4 MAN MECHANICS
1
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
• In 4 man crew someone will ALWAYS go out
on fly balls and once out stays out;
• Check swings appeals go to U1 on right
handed batter and U3 on left handed batter;
• U2 has interference call at 2ND on all double
plays;
• PLATE should rarely stay planted at the
plate;
• Cover partners if a rotation is missed;
• Communicate;
• Have an umpire ahead of the play versus
following the play.
2
ABBREVIATIONS
F8
F9
F7
U2
Defense
F1 – Pitcher
F2 – Catcher
F3 – 1st Baseman
F4 – 2nd Baseman
F5 – 3rd Baseman
F6 –Shortstop
F7 – Left Fielder
F8 – Center Fielder
F9 – Right Fielder
Offense
R1 – Lead Runner
R2 – Second Runner
R3 – Last Runner
BR – Batter-Runner
F4
F6
R2
F3
F5
U3
U1
R3
F1
R1
BR
F2
P
Umpires
P(late) – Home plate (Umpire-in-Chief)
U1 – 1st Base Umpire
U2 – 2nd Base Umpire
U3 – 3rd Base Umpire
3
POSITIONS NO RUNNERS
U1 IN A; U2 IN E; U3 IN D
Position E:
•
To the left center or right
center side of the outfield
about 10 to 15 yards from
the back edge of the dirt.
•
DO NOT get too deep.
U2
Fair/Foul Responsibilities
The same in all situations in 4 man mechanics:
U1
U3
•
•
P
Plate – Up to the front edge of
the 1st and 3rd base bags;
U1 and U3 – Front edge of their
respective bases to the foul
poles.
4
FLY BALL/LINE DRIVE COVERAGE
U2’s Outfield
U2:
•
•
•
U3’s Outfield
F8 in all instances;
F9 going to his right;
F7 going to his left.
U1’s Outfield
U2
U3:
•
•
F7 going back, coming
in, and all the way to
the line;
F5 and F6.
U3
U1
U1:
•
•
F9 going back, coming in, and
all the way to the line;
F3 and F4.
Plate:
•
F1 and F2.
P
5
FLY BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
U1 HAS THE CATCH/NO CATCH
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
•
•
Move into the infield
to take all touches
and plays at 2nd;
Come in on the side
of the base away from
the throw of the
fielder;
Stay on the outfield
side of the base if
cannot make it inside.
U2
U3:
•
Move down the line
ready to move into
position to take the
runner into 3rd.
Plate:
•
•
U1:
•
U3
U1
•
•
Trail the BR up the 1st
base line and fill in
behind U1;
If the BR goes on to
2nd, retreat to home
for a possible play.
•
•
P
Tells his partners he is
going out by saying,
“I’ve got the ball.”;
Gets the best angle
possible;
Is stopped for the
catch/no catch;
Once he has gone out,
he stays out, does not
return the infield;
Coverage reverts to a63
man crew.
FLY BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
U2 HAS THE CATCH/NO CATCH
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
•
•
•
U2
•
U3:
•
•
Move out on the ball
getting the best possible
angle for the catch/no
catch;
Be virtually stopped when
making the call;
Give a visual signal of the
catch/no catch;
DO NOT return to the
infield;
Coverage reverts to 3
man mechanics.
Move into infield ready to
take all touches and calls at
2nd;
DO NOT retreat to 3rd.
U3
U1
U1:
•
Plate:
•
•
•
Move out on the batted
ball to filling in behind
U3;
Observe runner/s touch
of 3rd;
Be prepared to take the
runner into 3rd.
•
•
P
•
Move into the infield and
pivot observing touch of
1st;
Be prepared to take the
runner back into 1st or into
2nd if U3 gets hung up at
3rd;
If the runner goes to 2nd
retreat toward home telling
Plate, “I’ve got the plate”;
DO NOT commit to home
too soon.
7
FLY BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
U3 HAS THE CATCH/NO CATCH
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
•
U2
•
U3:
•
•
•
•
•
Move out on the ball
getting the best
possible angle for the
catch/no catch;
Be virtually stopped
when making the call;
U3
Give a visual signal of
the catch/no catch;
DO NOT return to the
infield;
Coverage reverts to 3
man mechanics.
Plate:
•
Move out on the batted ball to
filling in behind U3;
•
Be prepared to take the runner
into 3rd.
Move into the infield to take all
touches and plays at 2nd;
Come in on the side of the base
away from the throw of the fielder;
Stay on the outfield side of the base
if cannot make it inside.
U1
U1:
•
•
•
P
Move into the infield and pivot
observing the BR’s touch of
1st;
Be prepared to take the runner
back into 1st;
If the runner goes to 3rd move
to home telling Plate, “I’ve got
the home.”
