Situation hub

Cutoff and relay situations

Cutoff and relay situations turn a long throw into a team play. The outfielder gets the ball in fast, the cutoff lines up with the target, the trail defender protects the miss, and the catcher or base defender makes the final call.

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When to use it

When to teach this family

  • Use these plays when a runner can score or take an extra base on a ball to the outfield.
  • Teach them when middle infielders need to learn who cuts from each side of the field.
  • Review them when throws sail past the cutoff, two players cut the same lane, or nobody trails the relay.

Common mistakes

What to watch

  • Cutoff players standing still instead of moving into the throwing lane.
  • The relay facing the outfielder instead of turning shoulders toward the target.
  • Trail defenders standing beside the cutoff instead of underneath the throw.
  • Catchers calling for every throw home even when the lead runner has stopped.

12 plays

Concrete plays in this family