Pitching and Pitchers Discussion 10U Strike Zone

[default]

Just curious as to what everyone thinks a 10U strike zone should be. Should they get squeezed like the older girls, should they get a ball off of the edge of the plate, should they get the high or low strike??? Just wondering what the thoughts are out there.

DD is at a tourney and had to basically throw down the middle to get strikes today. Got hit and lost. Oh well. No sour grapes here, believe you me. You have to work the umps zone the best you can but the object is to NOT throw it down the middle.

Can't wait to hear the feeback.

My understanding is that the strike zone is the bottom of the arm pit to the knees. I havnt seen an ump yet (in any of our games) call the high strike though. It seems that most of them have a waist to knees strike zone. One of our Umps yesterday was calling the corners and I was happy to see that! It doesnt seem to happen very often.

 

[default]

This illustration is from the NCAA rule book. This is pretty much what I use in upper-level games with skilled pitchers- with the exception that the top of the ASA/high school strike zone is the armpits (for NCAA it's the sternum, maybe 1/2 a ball width lower than ASA/high school).

For a lower-level game, with less-skilled pitchers, about the only real adjustment I'll make is at the top of the zone. There, I will allow for the bottom of the ball to nick the top line. I might give the pitchers a little bit (1/2 a ball, or about 2 inches) around the entire perimeter of the zone.

Calling an acceptable zone is skill-level and age dependent. The strike zone described above for younger, less-skilled players works well for them. Try calling that same zone for an upper-level game and they will be ready to lynch you!

Calling a good strike zone is a balancing act. What you're trying to find is the strike zone of least resistance- one that is acceptable to the participants for whatever level of ball you're working. You should be looking for strikes and giving the pitchers a little benefit of the doubt. But you can't be ridiculous about it. Pitches at eye level, around the ankles or a foot outside should never be called strikes. These pitches are, essentially, unhittable and you would be doing the hitters a disservice to call those pitches strikes.

I find that if I use the above illustration as a starting point, then try to be as consistent as possible for both pitchers, throughout the entire game, that I get very few complaints about the strike zone. The strike zone itself is pretty darn big. Most pitches in the zone are so obvious that grandma sitting in the bleachers can see them. It's the borderline pitches, at the fringes of the zone, where most of the controversy will occur. If you can establish some realistic visual boundaries, and consistently stick to them, it goes a long way toward keeping the controversy at a minimum.

I thank you Bretman for the above information. It is VERY helpful.

 

[default]

Spoken like a true 10u Pitcher's DAD.... :lmao:

What's that supposed to mean?

 

[default]

What it says...Mad Hornet.

Strike zones for 10u is the same as any other age group.. based on the batter.

In 10u and a lot of 12u , the girls can vary so much in height. That low strike that is a strike for a smaller girl... is not a strike for the taller girl. And as an umpire, when you hear someone say " That was at the same spot as the last girl and you called it a strike"... then you know that the coach or a Pitcher's parents hasn't a clue about strike zones and how they vary on every girl.

 

[default]

Strike Zone is the strike zone depending on batter but I believe you call it how it should be called that way there is no discrepancies. Black on the plate is part of it also.

 

[default]

Strike Zone is the strike zone depending on batter but I believe you call it how it should be called that way there is no discrepancies. Black on the plate is part of it also.

Black is what -a part of the strike zone ? :lmao:

And thus, a clear understanding WHY the strike zone is different from coach to coach - parent to parent.

The black is suppose to be buried UNDER the dirt and not seen. Do you see BLACK in the professional games? Of course not !!!! Look at the plate at your next professional game you watch on TV. I don't see black anywhere.

Too many umpires in the lower age groups "OPEN" up the strike zone and make a huge array of strike zones from one field to another.. and thus confuse and bewilder the coaches and parents. Strike is a strike and a ball is a ball.

Close enough.. is not good enough to be a strike.

 

[default]

Kudos (again) to Bret. I don't think my DD's team ever had you as an umpire, but it would have been a pleasure... especially considering some of the alternatives here and their opinions. Your good work and solid knowledge of the rules is appreciated!