8
BASE HIT
INITIAL MOVEMENT
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
•
•
Move into the infield to take all
touches and plays at 2nd;
Come in on the side of the
base away from the throw of
the fielder;
Stay on the outfield side of the
base if cannot make it inside.
U2
U3:
•
Move down the line ready to
move into position to take the
runner into 3rd.
U3
U1
U1:
•
Plate:
•
•
•
Trail the BR up the 1st base line
in order to rule on a pulled foot
or swipe tag;
If the BR goes to 2nd, retreat to
home for a possible play.
P
Move into the infield and pivot
observing the BR’s touch of 1st;
Be prepared to take the runner
back into 1st.
9
GROUND BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
•
U2
•
U3:
•
Move down the line ready
to move into position to
make all calls at 3rd.
U3
Move into the infield to take all
touches and plays at 2nd;
Come in on the side of the base
away from the throw of the
fielder;
Stay on the outfield side of the
base if cannot make it inside.
U1
U1:
•
•
Plate:
•
•
•
Trail the BR up the 1st base line
in order to rule on a pulled foot
or swipe tag;
If the BR goes on to 2nd, retreat
to home for a possible play.
P
Move in to make the call at
1st;
Come set, observe the play,
make the call;
On an overthrow observe the
ball and determine if it goes
out of play.
10
POSITIONS RUNNER ON 1ST
U1 IN A; U2 IN F; U3 IN D
U2:
Position F:
•
Basically Position C but at the edge
of the infield dirt on shortstop side;
•
With a runner on 2nd can be on the
second-base side.
U2
U3
U1
R1
P
11
FLY BALL COVERAGE
U3’s Outfield
U1’s Outfield
U2:
•
U3:
•
•
•
F4 and F6 unless
moving toward the foul
line on their side.
U2
F8 going back, coming in,
and going to his right;
F7 in all instances;
F5 and F6 moving toward 3rd
base.
Plate:
•
U3
U1
R1
U1:
•
•
•
F8 going to his left;
F9 in all instances;
F3 and F4 moving toward 1st base.
F1 and F2.
P
12
FLY BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
U1 HAS THE CATCH/NO CATCH
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
•
U3:
•
Move down the line ready to
move into position to take all
touches and calls at 3rd.
Plate:
•
•
•
•
Move into position to take all
touches and calls at 2nd:
If Plate has to retreat to home,
move into position to take
plays at 1st.
U2
U3
Move out on the batted ball to filling in
behind U1;
Observe tags and touches at 1st;
Be prepared to take the runner back into
1st;
If BR goes to 2nd, move to cover home.
U1
R1
U1:
•
•
•
•
•
P
•
Tells his partners he is going out
by saying, “I’ve got the ball.”;
Gets the best angle possible;
Is stopped for the catch/no catch;
Gives a visual signal of the
catch/no catch;
Once out, stays out, does not
return to the infield;
Coverage reverts to a 3 man 13
crew.
FLY BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
U3 HAS THE CATCH/NO CATCH
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
•
U3:
•
•
•
•
Move out on the ball
getting the best possible
angle for the catch/no
catch;
Give a visual signal of
the catch/no catch;
DO NOT return to the
infield;
Coverage reverts to 3
man mechanics.
Move into position to take all
touches and calls at 2nd;
Move into position to cover plays at
1st if U1 covers home.
U2
U3
Plate:
•
Move out on the batted ball to filling in
behind U3;
•
Be prepared to take the runner into
3rd.
U1
R1
U1:
•
•
•
P
Move into position to observe
tags and touches of 1st (can
be in foul territory);
Takes R1 back into 1st;
Be prepared to move to home
to cover for Plate telling him,
“I’ve got home.”
14
BASE HIT
INITIAL MOVEMENT
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
U3:
•
Move into position to take all
touches and calls at 2nd.
U2
Moves down the line ready to
take all touches and make all
calls at 3rd.
U3
U1
R1
U1:
•
•
Plate:
•
•
Move out with the batted ball;
Move into position to observe
touches and make calls at
home.
P
Move into position to observe
touches of 1st;
Be alert to take the runner back
into 1st.
15
GROUND BALL
POSSIBLE DOUBLE PLAY
U2:
•
•
U3:
•
Move into position to rule on any play at 2nd;
Watch for interference by on an illegal slide by R1.
U2
Move down the line ready to
move into position to take all
touches and make all calls at
3rd.
Plate:
•
•
U3
U1
R1
U1:
•
•
•
Trail the BR up the 1st base line
in order to rule on a pulled foot
or swipe tag;
Be prepared to retreat to home
for a possible play.
P
Move in to make the call at 1st;
Come set, observe the play,
make the call;
On an overthrow observe the
ball and determine if it goes out
of play.
