Baseball Cutoffs and Relays: A Simple Coach's Guide
On most base hits, the first baseman is the cutoff man for throws to home, and the shortstop or second baseman handles the relay for throws to third and second. The rule almost never changes: the cutoff man lines up in a straight line between the outfielder with the ball and the base you are trying to protect.
Master that one idea and your team stops giving up the extra base that quietly loses close games. Below is exactly who covers what, where they stand, and how to teach it in one practice.
What is the difference between a cutoff and a relay?
A cutoff man is an infielder who lines up in the throwing lane so he can catch the outfielder's throw and redirect it. He might let it go through, cut it and hold the runner, or cut it and throw to a different base. A relay is the same idea used on the deepest hits, where an outfielder cannot reach the base on one throw, so an infielder runs out to receive the ball and fire it the rest of the way.
Think of it this way. On a routine single, you use a cutoff. On a ball in the gap or off the wall, you use a relay. The player positions barely change, which is why coaches teach both together.
Who is the cutoff man on each hit?
Give every player one job they can memorize. When you assign the same responsibilities every practice, reads become automatic and you stop seeing four fielders drift toward the same throw.
The first baseman is the cutoff for balls hit to right and center. The third baseman is the cutoff for balls hit to left. That fielder lines up about 45 feet in front of the plate.
The shortstop is the cutoff on balls hit to the left side and center. He sets up in the grass between the outfielder and third base.
On a single with a relay to second, the second baseman or shortstop takes the throw depending on which fielder is closer to the ball.
The shortstop and second baseman work as a pair. One sprints to the outfield as the relay man, the other trails behind as a backup and to call the target base.
Where should the cutoff man line up?
Position beats speed here. The cutoff man wants to be in a straight line between the outfielder and the base, with his hands up and his glove side open as a target. If the throw is online, he lets you decide with your voice. If it is offline, he catches it, spins, and makes the next play.
The dashed line is the throw. Notice the first baseman is standing directly inside it, roughly two thirds of the way from the outfielder to home. From there he can cut the ball and still throw out a runner trying to advance.
A four rep drill that makes it stick
Cutoffs and relays are a full team skill, so you cannot teach them one player at a time. Put nine defenders on the field, hit fungoes to different spots, and run the same reads over and over. Draw each look on a board first so players see where they belong before they move.
Custom Pro Baseball or Softball Whiteboard -w Handle
Draw every cutoff and relay assignment on a full field diagram, then wipe it clean for the next look. The handle makes it easy to hold in the dugout or on the line.
Common mistakes that give up the extra base
Most breakdowns are not about arm strength. They are about spacing and communication. Fix these three and your defense will look coached.
A cutoff man who drifts within 20 feet of the outfielder has no room to redirect the ball. Line up deep enough to see the whole play.
The cutoff man cannot see the runners behind him. The catcher or the trailing infielder must call the base out loud.
Every throw to a base needs a backup. When the pitcher and far corner fielder do their job, an overthrow costs zero bases instead of two.
Baseball cutoffs and relays FAQ
The first baseman on a throw to home, and the second baseman or shortstop on a throw to second or third. The first baseman lines up roughly 45 feet in front of the plate.
An infielder who runs into the outfield to receive a throw the outfielder cannot make in one hop, then turns and fires the ball to the base. Used on gappers and balls off the wall.
Far enough to see the whole throw and still make a strong throw to the base, usually about a third of the way out into the outfield grass and in a straight line with the target.
A single word. "Cut" to catch and hold, "cut" plus a base number to redirect the throw, or "let it go" when the throw is online to home.
The pitcher backs up the base the throw is going to, lined up deep so an overthrow stays in front of him and the runner cannot advance.
No. Softball uses the same positions, calls, and backups. Only the field is smaller, so throws are shorter and the reads happen faster.
Draw it, teach it, win the close ones
The fastest way to teach cutoffs and relays is to show your players a clean field diagram before they ever move. A custom dry erase board lets you draw each assignment, run the rep, then wipe and reset for the next look.