 

[default]

When I umpire, I try to put my eyes at the top of the strike zone on each batter which allows me to focus more on the low, in and out. By setting up this way I know that anything above my eyes is a ball. You see the biggest problem with umpires that stay upright or can't get down to hold a consistent strike zone. If you have one of these umpires you are in for a long game. IMO

 

[default]

Black is what -a part of the strike zone ? :lmao:

And thus, a clear understanding WHY the strike zone is different from coach to coach - parent to parent.

The black is suppose to be buried UNDER the dirt and not seen. Do you see BLACK in the professional games? Of course not !!!! Look at the plate at your next professional game you watch on TV. I don't see black anywhere.

Too many umpires in the lower age groups "OPEN" up the strike zone and make a huge array of strike zones from one field to another.. and thus confuse and bewilder the coaches and parents. Strike is a strike and a ball is a ball.

Close enough.. is not good enough to be a strike.

Your the funny guy everyone talks about arent you?

WE are not professionals and neither is anyone on here it is softball. When did they start a real professional softball league???? I am being serious when did they? If you are referring to baseball then I guess I forgot we are on a softball website....IN all seriousness it should be same on that aspect for either sport. But whwn you say a strike is a strike I 100% agree but when it is people making the call there can be judement errors and could be close say....1/4 of the ball on edge of white in that case anyone who knows the game knows that it is on the "black" part of the plate for all intensive purposes!! Thanks for correcting me great one.;&

 

[default]

When I umpire, I try to put my eyes at the top of the strike zone on each batter which allows me to focus more on the low, in and out. By setting up this way I know that anything above my eyes is a ball. You see the biggest problem with umpires that stay upright or can't get down to hold a consistent strike zone. If you have one of these umpires you are in for a long game. IMO

I like that way as well.

 

[default]

Your the funny guy everyone talks about arent you?

WE are not professionals and neither is anyone on here it is softball. When did they start a real professional softball league???? I am being serious when did they?

Are you serious!!!...Have you not ever heard of the Akron Racers???

http://www.akronracers.org/

 

[default]

Your the funny guy everyone talks about arent you?

WE are not professionals and neither is anyone on here it is softball. When did they start a real professional softball league???? I am being serious when did they? If you are referring to baseball then I guess I forgot we are on a softball website....IN all seriousness it should be same on that aspect for either sport. But whwn you say a strike is a strike I 100% agree but when it is people making the call there can be judement errors and could be close say....1/4 of the ball on edge of white in that case anyone who knows the game knows that it is on the "black" part of the plate for all intensive purposes!! Thanks for correcting me great one.;&

Actually there IS a women's professional softball league

Who was referring to baseball? Not, I. Plate is the plate..softball or baseball. Doesn't matter.

1/4 of the ball is on the white.. not 3/4 on the black. Thus a strike because it was on the white.

Feel free to ask anything and I'll get you answer if I don't know it personally

 

[default]

Actually there IS a women's professional softball league

Who was referring to baseball? Not, I. Plate is the plate..softball or baseball. Doesn't matter.

1/4 of the ball is on the white.. not 3/4 on the black. Thus a strike because it was on the white.

Feel free to ask anything and I'll get you answer if I don't know it personally

I can tell you would find all the answers. I think we both mean the same things just different lingo. And truthfully I was wondering about the professional softball league because I recently watched what I thought was a game from a "professional" game becasue Jenni Finch and some other big names were playing and they referrenced something about pro league. That gives me..I mean my DD more inspiration to keep getting better.

 

[default]

Some teams ask me where to play... mostly 10u coaches as they are new to the tournament world and want a good experience. I have sent them all over Kentucky and Indiana and Ohio. Good luck charm to one team I guess as they have take first place once and second place twice in the three I have sent them to and they loved it.

I have found teams for six players so far this season as for some reason parents come asking me where to go play ! ( Better than telling me where to go.. I guess...:lmao: )

I just put my sixth player this year on a team yesterday. They are from up North. 250 miles away from me. She is a pitcher, catcher, first baseperson and probally an asset to the team I sent her parents to. We shall see next weekend as she is their number two pitcher now after practices this week with the team. Two players from Cincinnati decided to play with this org as well this year after their team folded. Heck of a drive every weekend.. but they want to play for this org after they did "guest" appearences and couple weekends back and loved them.

I do my best for these kids.... all of them. I answer questions from coaches about USSSA rules.. guide them to the section in the rule book concerning their questions. Give away prizes unheard of here in Ohio, uniforms, jackets, hoodies and now rings.

