Baseball and Softball Cutoffs and Relays: A Coach's Guide
On most plays, fielders throw the ball one base ahead of the lead runner, and the cutoff infielder lines up in a straight line between the outfielder and that base. A cutoff is one infielder who can redirect or hold the throw. A relay adds a second infielder for deep balls the outfielder cannot reach in the air. Get those two roles right and you stop the big inning before it starts.
This guide breaks down who covers what, where every throw should go, and how to drill it so your team runs it on instinct, not on hope.
What Is the Difference Between a Cutoff and a Relay?
A cutoff happens when a single infielder positions himself between an outfielder and a base so he can catch the throw and make a new decision. He might let it travel through to the base, cut it and hold the runner, or cut it and fire to a different base. A relay is for balls hit so deep that the outfielder cannot reach the infield on one throw. An infielder runs out toward the outfielder, takes the throw, spins, and fires the rest of the way.
The simple rule that ties both together: throw the ball one base ahead of the lead runner, and keep every throw chest high to head high so the cutoff man can handle it. Low, firm throws beat high rainbows because they arrive faster and give your cutoff a real chance to redirect.
Where Should Each Fielder Throw the Ball?
The cutoff man is the brain of the play. He lines up in a straight line from the outfielder to the target base, listens for the call, and reacts. The trailing fielder or catcher decides everything with his voice.
Dashed lines show the throw from the outfielder, through the cutoff, toward home.
Who Is the Cutoff Man on Each Hit?
Memorizing assignments is what separates clean defenses from chaotic ones. Here is the standard breakdown that works for youth, high school, and travel teams.
The first baseman is the cutoff on a ball from right field. The third baseman is the cutoff on a ball from left field. Line up about 45 feet from the plate.
The shortstop is the cutoff. He drifts toward the outfield grass on the third base side and reads the catch.
The shortstop is the lead relay man, the second baseman trails about 20 to 30 feet behind to back up and call directions.
The second baseman is the lead relay man lining up to home, and the shortstop trails as the backup and the voice.
Custom Pro Baseball or Softball Whiteboard -w Handle
Draw the cutoff line, mark the relay men, and show exactly who covers what. A two sided dry erase board with a full diamond makes these assignments stick.
How Do You Drill Cutoffs and Relays at Practice?
Reps with clear calls beat lectures every time. Run this 15 minute circuit twice a week and your team will react without thinking.
Cutoffs and Relays FAQ
One base ahead of the lead runner, aimed chest high to head high at the cutoff man so he can let it through or redirect it.
The first baseman cuts throws from right field, and the third baseman cuts throws from left field. Both set up roughly 45 feet from the plate.
Two infielders line up. The shortstop leads on balls to left and left center, the second baseman leads on balls to right and right center.
Just the base number means let it through. "Cut" alone means catch and hold. "Cut" plus a base means catch and fire to that base.
Keep it low, around chest to head high. A firm one or two hop throw arrives faster than a high rainbow and stays cuttable.
Yes. The diamond is smaller, so the cutoff sets up closer, but the assignments, the calls, and the one base ahead rule are identical.
Diagram Every Cutoff on Your Own Board
Players learn faster when they can see the line, the relay men, and the call drawn out on a full diamond. Design a two sided baseball or softball whiteboard with your team name and run cleaner defense all season.
