Author Topic: U Mechanic for When Run Cuts Back  (Read 14179 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

FredFan7

  • Guest
U Mechanic for When Run Cuts Back
« on: October 22, 2011, 12:18:52 PM »
Moving to U on Friday nights next season.  Working it at JV this year.  Do you have any tips for when a run goes into the side zone and the runner then cuts back to the center of the field and is coming right at you.  pi1eOn

Should I step toward the LOS?
Should I step downfield?
Should I stay put?
Should I do something else?

I know each play is different, but is there a conventional mechanic for for this play?   ^talk

Offline Etref

  • Administrator
  • *****
  • Posts: 2371
  • FAN REACTION: +87/-29
  • " I don't make the rules coach!"
Re: U Mechanic for When Run Cuts Back
« Reply #1 on: October 22, 2011, 01:32:58 PM »
It is like being in an elevator and going out when someone is coming in. No way is the right way.

Most will say stay still and let the runner cut, but be sure to keep your head on a swivel and be on your toes.
" I don't make the rules coach!"

Offline GoodScout

  • *
  • Posts: 508
  • FAN REACTION: +17/-12
Re: U Mechanic for When Run Cuts Back
« Reply #2 on: October 22, 2011, 04:02:28 PM »
If a runner comes to you, freeze. He'll commit to going to one side or the other. If he doesn't and runs into you, you can tease him about being so bad a runner he can't avoid the one guy who DOESNT want to tackle him.

110

  • Guest
Re: U Mechanic for When Run Cuts Back
« Reply #3 on: October 23, 2011, 08:34:36 AM »
Up and in ... the last direction a runner will usually go is the place he came from. Go there. Step towards the runner, to the side, 45 degrees in relation to the point the runner came from.


runner's
path (down, here)
      |
      |   your path (up, and to the right or left)
      | /
      |/
      /



Offline AlUpstateNY

  • *
  • Posts: 4838
  • FAN REACTION: +344/-984
Re: U Mechanic for When Run Cuts Back
« Reply #4 on: October 23, 2011, 12:22:49 PM »
Usually, the Umpire leads the crew in tackles.  When a runner reverses and is coming straight at you, the odds on your successfully moving out of his way are 50/50.  The odds on standing your ground, and hoping he is skilled enough to want to avoid colliding with you are a lot more in your favor.

Depending on the level of competition (player's age) you need to choose to either stand firm, or be prepared to be sent in the direction contact may send you.

Offline TxSkyBolt

  • *
  • Posts: 2007
  • FAN REACTION: +45/-46
Re: U Mechanic for When Run Cuts Back
« Reply #5 on: October 23, 2011, 12:59:48 PM »
I believe the greater danger is from the defender coming to the ball carrier.  Getting hit squarely in the back is no fun.

Offline GoodScout

  • *
  • Posts: 508
  • FAN REACTION: +17/-12
Re: U Mechanic for When Run Cuts Back
« Reply #6 on: October 23, 2011, 03:01:01 PM »
I believe the greater danger is from the defender coming to the ball carrier.  Getting hit squarely in the back is no fun.
Copy that. I noticed a great mechanic in the UT-Alabama game last night I hadn't noticed before. When the U was positioned just behind a linebacker, he would gently touch his back and say something just to let him know he had an official right behind him.

seed

  • Guest
Re: U Mechanic for When Run Cuts Back
« Reply #7 on: October 23, 2011, 10:23:09 PM »
I'd step to the LOS to keep the play 'boxed in' with your wing guys and the back judge. This way, not only is the play boxed in but you are already facing the direction the play is moving.
If you allow him between you and the LOS, at some point you'll have to turn around to follow the play.

Offline TampaSteve

  • Administrator
  • *****
  • Posts: 1536
  • FAN REACTION: +24/-13
Re: U Mechanic for When Run Cuts Back
« Reply #8 on: October 24, 2011, 01:21:09 PM »
stay put.  smart runners (well, not sure @JV level) will use you as a pick.
Otherwise you will play the matador and 'ole the el toro.  Just keep a hand in front of you as a bumper.

mbyron

  • Guest
Re: U Mechanic for When Run Cuts Back
« Reply #9 on: October 24, 2011, 03:13:20 PM »
The advice I heard is: if it's a RB, stay put, as they're used to avoiding people. But if it's a QB, get the hell out of there!

busman

  • Guest
Re: U Mechanic for When Run Cuts Back
« Reply #10 on: October 25, 2011, 11:10:38 AM »
Had at least three of those last night with multiple cutbacks in an 8th grade game. Firm believer in staying put - don't try to outguess them.