16
POSITIONS WITH A RUNNER ON 2ND
U1 IN A; U2 IN F (2nd base side); U3 IN D
R1
U2
U3
U1
P
17
FLY BALL COVERAGES
U3’s Outfield
U1’s Outfield
U2:
•
U3:
•
•
•
F4 and F6 unless moving
toward the foul line on their
side.
R1
F8 going back, coming in,
and going to his right;
F7 in all instances;
F5 and F6 moving toward 3rd
base.
U2
U3
U1
U1:
•
•
•
F8 going to his left;
F9 in all instances;
F3 and F4 moving toward 1st base.
PLATE:
•
F1 and F2
P
18
FLY BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
U1 HAS THE CATCH/NO CATCH
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
•
U3:
•
•
Moves down the line to
observe R1’s tag;
Be ready to move into
position to take a runner
into 3rd.
Plate:
•
•
Move into position to take all
touches and calls at 2nd:
If Plate has to retreat to home,
move into position to take all
plays at 1st.
R1
U2
U3
U1
U1:
•
•
Trail the BR up the 1st
base line and fill in
behind U1;
If the ball falls in,
retreats to home for a
possible play.
•
•
•
P
Tells his partners he is
going out by saying, “I’ve
got the ball.”;
Gets the best angle
possible;
Is stopped for the catch/no
catch;
Once out, stays out, does
not return the infield;
Coverage reverts to a 3
man crew.
19
FLY BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
U3 HAS THE CATCH/NO CATCH
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
U3:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Move out on the ball
getting the best possible
angle for the catch/no
catch;
Be virtually stopped
when making the call;
Give a visual signal of
the catch/no catch;
DO NOT return to the
infield;
Coverage reverts to 3
man mechanics.
Plate:
•
•
Move into position to take
all touches and calls at
2nd:
If U1has to cover home,
move into position to take
all plays at 1st.
R1
U2
U3
U1
U1:
•
•
Move out on the batted
ball to filling in behind
U3;
Be prepared to take the
runner into 3rd.
•
P
Move into position to
observe tags and touches
of 1st;
Be prepared to take the
runner back into 1st;
Move to cover home when
Plate fills in behind U3.
20
BASE HIT
INITIAL MOVEMENT
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
Move into position and be
prepared to take all touches
and calls at 2nd.
R1
U2
U3:
•
Move down the line ready
to move into position to
take all touches and calls
at 3rd.
Plate:
•
U3
U1
U1:
•
•
Move into position to
observe the touches
make calls at home.
P
Move into position to
observe tags and
touches of 1st;
Be prepared to take the
runner back into 1st.
21
GROUND BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
Move into position and be
prepared to take all touches and
calls at 2nd.
R1
U2
U3:
•
Move down the line ready to
move into position to take all
touches and calls at 3rd.
U3
U1
U1:
•
•
Plate:
•
Move into position to
observe the touches at home
and make calls at home.
P
Move in to make the call at 1st;
On an overthrow observe the ball
and determine if it goes out of
play.
22
POSITIONS WITH A RUNNER AT 2ND
U1 IN A; U2 IN G; U3 IN D
U2:
Position G:
•
On the edge of the dirt behind 2nd base;
•
Can be on shortstop or second base
side.
U2
R1
U3
U1
P
23
FLY BALL COVERAGES
U2’s Outfield
U3’s Outfield
U2:
•
•
•
U1’s Outfield
F8 in all instances;
F9 going to his right;
F7 going to his left.
U2
R1
U3:
•
•
F7 going back, coming in,
and all the way to the line;
F5 and F6.
Plate:
•
U3
U1
U1:
•
•
F9 going back, coming in,
and all the way to the line;
F3 and F4.
F1 and F2.
P
24
FLY BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
U1 HAS THE CATCH/NO CATCH
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
•
•
Move into position to observe
touches and make calls at 2nd;
Stay on the outside until R1
has committed to 3rd then
move inside;
Be prepared to take a runner
at 1st.
U2
R1
U3:
•
•
Move down the line ready to
move into position to
observe R1’s tag at 2nd;
Take all touches and calls at
3rd.
Plate:
•
•
•
U3
Move out on the batted ball to
filling in behind U1;
Observe the BR’s touch of
1st;
Be prepared to retreat to
home for a possible play.
U1
U1:
•
•
•
•
•
•
P
Tells his partners he is going out by
saying, “I’ve got the ball.”;
Gets the best angle possible;
Is stopped for the catch/no catch;
Give a visual signal of the catch/no
catch;
Once out, stays out, does not return
the infield;
Coverage reverts to a 3 man crew.
