Arizona Umpiring Academy

ARIZONA UMPIRING ACADEMY JANUARY 20-23, 2005 CLASS

GREAT JOB GUYS!

Arizona Umpiring Academy instructor, Ted Barrett (MLB), working with this student helping him "understand" how and why the scissor stance is worked. The middle picture the umpire is looking into a mirror to get immediate feedback. Video station is set as a part of the rotation the cage (far right picture). This is another great teaching tool used for immediate feedback and to assist the students in becoming more competent as an "complete umpire".

Each student gets hands on instruction the entire time of the training. Scott Higgins (MLB/NCAA) and Don Rea (AAA) in the far left picture evaluate the student as the pitch comes is delivered from the pitching machine. The middle and far right picture show Travis Katzenmeier (MLB/NCAA) breaking down the proper use of eyes. Proper use of eyes is a major element of "getting pitches right".

The Arizona Umpiring Academy uses the most effective teaching methods and along with unique teaching tools that help each umpire maximize their own potential. Notice the orange cones in each of these pictures? Simple as it sounds, these cones play an important role through the entire clinic. The training is set up to be demanding, yet extremely friendly and fun.

Major league umpire, Ted Barrett, works hands on with all the students. Ted is a great MLB umpire and an even better educator of umpiring. Ted, along with all other AZUA instructors, specializes in being able to TEACH umpiring.

Ted Barrett using one of our more fun training tools, the blind fold. The drill allows the umpire to grasp the importance of using more than your eyes for force plays at first base. The sound of the baseball hitting the mitt and the sound of the batter runner's foot stepping on first base two important variables that assist the umpire getting the play right.

Sunrise Mountain High School baseball players provide a playing atmosphere for the umpires.