Teaching Cutoffs and Relays: Team Defense That Wins
A team that executes cutoffs and relays consistently prevents extra bases, kills rallies, and wins close games. It is the ultimate team defense skill because every player has a role on every play. This guide breaks down the positioning, communication, and decision-making that make the cutoff and relay system work.
Coach Gerald Bautista
Hitting Coach, Aberdeen IronBirds (MLB Draft League) | Former Professional Baseball Player | Son of an MLB Player
Gerald Bautista spent nine years competing in professional baseball, including time in the Cleveland Guardians organization and independent leagues. Today he serves as the Hitting Coach for the Aberdeen IronBirds of the MLB Draft League — developing the next generation of professional hitters at the highest level of pre-MLB competition. The son of a professional baseball player, Gerald brings a lineage of baseball knowledge alongside his own nine years of professional experience.
Credentials & Experience:
- ✓Hitting Coach, Aberdeen IronBirds (MLB Draft League)
- ✓9 years of professional baseball, including Cleveland Guardians organization
- ✓Son of a professional baseball player — lifelong baseball education
- ✓Specializes in swing mechanics, plate approach, and hitter development
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The cutoff and relay system is the most undercoached aspect of youth baseball defense. In a typical youth game, you will see outfielders throw the ball over the cutoff mans head, cutoff men standing in the wrong position, and infielders standing around watching instead of backing up. Each of these mistakes costs at least one base, and often two.
A well-executed cutoff and relay system does three things: it gets the ball to the correct base as quickly as possible, it gives the defense options (cut and throw to another base, let the throw through, or hold the ball), and it prevents extra advancement by keeping the ball moving with purpose. This guide covers the complete system.
Understanding cutoff vs relay
Cutoff
A cutoff is a single infielder positioned in a direct line between the outfielder and the target base. The cutoff man receives the throw and either lets it through, cuts it and throws to another base, or holds the ball. The cutoff is used on standard base hits where the outfielder can reach the cutoff man with one throw. Typical cutoff distance: 80-120 feet from the outfielder.
Relay
A relay uses two infielders positioned between the outfielder and the target base. The first relay man receives the throw from the outfield and immediately throws to the second relay man or directly to the base. Relays are used on extra-base hits where the ball is hit deep into the outfield gap and a single cutoff throw cannot reach the target base.
Cutoff positioning by situation
Single to left field, runner on second: throw home
The third baseman is the cutoff man. Position: in a direct line between the left fielder and home plate, approximately 40-50 feet from home. The pitcher backs up home plate. The shortstop covers third base. The second baseman covers second. The first baseman stays at first. The catcher positions in front of the plate and gives a verbal command: "Cut!" (catch and hold), "Cut two!" (catch and throw to second), "Cut three!" (catch and throw to third), or no call (let it through).
Single to center or right field, runner on second: throw home
The first baseman is the cutoff man. Position: in a direct line between the outfielder and home plate, approximately 40-50 feet from home. The pitcher backs up home plate. The third baseman covers third. The shortstop covers second or acts as a trailer. The catcher calls the play.
Single to any outfield position, no runners on: throw to second
The shortstop is the cutoff man for balls to left and center field. The second baseman is the cutoff for balls to right field. Position: in a direct line between the outfielder and second base. The other middle infielder covers second base. The pitcher backs up second base.
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Communication: the key to the system
The cutoff and relay system runs on communication. Without it, the cutoff man does not know whether to cut the ball or let it through, and the throw becomes a guess.
The catchers voice
On throws to home plate, the catcher is the decision-maker. The catcher watches the runner and the throw and decides: let it through or cut it. The call must be loud, early, and clear. "Cut!" means catch it. No call means let it through. "Cut three!" means catch it and throw to third. The cutoff man must hear the call before the ball arrives.
Arms up
The cutoff man raises both arms high to give the outfielder a target. Arms up makes the cutoff man visible from 200+ feet away. Without arms up, the outfielder has to search for the cutoff man, which delays the throw and reduces accuracy. Arms go up as soon as the ball is hit. Stay up until the ball is in the air coming toward you.
Alignment voice
The player at the target base (or the catcher at home) can direct the cutoff man into the correct line by yelling "left" or "right" until the cutoff man is directly between the outfielder and the base. This alignment voice is critical because the cutoff man is facing the outfield and cannot see the base behind them.
Five drills for cutoffs and relays
1. Alignment drill
An outfielder stands with a ball. A cutoff man stands where they think they should be. The base receiver at home or second evaluates the alignment and adjusts the cutoff man verbally. Once aligned, the outfielder throws to the cutoff man. Score: was the line correct? Did the throw arrive at a catchable height? Was the verbal communication audible? Run 10 reps with different outfield positions.
2. Decision drill
Set up a full cutoff scenario with a runner. The catcher must decide whether to cut the ball or let it through based on the runners speed and the quality of the throw. After each play, review the decision: was it correct? Why or why not? This drill builds the game sense needed to make real-time cutoff decisions.