25
FLY BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
U2 HAS THE CATCH/NO CATCH
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
•
•
•
•
U2
Move out on the ball getting the
best possible angle for the
catch/no catch;
Be virtually stopped when
making the call;
Give a visual signal of the
catch/no catch;
DO NOT return to the infield;
Coverage reverts to 3 man
mechanics.
R1
U3:
•
•
Move into Position C ready to
take tags, touches, and calls
at 2nd;
DO NOT retreat to 3rd, Plate
has the runner advancing.
U3
U1
U1:
•
•
Plate:
•
•
•
Move out on the batted ball
to filling in behind U3;
Be prepared to take touches
of and the runner into 3rd.
P
Move into the infield and pivot
observing the BR’s touch of 1st;
Be prepared to take the runner
back into 1st;
If the runner goes to 2nd move to
cover home telling Plate, “I’ve got
the plate.”
26
FLY BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
U3 HAS THE CATCH/NO CATCH
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
•
•
Move into the infield to take
the BR if he comes into 2nd;
Come in on the side of the
base away from the throw of
the outfielder;
Stay on the outfield side of
the base if cannot make it
inside.
U2
U3:
•
•
•
•
Move out on the ball getting
the best possible angle for the
catch/no catch;
Give a visual signal of the
catch/no catch;
DO NOT return to the infield;
Coverage reverts to 3 man
mechanics.
Plate:
•
•
R1
U3
U1
U1:
•
•
Move out on the batted ball to
filling in behind U3;
Be prepared to take the runner
into 3rd.
•
P
Move into the infield and pivot
observing the BR’s touch of
1st;
Be prepared to take the runner
back into 1st;
If the runner goes to 2nd move
toward home telling Plate,
“I’ve got the home.”
27
BASE HIT
INITIAL MOVEMENT
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
•
•
Move into the infield to take all
touches and plays at 2nd;
Come in on the side of the base
away from the throw of the
outfielder;
Stay on the outfield side of the
base if cannot make it inside.
U2
R1
U3:
•
Moves down the line ready to
move into position to take all
touches and calls at 3rd.
U3
U1
U1:
•
•
Plate:
•
Move into position to make
call on plays at home.
P
Move into position to
observe touches of 1st;
Be prepared to take the
runner back into 1st.
28
GROUND BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
•
•
Start moving into the infield to take a runner
coming into 2nd;
Be alert for a throw behind R1;
Responsible for the touches and all plays at 2nd.
U2
R1
U3:
•
Move down the line ready to
move into position to take all
touches and calls at 3rd.
U3
Plate:
•
Trail the BR up the 1st base
line in order to rule on a pulled
foot or swipe tag;
•
If the BR goes on to 2nd,
retreats to home for a possible
play.
U1
U1:
•
•
P
Move in to make the call at 1st;
On an overthrow observe the ball
and determine if it goes out of
play.
29
POSITIONS WITH A RUNNER ON 3RD
U1 IN A; U2 IN E; U3 IN D
U2
U3
U1
R1
P
30
FLY BALL COVERAGES
U2’s Outfield
U2:
•
•
•
U3’s Outfield
F8 in all instances;
F9 going to his right;
F7 going to his left
U1’s Outfield
U2
U3:
•
•
F7 going back, coming in, and
all the way to the line;
F5 and F6.
U3
U1
U1:
•
•
R1
F9 going back, coming in, and all
the way to the line;
F3 and F4.
Plate:
•
F1 and F2.
P
31
FLY BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
U1 HAS THE CATCH/NO CATCH
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
Move into the infield to
take all touches and
plays at 2nd;
Come in on the side of
the base away from the
throw of the outfielder;
Stay on the outfield side
of the base if cannot
make it inside.
•
•
U2
U3:
•
•
Move down the line to
observe R1’s tag;
Be ready to move into
position to a runner into
3rd.
Plate:
•
U3
U1
R1
U1:
•
•
•
•
Move into position to
observe touches and
make calls at home.
•
P
Tells his partners he is going
out by saying, “I’ve got the
ball.”;
Gets the best angle possible;
Is stopped for the catch/no
catch;
Once he has gone out, he
stays out, does not return
the infield;
Reverts to a 3 man crew.
32
FLY BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
U2 HAS THE CATCH/NO CATCH
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
•
•
•
U2
•
U3:
•
•
Move down the line to
observe R1’s tag;
Be ready to move into
position to a runner into
3rd.
U3
Move out on the ball
getting the best
possible angle for the
catch/no catch;
Be virtually stopped
when making the call;
Give a visual signal of
the catch/no catch;
DO NOT return to the
infield;
Coverage reverts to 3
man mechanics.
U1
U1:
•
R1
•
Plate:
•
Move into position to
observe touches and
make calls at home.