Offline blindref757

  • *
  • Posts: 562
  • FAN REACTION: +30/-17
Re: U Mechanic for When Run Cuts Back
« Reply #11 on: October 30, 2011, 07:41:35 AM »
I never worry about getting hit by the guy I can see (the runner), it's that back side CB or LB that I can't see who worries me every time!  I tend to find myself trying to move toward the LOS as I swivel...as quick as possible when I see the cutback start.  If you wait until he's back inside the hash marks, it is too late.

Offline NorCalMike

  • *
  • Posts: 770
  • FAN REACTION: +23/-8
Re: U Mechanic for When Run Cuts Back
« Reply #12 on: October 30, 2011, 02:17:10 PM »
Most of the time I will step towards the LOS. The runner is less likely to cut back towards the LOS than toward the endzone. Standing still and letting the runner go around you is takes a lot of fortitude. I have had ball carriers run right into me that way.


Offline GoodScout

  • *
  • Posts: 508
  • FAN REACTION: +17/-12
Re: U Mechanic for When Run Cuts Back
« Reply #13 on: October 30, 2011, 04:07:33 PM »
Standing still and letting the runner go around you is takes a lot of fortitude.
That's why we're umpires.  yEs:

Offline GAHSUMPIRE

  • *
  • Posts: 566
  • FAN REACTION: +19/-3
Re: U Mechanic for When Run Cuts Back
« Reply #14 on: October 30, 2011, 04:17:15 PM »
That's why we're umpires.  yEs:
^TD  And this will be one of the VERY few times I ever give that signal.  ;D

But I do agree. when you find a runner - regardless of who it is, coming toward you, freeze. He will (more than likely) make a cut around you, and it is easier for all concerned to avoid a stationary target than one that is moving- even one moving as slowly as most of us Umpires.

Offline NorCalMike

  • *
  • Posts: 770
  • FAN REACTION: +23/-8
Re: U Mechanic for When Run Cuts Back
« Reply #15 on: October 30, 2011, 05:58:08 PM »
and it is easier for all concerned to avoid a stationary target than one that is moving- even one moving as slowly as most of us Umpires.
I understand what you are saying but I hate the fact the people believe that its okay for umpires to be slow and overweight. I find as an umpire I need to be quicker and more agile than anyone else on the field. Most officials will never had a player run at them as much as the umpire. I joke about the  sNiCkErS thing all the time and have been known to partake but I find that on most Friday nights the only official that moves more than me is the back judge and he is usually running away from the players.  ;D


Offline GoodScout

  • *
  • Posts: 508
  • FAN REACTION: +17/-12
Re: U Mechanic for When Run Cuts Back
« Reply #16 on: October 30, 2011, 06:58:08 PM »
I think if you look at the newer officials coming into the college and pro ranks as umpires, you'll see the days of chunky U's are over.

Offline GAHSUMPIRE

  • *
  • Posts: 566
  • FAN REACTION: +19/-3
Re: U Mechanic for When Run Cuts Back
« Reply #17 on: October 31, 2011, 08:24:03 AM »
I understand what you are saying but I hate the fact the people believe that its okay for umpires to be slow and overweight. I find as an umpire I need to be quicker and more agile than anyone else on the field. Most officials will never had a player run at them as much as the umpire. I joke about the  sNiCkErS thing all the time and have been known to partake but I find that on most Friday nights the only official that moves more than me is the back judge and he is usually running away from the players.  ;D

As my screenname suggests , I myself am an Umpire, and also believe that the requirements of the position do not lend themselves to slow and overweight individuals (those guys usually wear white hats  ;D ). There was no offense to other Umpires intended. I apologize if my attempt at self-deprecation missed the mark.

Offline NorCalMike

  • *
  • Posts: 770
  • FAN REACTION: +23/-8
Re: U Mechanic for When Run Cuts Back
« Reply #18 on: November 01, 2011, 12:02:59 AM »
No offense taken. Just a bit a rant that needed to get out. I actually believe we have too many officials in all positions that don't have the fitness level necessary to successfully officiate the game. Just a pet peeve of mine.

110

  • Guest
Re: U Mechanic for When Run Cuts Back
« Reply #19 on: November 01, 2011, 05:37:37 AM »
No offense taken. Just a bit a rant that needed to get out. I actually believe we have too many officials in all positions that don't have the fitness level necessary to successfully officiate the game. Just a pet peeve of mine.

Hear, hear.

Offline carrollyp1

  • *
  • Posts: 15
  • FAN REACTION: +0/-0
Re: U Mechanic for When Run Cuts Back
« Reply #20 on: November 03, 2011, 12:57:12 AM »
What has helped me in the past, move one step, usually to way the runner is coming from. If he is coming straight up the middle, stay stll, he will cut off of you. The more you move, the odds go up that you are going to get hit. When I do move, I usually open up to the way he going to. Example: I f you are over the ball at snap, and the runner starts on trap play to left and cuts back right. Take a step left and open up to the right. Usually, everyone is still going left and he is the only one going right in the middle of the line.