Home Plate Umpiring Advanced Video

There are two main positions for making a call at home plate – at the leading edge (3rd base side) or from the back-edge (1st base side) of the plate.  Each has its pros and cons but is preferred over the other depending on where the catcher is positioned for the play.
 

Leading Edge Position

- Standing behind the leading edge (3rd base side) of the plate is typically easier for most beginning umpires to learn.  Stand behind the baseline facing the edge of home plate.  From this spot, look for the ball and tag when the runner reaches the plate.

-  This position is typically best when the catcher is standing in the baseline to make the tag.  But you risk not seeing a tag on an underthrown ball as it might be applied to the side that is obscured from your vantage point.

Point of Plate Approach

-  “Point of Plate” refers to lining up centered behind home plate and making the decision on position depending upon where the catcher is standing.

-  A well-coached catcher will line up in front of or over home plate, prepared to make a sweep tag on the runner.  In this case, move from the back of home plate and to the trailing edge (1st base side) at an angle that allows you to see the play from the side and front.  If the catcher is in the 3rd base line and/or blocking the plate, move to the leading edge position (earlier video).

-  The “point of plate” approach (deciding between two potential positions), is harder for beginning umpires to learn because of the additional decision process.  For most, it’s easier to move to the same, leading edge position on every play.  With more experience, adapting to the play in one of the two positions will provide a better view.

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