P
Move into the infield and
pivot observing the BR’s
touch of 1st;
Be prepared to take the
runner back into 1st or into
2nd
33
FLY BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
U3 HAS THE CATCH/NO CATCH
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
•
•
U2
U3:
•
•
•
•
•
Move out on the ball getting
the best possible angle for
the catch/no catch;
Be virtually stopped when
making the call;
Give a visual signal of the
catch/no catch;
DO NOT return to the infield;
Coverage reverts to 3 man
mechanics.
Plate:
•
U3
Move into the infield to
take all touches and
plays at 2nd;
Come in on the side of
the base away from the
throw of the outfielder;
Stay on the outfield side
of the base if cannot
make it inside.
U1
U1:
•
R1
•
Move into position to
observe touches and
make calls at home.
P
Move into position to tags
and touches of 1st;
Be prepared to take the
runner back into 1st.
34
BASE HIT
INITIAL MOVEMENT
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
•
•
Move into the infield to take
all touches and plays at 2nd;
Come in on the side of the
base away from the throw of
the outfielder;
Stay on the outfield side of
the base if cannot make it
inside.
U2
U3:
•
Move down the line ready
to move into position to
take all touches and calls at
3rd.
U3
U1
R1
Plate:
•
Move into position to
observe the touches at
home and make calls at
home.
P
U1:
•
•
Move in to make the call at 1st;
On an overthrow observe the ball
and determine if it goes out of
play.
35
GROUND BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
•
•
U2
U3:
•
Move down the line ready
to move into position to
take all touches and calls at
3rd.
U3
Move into the infield to take
all touches and plays at 2nd;
Come in on the side of the
base away from the throw;
Stay on the outfield side of
the base if cannot make it
inside.
U1
R1
Plate:
•
Move into position to
observe the touches at
home and make calls at
home.
P
U1:
•
•
Move in to make the call at 1st;
On an overthrow observe the
ball and determine if it goes out
of play.
36
POSITIONS WITH RUNNERS ON 1ST AND 2ND
U1 IN A; U2 F; U3 IN D
R1
U2
U3
U1
R2
P
37
FLY BALL/LINE DRIVE COVERAGES
U3’s Outfield
U1’s Outfield
U2:
•
F4 and F6 unless moving
toward the foul line on their
side.
R1
U3:
•
•
•
U2
F8 going back, coming in,
and going to his right;
F7 in all instances;
F5 and F6 moving toward 3rd
base.
U3
U1
R2
U1:
•
•
•
F8 going to his left;
F9 in all instances;
F3 and F4 moving toward 1st
base.
Plate:
•
F1 and F2.
P
38
FLY BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
U1 HAS THE CATCH/NO CATCH
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
•
Move into position to take all
touches and calls at 2nd;
If Plate has to retreat to home,
move into position to take all plays
at 1st.
R1
U3:
•
•
U1:
•
U2
Move down the line to
observe R1’s tag;
Be ready to move into
position to a runner into
3rd.
Plate:
•
•
U3
U1
R2
•
•
•
•
Trail the BR up the 1st
base line and fill in
behind U1;
If the BR goes on to
2nd, retreats to home
for a possible play.
•
P
Tells his partners he is going out
by saying, “I’ve got the ball.”;
Gets the best angle possible;
Is virtually stopped for the catch/no
catch;
If fair/foul call completely stopped;
Once he has gone out, he stays
out, does not return the infield;
Coverage reverts to a 3 man crew.
39
FLY BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
U3 HAS THE CATCH/NO CATCH
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
U3:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Move out on the ball
getting the best possible
angle for the catch/no
catch;
Be virtually stopped
when making the call;
Give a visual signal of
the catch/no catch;
DO NOT return to the
infield;
Coverage reverts to 3
man mechanics.
Plate:
•
•
•
Move into position to take all touches and calls
at 2nd;
If U1 has to cover home, take all plays at 1st.
R1
U2
U3
U1
R2
U1:
•
•
Move out on the batted ball to
filling in behind U3;
Observe runner/s touch of
3rd;
Be prepared to take the
runner into 3rd.
•
P
Move into position to tags
and touches of 1st;
Be prepared to take the
runner back into 1st;
If the runner goes to 2nd
move toward home telling
Plate, “I’ve got the home.”
40
BASE HIT
INITIAL MOVEMENT
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
Move into position to take all
touches and calls at 2nd.
R1
U2
U3:
•
Moves down the line
ready to move into
position to take all
touches and calls at 3rd.
U3
U1
R2
U1:
•
•
Plate:
•
Move into position to
observe the touches at
home and make calls at
home.
P
Move in to make the call at
1st;
On an overthrow observe
the ball and determine if it
goes out of play.
