Working the Plate

Plate Stances Two basic stancesTwo basic stances –Box –Scissor –There is a third, but few use it KneeKnee

The Box

The BOX TraditionalBalanced

The Box Inside Foot Positioning

The Box Head Positioning

The Scissors

Inside Foot Positioning

The Scissors Head Positioning

The “SLOT”

The Slot

The “SLOT” GoodBad Ugly

Getting into position On the rubberOn the rubber SetSet –“drop” from A to B Read itRead it Watch itWatch it PausePause Call itCall it

Making the call BallBall StrikeStrike Swinging strikeSwinging strike Third strikeThird strike Check swingCheck swing Catcher/Batter interferenceCatcher/Batter interference Dead ball strikeDead ball strike

Responsibilities BalksBalks Swing/Check SwingSwing/Check Swing Foul Ball/Foul TipFoul Ball/Foul Tip Hit batterHit batter Batter not avoiding pitchBatter not avoiding pitch Batter ducks, but pitch hits the batBatter ducks, but pitch hits the bat Batter is out of the boxBatter is out of the box Batter swings, but is hit by the pitchBatter swings, but is hit by the pitch Catcher interferenceCatcher interference Batter interferenceBatter interference Squeeze playSqueeze play Passed ballPassed ball Dropped third strikeDropped third strike

Clearing the Catcher

Popups Get out of the catcher’s wayGet out of the catcher’s way Move with the catcherMove with the catcher Watch the gloveWatch the glove Make the callMake the call

Positioning for Calls

Problem Areas Batter crowding the plateBatter crowding the plate Catcher inside and/or highCatcher inside and/or high Catcher way outsideCatcher way outside “That one’s gonna hurt” pitch“That one’s gonna hurt” pitch

The Mask HatHat Standard MaskStandard Mask Hockey-styleHockey-style Removing/Carrying the maskRemoving/Carrying the mask

The Indicator Absolute necessityAbsolute necessity Using/CarryingUsing/Carrying

Tips for working the plate Introduce yourself to the catcherIntroduce yourself to the catcher Take pitches from EACH pitcher in the first inning during warmupTake pitches from EACH pitcher in the first inning during warmup Work with the catcher during the gameWork with the catcher during the game Use the catcher to assist you with problem pitchersUse the catcher to assist you with problem pitchers Home RunsHome Runs –Send the catcher to mound with a ball –Manage the dirt All pitches are strikes---unless they convince you otherwiseAll pitches are strikes---unless they convince you otherwise Call the pitch on the knees, but stay away from the high pitchCall the pitch on the knees, but stay away from the high pitch Consistency during the game is crucialConsistency during the game is crucial

Questions ?