Basic hand signals include: Strike, Ball, Safe/out. A strike is usually indicated when an umpire makes a fist with one hand while tapping their other palm above their head or waist depending on area of strike zone being identified. A ball is usually indicated when an umpire extends his arm out horizontally towards 3rd base from home plate.

The right hand is the "action" hand and the plate umpire uses the action hand to signal things like play, strike, out, fair ball (i.e., live ball), infield fly, and so forth. He uses his left hand for controlling the game or when pointing to a partner, when controlling the pitcher, and for holding the indicator and the mask.