41
GROUND BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
POSSIBLE DOUBLE PLAY
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
•
Move into position to take all touches and
calls at 2nd;
Watch for interference by R1 due to an illegal
slide.
R1
U3:
•
U2
Move down the line ready
to move into position to
take all touches and calls
at 3rd.
Plate:
•
U3
Move into position to
observe the touches at
home and make calls at
home.
U1
R2
P
U1:
•
•
Move in to make the call at 1st;
On an overthrow observe the ball
and determine if it goes out of
play.
42
POSITIONS WITH RUNNERS ON 1ST AND 3RD
U1 IN A; U2 F; U3 IN D
U2
U3
U1
R2
R1
P
43
FLY BALL/LINE DRIVE COVERAGES
U3’s Outfield
U1’s Outfield
U2:
•
F4 and F6 unless
moving toward the
foul line on their side.
U2
U3:
•
•
•
U3
U1
F8 going back, coming in, and
to his right;
F7 in all instances;
F5 and F6 moving toward 3rd
base.
R2
R1
Plate:
•
F1 and F2.
P
U1:
•
•
•
F8 going to his left;
F9 in all instances;
F3 and F4 moving toward 1st
base.
44
FLY BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
U1 HAS THE CATCH/NO CATCH
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
U3:
•
•
Move into position and
be prepared to take all
touches and calls at 2nd
and 1st.
U1:
1.
U2
Move down the line to
observe R1’s tag;
Be ready to move into
position to a runner into
3rd.
U3
U1
R2
2.
3.
R1
4.
Plate:
•
5.
Move into position to
observe touches and
make calls at home.
6.
P
Tells his partners he is
going out by saying, “I’ve
got the ball.”;
Gets the best angle
possible;
Is stopped for the
catch/no catch;
Gives a visual catch/no
catch signal;
Once out, stays out, does
not return the infield;
Coverage reverts to a 3
man crew.
45
FLY BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
U3 HAS THE CATCH/NO CATCH
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
Move into position and
be prepared to take all
touches and calls at 2nd;
Move to cover 3rd if
necessary.
•
U3:
•
•
•
•
•
Move out on the ball
getting the best possible
angle for the catch/no
catch;
Be virtually stopped when
making the call;
Give a visual signal of the
catch/no catch;
DO NOT return to the
infield;
Coverage reverts to 3 man
mechanics.
Plate:
•
U2
U3
U1
R2
U1:
•
R1
•
•
Move into position to
observe touches and
make calls at home.
P
Move into position to tags
and touches of 1st;
Be prepared to take the
runner back into 1st;
Move into the infield to
take runner into 2nd if U2
has to cover 3rd.
46
BASE HIT
INITIAL MOVEMENT
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
•
Move into a position and be
prepared to take all touches
and calls at 2nd:
If Plate has to retreat to home,
take all plays at 1st.
U2
U3:
•
Move down the line
ready to move into
position to take all
touches and calls at 3rd.
U3
U1
R2
U1:
•
•
R1
Plate:
•
Move into position to
observe the touches at
home and make calls at
home.
P
Move in to make the call at 1st;
On an overthrow observe the
ball and determine if it goes out
of play.
47
GROUND BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
POSSIBLE DOUBLE PLAY
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
•
•
Move into a position to rule on
plays at 2nd;
Be sure you are not in the path
of a throw;
Watch for interference by R1
due to an illegal slide.
U2
U3:
•
Move down the line ready to
move into position to take all
touches and calls at 3rd.
U3
U1
R2
R1
U1:
•
•
Plate:
•
Move into position to
observe the touches at
home and make calls
at home.
P
Move in to make the call
at 1st;
On an overthrow observe
the ball and determine if it
goes out of play.
48
POSITIONS WITH RUNNERS AT 2ND AND 3RD
U1 IN A; U2 F; U3 IN D
R2
U2
U3
U1
R1
P
49
FLY BALL/LINE DRIVE COVERAGES
U3’s Outfield
U1’s Outfield
U2:
•
F4 and F6 unless moving
toward the foul line on their
side.
R2
U2
U3:
•
•
•
U3
F8 going back, coming in,
and going to his right;
F7 in all instances;
F5 and F6 moving toward 3rd
base.
U1
R1
U1:
•
•
•
F8 to his left;
F9 in all instances;
F3 and F4 moving toward 1st
base.
Plate:
•
F1 and F2.
P
50
FLY BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
U1 HAS THE CATCH/NO CATCH
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
•
Move into position to
observe all tags,
touches, and make all
calls at 2nd:
Move into a position
halfway between 1st
and 2nd in order to call
plays at 1st.
R2
U3:
•
•
Move down the line to
observe R1’s tag;
Be ready to move into
position to a runner into
3rd.
