Baseball Cutoffs and Relays: A Simple Coaching Guide
A cutoff is the infielder who steps into the throwing lane to catch an outfielder's throw and redirect it, keeping runners from taking the extra base. A relay is a middle infielder who runs out into the shallow outfield to shorten a long throw on a ball hit into the gap. The corner infielders handle most cutoffs to home, the shortstop handles throws to third, and the middle infielders run the relays. Get those roles automatic and you take runs off the board every game.
The problem is that cutoffs and relays are a team skill, not a solo one. Nine players have to move together on every batted ball. This guide breaks down who covers what, where to line up, and the drills that make it muscle memory. It works the same for baseball and softball.
What is the difference between a cutoff and a relay?
A cutoff man stays in the infield. On a single or a sacrifice fly with a play at a base, a corner infielder lines up between the outfielder and the target base so the throw can either go through to the base or be cut and redirected to a trailing runner. The cutoff is about control, not distance.
A relay man leaves the infield. On a ball hit to the wall or into the gap, no outfielder can reach a base on one throw, so a middle infielder sprints into the shallow outfield grass, takes the throw, spins, and fires to the base. The relay is about turning one long throw into two short, accurate ones.
Who is the cutoff man on every outfield throw?
This is the part young teams get wrong most often. The assignment depends on where the ball is hit and which base you are throwing to. Here is the standard system that works at every level.
First baseman is the cutoff on balls hit to center and right field. Third baseman is the cutoff on balls hit to left field. The catcher directs them with a loud "cut home" or "let it go."
Shortstop is the cutoff on a throw coming to third base. The third baseman stays on the bag to apply the tag, so the shortstop fills the cutoff spot.
On gap and corner doubles, the shortstop goes out for balls to left and left center. The second baseman goes out for balls to right and right center. The other middle infielder covers the base.
Where should the cutoff man line up?
Lining up is a skill in itself. A cutoff man in the wrong spot is worse than no cutoff at all. Teach these three steps and have players rep them until they move without thinking.
Custom Pro Baseball or Softball Whiteboard -w Handle
Draw the cutoff lines and relay routes right on a two sided board with the field already printed, so players see exactly where to line up before they ever hit the dirt.
How do you teach cutoffs and relays at practice?
You build this skill in layers. Start slow with no runners, then add speed, then add pressure. Fifteen minutes twice a week turns a confused team into one that moves on instinct.
Cutoffs and relays: quick answers
To catch an off line or weak throw and redirect it, and to stop trailing runners from advancing while the lead runner is played. The cutoff keeps the defense in control of the ball.
The third baseman. On balls to center and right field with a play at home, the first baseman is the cutoff man instead.
Roughly 45 to 60 feet in front of the base for older players, and closer for youth teams with shorter arms. Line up straight between the thrower and the bag.
It is the same as baseball. A cut lines up in the infield to control a throw. A relay runs into the outfield to shorten a long throw on a ball hit to the wall or gap.
The second baseman covers second base, and the shortstop is the relay man on balls to left and left center. The roles flip on balls hit to the right side.
Usually because the cutoff man lines up late or out of the lane, or because no one is calling the play. Fix the voice behind the plate and the lineup first.
Draw it up, then go run it
Cutoffs and relays click when players can see the lines before they run them. A custom two sided board with your field printed on it lets you chalk up every situation in seconds, erase, and go again. Build yours with your team name and colors.
