Glossary
Plain-language definitions for the words that show up in Ready Set Field plays.
Showing all 9 terms.
cutoff
Also: cutoff man, cut man
A defender who lines up between the ball and the target base so a long throw can be stopped, redirected, or relayed.
Example: On a hit to the outfield, the shortstop may become the cutoff between center field and home plate.
relay
Also: relay throw, relay lane
A throw that moves through another defender instead of trying to travel all the way to the target in one long throw.
Example: The outfielder throws to the cutoff, then the cutoff sends the relay home.
trail
Also: trail the play, trailer
To follow behind the main play so there is help if the ball is dropped, cut, or redirected.
Example: The second baseman trails the relay so second base is still protected if the cutoff misses the throw.
force
Also: force out, force play
An out made by touching the base a runner must advance to because another runner or the batter-runner is pushing them forward.
Example: With a runner on first, the defense can touch second base with the ball for the force out.
tag-up
Also: tagging up
When a runner waits on their base until a fly ball is caught, then leaves the base to try to advance.
Example: A runner on third tags up after a catch in center field and tries to score.
backup
Also: back up, backing up
A defender moving behind the throw, base, or play so one mistake does not turn into extra bases.
Example: The pitcher backs up home in case the relay throw skips past the catcher.
safety-outlet
Also: safety valve, outlet
A safe, nearby target a defender can use when the main throw is risky or no longer available.
Example: First base can be the safety outlet if the cutoff stops the throw and has no play at home.
infield-in
Also: corners in, infield drawn in
A defensive alignment where infielders move closer to home plate to cut down a runner trying to score.
Example: With a runner on third, the infield comes in so a ground ball can be thrown home first.
delayed-steal
Also: delay steal, delayed steal of second, first-and-third delayed steal
A steal attempt where the runner waits briefly after the pitch instead of breaking right away, then goes when the defense relaxes or turns the ball away.
Example: With a runner on first, the runner waits for the catcher to return the ball, then breaks for second when the middle infield drifts away.
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