on the calls in the middle and "in the box" on a bunted ball in front of the plate. One last thing was he was moving all the way through the call in right field and never said anything about trying to get back for the play at the plate. He very correctly says stay there all the way through the play and to not return to the infield until play is over.
I don't what to seem to be picking it apart because there were some good points but having been an instructor for years I see a lot of little things that some would gloss over.
I don't what to seem to be picking it apart because there were some good points but having been an instructor for years I see a lot of little things that some would gloss over.
Two excellent points 1. having a mask on and showing how to take it off and carry it. 2. rotating back to help at HP. I didn't pick up on him going to the inside of the line at first....good pick-up!
There are a bunch of problems with this video.
The Creep I don't think this is taught anywhere (except maybe NH). Hands on knees is the way to go. You should be 10-15 ft. behind F3, if he moves in, so do you.
The Pivot The base umpire never once looks at the ball. I was taught to look at the ball, glance at the runner, even though the PU has responsibility for the fair/foul and catch/no catch calls. There is nothing useful to be gained by staring at the runner while he's nowhere near 1st base yet. Watch the ball. You may be able to help your partner if he gets screened (shame on him).
PU - Batted Ball in the Box In this one, the PU actually gets ahead of the catcher! He can't possibly know where the ball is (THE #1 no-no) and he's at risk of getting drilled in the back of the head with F2's throw. Ouch!
BU in B Position BU is too deep (same for the C). He should be half way between the rubber and the base, on the tangent line.
Pickoff, Steal, Double Play Too much "happy feet" going on. On a ground ball, step and face the ball (this is fundamental). On a pickoff at 1st (from the B), step with the left foot and pivot. Anything more, and you're gong to make the call while you're moving (another BIG no-no). On a steal, drop step and pivot. That's all you need. Get too close, and the play blows up on you.
Other than that, the video was good.
The Creep I don't think this is taught anywhere (except maybe NH). Hands on knees is the way to go. You should be 10-15 ft. behind F3, if he moves in, so do you.
The Pivot The base umpire never once looks at the ball. I was taught to look at the ball, glance at the runner, even though the PU has responsibility for the fair/foul and catch/no catch calls. There is nothing useful to be gained by staring at the runner while he's nowhere near 1st base yet. Watch the ball. You may be able to help your partner if he gets screened (shame on him).
PU - Batted Ball in the Box In this one, the PU actually gets ahead of the catcher! He can't possibly know where the ball is (THE #1 no-no) and he's at risk of getting drilled in the back of the head with F2's throw. Ouch!
BU in B Position BU is too deep (same for the C). He should be half way between the rubber and the base, on the tangent line.
Pickoff, Steal, Double Play Too much "happy feet" going on. On a ground ball, step and face the ball (this is fundamental). On a pickoff at 1st (from the B), step with the left foot and pivot. Anything more, and you're gong to make the call while you're moving (another BIG no-no). On a steal, drop step and pivot. That's all you need. Get too close, and the play blows up on you.
Other than that, the video was good.
An absolutely terrible video apparently intended to teach a local association some home made mechanics. Hopefully it will not be seen by many rookies who may not know better.
Thanks Dash I didn't pick up on that many inconsistencies.
quote:I don't what to seem to be picking it apart because there were some good points but having been an instructor for years I see a lot of little things that some would gloss over.
Agreed... There are somethings presented that are in conflct with what is being taught/accepted today..I'm glad your seeking out materials to help you develop and you can garner some good information, but take it with a grain of salt...
I have worked with guys on the HS level who do not have the mechanics knowledge to work youth rec ball...they could benefit from viewing a video such as this greatly.....but you are going to bypass that level so fast, you will find that amatuerish in no time.....