Set – Safe Mechanic

The “Set – Safe” Mechanic uses the “Hands-On-Knees Set” Position and the “Safe” Mechanic. If you have not watched the “Hands-On-Knees Set” Position and the “Safe” Mechanic videos, you may want to do so prior to watching this video. The “Set – Safe” Mechanic is primarily used by the Base Umpire to come set prior to making a “safe” call so the play can be seen clearly. In this video, we will break down the “Set – Safe” Mechanic.

If moving to get into position, come to a stop by first planting the left foot, then planting the right foot a little more than shoulder-width apart. From here, settle into a “Hands-on-Knees Set” position. Do not “hop” into position because you could slip and cause injury. Once in the “Hands-on-Knees Set” Position, use the “Safe” mechanic to make the call. lift the torso straight up. It is not necessary to bring the feet together during this movement. Simultaneously, lift the arms straight up, about shoulder high. Fingers on the hands should be closed with the thumb resting beside the pointer finger. Next, move the arms out to the sides parallel to the ground making sure that they are in-line with the body and not overextended. The hands should remain level with the arms and not be pointing up. As the arms are moving to the sides, verbalize “Safe”. Hold the arms in that position for a few seconds and then drop the arms to the sides.