ASA PLATE MECHANICS

STANCE Proper step in technique Proper step in technique Step in with foot closest to catcher 1 st. Step in with foot closest to catcher 1 st. Set Feet Set Feet Check shoulders to be sure they are square to plate. Check shoulders to be sure they are square to plate. Heel to Toe Heel to Toe

STANCE Square to Plate Square to Plate Distance from Catcher Distance from Catcher

STANCE Bend at knees not at waist Bend at knees not at waist Knees over toes Knees over toes Slight Tilt Forward Slight Tilt Forward Rotate Head / Eyes to pitcher Rotate Head / Eyes to pitcher

SET POSITION Start in slot Start in slot Go to just inside the inside edge of plate Go to just inside the inside edge of plate Remain out of the perimeter of strike zone Remain out of the perimeter of strike zone

SET POSITION GPA = Good Pelvic Alignment GPA = Good Pelvic Alignment Open to outside pitch Open to outside pitch Allows you to track the pitch to glove/ground Allows you to track the pitch to glove/ground

SET POSITION FP- Top of zone FP- Top of zone Hand placement Hand placement FP – Timing FP – Timing

THE PITCH Prior to – hold up play Prior to – hold up play Proper hand Proper hand Frequency Frequency FP FP

THE PITCH Tracking – pitcher’s hand to catcher’s glove Tracking – pitcher’s hand to catcher’s glove Slight movement ONLY, guided by nose Slight movement ONLY, guided by nose Strike Call Strike Call Ball Call Ball Call FP Called 3 rd strike FP Called 3 rd strike

THE PITCH Check Swing – Partner Check Swing – Partner Step out from behind catcher and say partners name Step out from behind catcher and say partners name Did she Swing Did she Swing Did she offer Did she offer Did she attempt a bunt Did she attempt a bunt

Giving The Count Rotation Rotation Rotate Hands not Body Rotate Hands not Body When When After 3 rd Pitch After 3 rd Pitch Definitely when batter has 3 Balls or 2 Strikes Definitely when batter has 3 Balls or 2 Strikes To whom To whom Pitcher Pitcher Verbal to Batter and Catcher Verbal to Batter and Catcher

MOVEMENT Trailing Trailing When When Where Where Get close to circle for best angle at 1B Get close to circle for best angle at 1B

Plate Umpire MOVEMENT No Runners No Runners Trail 1/3 of way to 1B Trail 1/3 of way to 1B Runner on 1B only Runner on 1B only Trail 1/3 of way to 1B Trail 1/3 of way to 1B Priorities Pull Foot/Swipe Tag Interference Priorities Pull Foot/Swipe Tag Interference Release Release Inside diamond to 3B or Holding Zone Inside diamond to 3B or Holding Zone

MOVEMENT Clear Catcher Clear Catcher Read Shoulders Read Shoulders Pivot / Drop step Pivot / Drop step

MOVEMENT TO 3B Play at 3B – Directly into fair ground Play at 3B – Directly into fair ground Movement to Holding Zone – Read – Come Inside Movement to Holding Zone – Read – Come Inside

PLAYS AT THE PLATE Starting Position Starting Position Read the play Read the play Be ready to move to your right Be ready to move to your right Where to be Where to be Get Unobstructed View Get Unobstructed View How to adjust How to adjust Watch the Play Develop Watch the Play Develop

PLAYS AT THE PLATE Passed Ball Passed Ball Find the Ball Find the Ball Adjust appropriately Adjust appropriately

PLAYS AT THE PLATE Plays at 3B – then the plate Plays at 3B – then the plate Stay inside the diamond Stay inside the diamond Stay ahead and parallel Stay ahead and parallel Get unobstructed view Get unobstructed view

THE EPILOG Stance Set Position TrackingTimingMovement= GOOD PLATE MECHANICS