General Movement by the Plate Umpire

Terms-

The catch line is an imaginary line that runs roughly from 3rd base to 1st base. It is used as a starting point for how far the play umpire should go to call a catch in the outfield.
The hit line is about half as far as the catch line. It is the area the plate man should go to when there is a base hit.
The post is an area in foul territory roughly half way between 3rd base and the plate about 3 or 4 feet foul. It is where the plate umpire will go to watch action from time to time.
The point of the plate refers to a spot on the field at the edge of the grassy area that surrounds the plate and directly behind home plate.
Third base or first base extended refers to an imaginary line that runs from the first or third base foul line back through the batters boxes along the edge of home plate and all the way to the backstop. It is one of the tools the plate umpire uses for orientation on some plays.

Fair/ Foul- To make a fair/ foul call, straddle the foul line as far up the line as the ball will take you. This may mean straddle the foul line extended. Make sure you are still at the point the ball is either fair or foul.

Fly Balls-

To call a fly ball in the outfield, go to the catch line and open up a slight angle to see any trouble catch. Make certain you are still by the time the catch is attempted.
Straddle the foul line if there is a chance the ball will go foul. Go as far as you can go and still stop before the catch is made.
To call a fly ball that may be caught by the catcher open your gait as the catcher moves for the ball and move with him (keep your eyes on him, not the ball). Be ready to develop angle as the play develops and be ready when the catcher tosses his mask away. You may need to straddle the line for fair/foul.
With runners at 1st and 2nd and less than 2 out, you need to cover 3rd on a caught fly ball. Go to the post to wait for the play to develop. When ball and runner come together, step into the cutout to make the call.
Don’t cross the foul line unless you have to. If you go back to the plate, go straight to the point of the plate, on an overthrow return home in fair territory.

Ground Balls-

With no one on base, clear the catcher and move up the 1st base foul line. Make sure you are still when the play is made.
On a ground ball with multiple runners when it is not practical to get too far into the infield or too far up the first base line, fight for whatever position you can get to see the calls you still need to make.

Base Hits-

With no one on base, go to the hit line. If the play continues, go to the point of the plate in case there is a play at the plate.
With runners on 1st only or 1st and 3rd, you will cover 3rd base, so go to the post. When ball and runner come together step into the cutout to make the call. If there is an overthrow at 3rd come home without crossing over the base line.
In other multiple runner situations go to the point of the plate to prepare for either a play at the plate or one of several other possible plays.

Special Situations-

If there is a rundown between 1st and 2nd or between 2nd and 3rd go up the line halfway until the play is going away from you (toward 2nd base), then step into the cutout to make a call. If the play comes home do not cross the foul line.
To cover a tag up play at 3rd go to a spot in foul territory where you can see both catch and tag without moving, then go directly to the point of the plate to prepare for the play at the plate.
When there is a play at the plate go first to the point of the plate. Generally speaking if the throw is late to the catcher go to the 3rd base line extended to get the best look. If the throw is early go to the 1st base line extended.

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