U2
U3
U1
•
•
•
R1
Plate:
•
U1:
•
•
Move into position to
observe touches and
make calls at home.
•
P
Tells his partners he is going out
by saying, “I’ve got the ball.”;
Gets the best angle possible;
Is stopped for the catch/no catch;
Gives a visual catch/no catch
signal;
Once out, stays out, does not
return the infield;
Coverage reverts to a 3 man crew.
51
FLY BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
U3 HAS THE CATCH/NO CATCH
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
Move into position to take all
touches and calls at 2nd;
Move to 3rd with R2, if he goes.
•
U3:
•
•
•
•
•
Move out on the ball
getting the best possible
angle for the catch/no
catch;
Be virtually stopped when
making the call;
Give a visual signal of the
catch/no catch;
DO NOT return to the
infield;
Coverage reverts to 3 man
mechanics.
Plate:
•
•
R2
U2
U3
U1
U1:
•
R1
•
Move into position to
observe tag at 3rd and
touches at home;
Make all calls at home.
P
Move into the infield and
pivot observing the BR’s
touch of 1st;
Be prepared to take the
runner back into 1st;
52
BASE HIT
INITIAL MOVEMENT
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
Move into position to
observe all touches and
make all calls at 2nd.
R2
U2
U3:
•
Move down the line ready
to move into position to
take all touches and calls at
3rd.
U3
U1
U1:
•
•
R1
Plate:
•
Move into position to
observe the touches at
home and make calls at
home.
P
Move in to make the call at 1st;
On an overthrow observe the ball
and determine if it goes out of
play.
53
GROUND BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
Move into position to rule
on any play at 2nd.
R2
U2
U3:
•
Move down the line ready
to move into position to
take all touches and calls
at 3rd.
U3
U1
U1:
•
R1
•
Plate:
•
Move into position to observe
the touches at home and
make calls at home.
P
Move in to make the call at
1st;
On an overthrow observe
the ball and determine if it
goes out of play.
54
POSITIONS WITH RUNNERS AT 2ND AND 3RD
U1 IN A; U2 IN G; U3 IN D
U2
R2
U3
U1
R1
P
55
FLY BALL/LINE DRIVE COVERAGES
U2’s Outfield
U3’s Outfield
U2:
•
•
•
U1’s Outfield
F8 in all instances;
F9 going to his right;
F7 going to his left.
U2
R2
U3:
•
•
F7 going back, coming in and
all the way to the line;
F5 and F6 moving toward 3rd
base.
U3
U1
U1:
•
R1
•
F9 going back, coming in and all the
way to the line;
F3 and F4 moving toward 1st base.
Plate:
•
F1 and F2.
P
56
FLY BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
U1 HAS THE CATCH/NO CATCH
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
•
•
Move into the infield to take all touches
and plays at 2nd;
Come in on the side of the base away
from the throw;
Stay on the outfield side of the base if
cannot make it inside.
U2
R2
U3:
•
•
Move down the line to
observe R1’s tag;
Be ready to move into
position to a runner into
3rd.
Plate:
•
U3
U1
U1
•
•
•
•
R1
Move into position to
observe touches and
make calls at home.
U1:
•
•
P
Tells his partners he is going out by
saying, “I’ve got the ball.”;
Gets the best angle possible;
Is stopped for the catch/no catch;
Gives a visual catch/no catch signal;
Once out, stays out, does not return
the infield;
Coverage reverts to a 3 man crew.
57
FLY BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
U2 HAS THE CATCH/NO CATCH
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
•
•
•
•
Move out on the ball
getting the best possible
angle for the catch/no
catch;
Be virtually stopped
when making the call;
Give a visual signal of
the catch/no catch;
DO NOT return to the
infield;
Coverage reverts to 3
man mechanics.
U2
R2
U3:
•
•
Move down the line to
observe R1’s tag;
Be ready to move into
position to a runner into
3rd.
U3
U1
U1
U1:
•
R1
•
Plate:
•
Move into position to
observe touches and
make calls at home.
P
Move into the infield and
pivot observing the BR’s
touch of 1st;
Be prepared to take the
runner back into 1st or into
2nd.
58
FLY BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
U3 HAS THE CATCH/NO CATCH
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
•
•
U3:
•
•
•
•
•
Move out on the ball
getting the best possible
angle for the catch/no
catch;
Be virtually stopped when
making the call;
Give a visual signal of the
catch/no catch;
DO NOT return to the
infield;
Coverage reverts to 3 man
mechanics.
Moves into the infield to observe the tags of
R2;
Take R2 into 3rd;
Observe R2’s touch of 3rd and call any plays
at 3rd.