Check out the rings the coaches and players get for our Ohio Lady Patriots 10u Invitational in Clinton, Ohio. I think the girls will love the rings.

http://www.crownawards.com/StoreFront/RGCH-6US.ALL.Award_By_Sport.USSSA_Championship_Rings.prod

 

[default]

And all the girls go to the Akron Racers game on Saturday night on me (TD) and eat too !!! Get signatures, etc... from the pro players.

On Saturday morning.. we are working on a "special guests" to be at the park when the teams come pulling in for the event.

Jenny Finch plays for the Chicago team and they are the team in town playing the Racers on that Saturday night of the event as well as on the night before ( Friday night).

Pro league looks like it might be going to six (6) teams in 2011. Cross your fingers. Gives more opportunity for the women to play ball after college.

 

[default]

I like that way as well.

Having watched a lot of baseball and softball over the years I can attest to the fact that the umpires who stand straight are very inconsistent (or never call it) when it comes to a low strike. It really penalizes the pitcher who can paint the corner at the bottom of the zone and doesn't get the call.

 

[default]

Black is what -a part of the strike zone ? :lmao:

And thus, a clear understanding WHY the strike zone is different from coach to coach - parent to parent.

The black is suppose to be buried UNDER the dirt and not seen. Do you see BLACK in the professional games? Of course not !!!! Look at the plate at your next professional game you watch on TV. I don't see black anywhere.

Too many umpires in the lower age groups "OPEN" up the strike zone and make a huge array of strike zones from one field to another.. and thus confuse and bewilder the coaches and parents. Strike is a strike and a ball is a ball.

Close enough.. is not good enough to be a strike.

Funny that for YEARS broadcasters talked about how Maddux and Glavine would paint the "BLACK". Guess they don't know ball either.

 

[default]

Kudos (again) to Bret. I don't think my DD's team ever had you as an umpire, but it would have been a pleasure... especially considering some of the alternatives here and their opinions. Your good work and solid knowledge of the rules is appreciated!

Had the privelege of meeting and having Bretman officiate our last two games today. He did an outstanding job.

It was kind of funny because I remembered he said he would be working Westerville today on a previous post. Then we we got our umps for the semi final and he said his name was Brett I asked "are you the famous Bretman"?

He looked a bit surprised at the question but then said that was him I said, "glad to meet you, I'm Mad Hornet". He was a true professional as were Ray, Lou, and Claire who worked the field. Actually all the umps at Westerville did an outstanding job and were professionals at all times. Good job crew!

 

[default]

It was awesome to meet you! It would have been great to talk a little more, but when you're working a game you have to stay as neutral as possible, as to not to give any hint or appearance of bias toward one team or the other. Generally, I'm not one to chat it up a whole lot with the coaches during a game.

As so often is the case, the bottom line in softball is pitching and yours was impressive today. The hitting and fielding wasn't too shabby either! You obviously have a well-coached, fundamentally sound team. The championship game, from an umpiring standpoint, was one of the most enjoyable games I've worked in awhile, even though by that point we were all hot, tired and sunburned. And that was an exciting finish!

Like the umpires usually do, after the game we kind of review our performance, going over any missed coverages, mistakes we might have made, odd situations that came up, questions about rules, etc. This is one game where there really wasn't much for us to talk about. I did beat myself up a little bit because on the one checked swing appeal we had, "by the book" I went to the "wrong" umpire for help (we were using three umpires), but I think he still made the right call and I doubt if anybody even noticed that. We had a discussion about the lone illegal pitch call the first base umpire made. And that was about it. From our standpoint, it really doesn't get much more routine than that- just the way I like it!

One of the problems that pops up a lot in the younger age groups is that these games usually have the least experienced umpires. We were talking before the game and, between the three of us, we had a combined experience of something like 70 years of umpiring. I would expect us to do a good job and would be dissappointed if we didn't!

Best of luck the rest of the sesaon. I'll keep an eye out for you out on the fields!

 

[default]

I did beat myself up a little bit because on the one checked swing appeal we had, "by the book" I went to the "wrong" umpire for help (we were using three umpires), but I think he still made the right call and I doubt if anybody even noticed that.

I was going to say something about that but decided to let it go....

Just kidding! You're right we never noticed. Hope to see you again!