The Little League Plate Mechanics clinic is back for its second year in 2026, and our National Instructor Team is excited about offering this specialized clinic to help umpires of all skill levels and experience improve their plate work! This training event is open to umpires ages 18 and older.

Our plate mechanics clinic will focus specifically on building and refining the fundamentals of working the plate to produce accurate and competent plate umpires. The curriculum will focus on five instructional modules, leveraging dynamic seminar, interactive classroom instruction, drill-work, and video analysis to provide a highly engaging and thought-provoking learning environment:

· Module 1: The 3 Basic Steps to Calling Balls & Strikes

· Module 2: Strike Zone Strategy

· Module 3: Style & Form of Calls

· Module 4: Efficient Movement from behind the Plate

· Module 5: Play Positioning for Force Plays and Tag Plays at the Plate

Training materials and lunch will be provided for all attending umpires, and umpires will be responsible for making their own lodging arrangements, along with breakfast and dinner arrangements.

Additionally, umpires are required to bring all umpire equipment and gear and are requested to dress in full umpire uniform during all sessions unless communicated otherwise by the training staff. Umpires should also bring a glove with them for cage work, drills, and simulations throughout the event.

As a Little League Umpire, all umpires are reminded to complete a background check on the Umpire Registry for $5.00 in addition to completing the Abuse Awareness Training via USA Baseball and SafeSport. Attendees may be required to provide a copy of the certificate indicating completion of this Abuse Awareness Training prior to participating in the training event. The Abuse Awareness training is free and can be completed here: https://www.littleleague.org/university/articles/abuse-awareness-training-course/. (Note: Certificates must be dated after October 1 of the previous year to be valid and will be necessary should live games or simulations be used during the event.)

Whether new to the umpiring ranks or many years of experience, this plate mechanics clinic will ensure you have the most current, up-to-date, and approved mechanics and rules knowledge to elevate your game and succeed as a plate umpire. We hope to see you soon!

Plate Mechanics Clinic - Waco 2026