U2
R2
U3
U1
U1
U1:
•
R1
•
Plate:
•
•
Move into position to
observe R1’s tag at 3rd;
Observe the touches of
home and make calls
at home.
P
Move into the infield and
pivot observing the BR’s
touch of 1st;
Be prepared to take the
runner back into 1st or into
2nd.
59
BASE HIT
INITIAL MOVEMENT
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
Move into the infield to take all touches and
plays at 2nd;
Come in on the side of the base away from
the throw;
Stay on the outfield side of the base if cannot
make it inside.
•
•
U2
R2
U3:
•
U3
Move down the line ready
to move into position to
take all touches and calls at
3rd.
U1
U1
U1:
•
R1
Plate:
•
Move into position to
observe the touches at
home and make calls at
home.
•
P
Move into position to tags
and touches of 1st;
Be prepared to take the
runner back into 1st.
60
GROUND BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
•
•
Move into the infield to take all touches and plays at
2nd;
Come in on the side of the base away from the
throw;
Stay on the outfield side of the base if cannot make it
inside.
U2
R2
U3:
•
U3
Move down the line ready
to move into position to
take all touches and calls at
3rd.
U1
U1
U1:
•
R1
Plate:
•
Move into position to
observe the touches at
home and make calls at
home.
•
P
Move in to make the call at
1st;
On an overthrow observe the
ball and determine if it goes
out of play.
61
POSITIONS WITH THE BASES LOADED
U1 IN A; U2 IN F; U3 IN D
R2
U2
U3
U1
R3
R1
P
62
FLY BALL COVERAGES
U3’s Outfield
U1’s Outfield
U2:
•
F4 and F6 unless moving
toward the foul line on
their side.
R2
U2
U3:
•
•
•
U3
U1
F8 going back, coming in,
and going to his right;
F7 in all instances;
F5 and F6 moving toward 3rd
base.
R3
U1:
•
•
•
R1
Plate:
•
F1 and F2.
P
F8 going to his left;
F9 in all instances;
F3 and F4 moving toward 1st
base,
63
FLY BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
U1 HAS THE CATCH/NO CATCH
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
Move into position to
take all touches and
calls at 2nd:
Move to a position
halfway between 1st and
2nd to call plays at 1st.
•
R2
U2
U3:
•
•
Move down the line to
observe R1’s tag;
Be ready to move into
position to a runner into
3rd.
Plate:
•
•
U3
U1
R3
R1
Move into position to
observe touches and
make calls at home;
Observe R3’s tag at 1st.
U1:
•
•
•
•
•
•
P
Tells his partners he is going out by
saying, “I’ve got the ball.”;
Gets the best angle possible;
Is stopped for the catch/no catch;
Gives a visual catch/no catch signal;
Once out, stays out, does not return
the infield;
Coverage reverts to a 3 man crew.
64
FLY BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
U3 HAS THE CATCH/NO CATCH
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
Move into position to
take all tags, touches,
and calls at 2nd;
Move with R2 to 3rd and
take all touches of 3rd
and make all calls at
3rd.
•
U3:
•
•
•
•
•
Move out on the ball
getting the best possible
angle for the catch/no
catch;
Be virtually stopped when
making the call;
Give a visual signal of the
catch/no catch;
DO NOT return to the
infield;
Coverage reverts to 3 man
mechanics.
R2
U2
U3
R3
U1:
•
R1
Plate:
•
•
Move into position to
observe tag of R1 at
3rd;
Observe touches at
home and make calls
at home.
U1
•
•
P
Move into the infield and
pivot observing the BR’s
touch of 1st;
Be prepared to make calls
at 1st;
Be prepared to take R3 into
2nd observing touches and
make the calls on plays.
65
INITIAL MOVEMENT
BASE HIT
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
Move into position to take
all tags, touches, and calls
at 2nd.
R2
U2
U3:
•
Move down the line ready
to move into position to
take all touches and calls
at 3rd.
U3
U1
R3
R1
Plate:
•
Move into position to
observe the touches at
home and make calls at
home.
U1:
•
•
P
Move into position to tags
and touches of 1st;
Be prepared to take the
runner back into 1st.
66
GROUND BALL
INITIAL MOVEMENT
POSSIBLE DOUBLE PLAY
SECONDARY MOVEMENT
BALL FLIGHT
U2:
•
•
•
Move into position to observe the
play at 2nd;
Rule safe/out on any play at 2nd;
Watch for interference by R1 due to
an illegal slide.
R2
U2
U3:
•
Move down the line ready to
move into position to take all
touches and calls at 3rd.
U3
U1
R3
U1:
•
R1
•
Plate:
•
Move into position to
observe the touches at
home and make calls at
home.
P
Move in to position to make the call at
1st;
On an overthrow observe the ball and
determine if it goes out of play.
67