3. Rapid relay drill
Line up 4 players across the outfield, each 70-80 feet apart. The first player throws to the second, who catches, turns, and throws to the third, and so on. Time the relay from start to finish. The goal is speed with accuracy. Dropped balls add 5 seconds to the time. This drill builds the quick catch-and-throw mechanics needed for relay plays.
4. Full team situation drill
Put the full defense on the field. Hit balls to various outfield positions and have the entire team execute the cutoff or relay. Every player must go to their correct position. Grade each play on positioning, communication, and throw quality. Film from behind home plate and review. This is the most game-like drill and should be done weekly during the season.
5. Backup responsibility drill
After each play in the full team drill, freeze everyone. Check: is the pitcher backing up the correct base? Is the non-involved middle infielder covering the open base? This drill teaches that cutoff and relay is a nine-person job, not just the outfielder and cutoff man. Award team points for every player in the correct position.
Frequently asked questions
At what age should cutoffs and relays be taught?
Basic cutoff positioning can be introduced at age 9-10. At this age, focus on the concept of hitting the cutoff man rather than advanced decision-making. By age 11-12, introduce relay situations and the decision-making component. By 13-14, the full system with verbal communication and backup responsibilities should be mastered.
How do I teach players to throw to the cutoff instead of the base?
Start by explaining why: a throw to the cutoff man arrives faster and gives the defense more options. Then drill it repeatedly. Award points for hitting the cutoff and penalize throws over the cutoff mans head. Over time, the habit builds. The key insight for outfielders: the cutoff man IS your target, not the base.
What is the most common cutoff mistake?
The cutoff man standing too close to the base. The cutoff man needs to be far enough from the base that they can receive the throw and still have time to redirect it. For throws home, the cutoff should be 40-50 feet from home plate. Standing at 20 feet gives the cutoff man no time to react if they need to redirect the throw.
Defense wins championships
Mind & Muscle includes team defense training modules covering cutoffs, relays, bunt defense, and first-and-third situations.
Download Free TodayFrequently asked questions
Basic cutoff positioning at age 9-10. Focus on hitting the cutoff man, not advanced decisions. By 11-12, introduce relay situations and decision-making.\n\nBy 13-14, the full system with communication and backup responsibilities should be mastered.
A cutoff uses one infielder between the outfielder and the target base. A relay uses two infielders for longer throws, typically on extra-base hits to the gaps.\n\nCutoffs handle standard singles. Relays handle balls hit deep into the outfield.
Explain why hitting the cutoff is better: faster arrival, more defensive options. Then drill it repeatedly with scoring that rewards cutoff accuracy.\n\nThe key insight: the cutoff man IS the target, not the base behind them.
On throws to home plate, the catcher decides. On throws to other bases, the player at the base receiving the throw decides. The call must be loud, early, and clear.\n\nNo call means let it through. 'Cut' means catch and hold. 'Cut [base]' means catch and redirect.
Want to track your player's mechanics alongside their defensive development? Our guide to the best swing analysis apps for kids covers the video tools that work across hitting and fielding fundamentals.
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## How to Teach Cutoffs and Relays So Your Youth Player Actually Gets It
Cutoffs and relays are two of the most misunderstood skills in youth baseball and softball — not because they're complicated, but because most kids have never had them broken down in a way that sticks. If your 10U or 12U player is still turning the wrong direction, catching the ball and freezing, or simply not getting into position at all, you're not alone. This guide gives you a parent-friendly, drill-by-drill framework to fix that — with benchmarks so you know when your player is actually ready to level up.
**Start With the Concept Before the Mechanics**
Before your player ever touches a ball in a relay drill, they need to understand *why* cutoffs exist. Explain it this way: a relay is a shortcut. The ball travels faster through two strong throws than one long, weak one. Once a 9- or 10-year-old understands that they are literally the fastest route home, they care about getting the footwork right. For ages 8–10, focus only on the cutoff man's positioning — get them lined up between the outfielder and the base, arms raised, calling for the ball. That's the entire job at this age. Don't layer in the decision-making yet.
**The Three-Phase Drill Progression (With Benchmarks)**
*Phase 1 (Ages 8–10):* Partner relay lines, 40 feet apart. Focus: catch, pivot toward the target, throw in one motion. Benchmark — your player completes 8 of 10 exchanges without a bobble before moving on. *Phase 2 (Ages 11–13):* Add a live outfielder and a simulated base runner. The cutoff man must now read the throw and decide: cut or let it go. Benchmark — correct decision-making on 7 of 10 reps. *Phase 3 (Ages 14–18):* Full-field scenarios with runners on base, coaches simulating game calls. Benchmark — the player communicates verbally (calling the base) before the ball arrives on 9 of 10 reps. Rushing to Phase 3 before Phase 1 is mastered is the number-one reason travel ball players still struggle with this skill at 14.
When your player is ready to graduate from the backyard to a full-sized throwing environment, many indoor batting cage facilities have open turf or grass areas alongside their lanes — ideal for Phase 2 and 3 relay work at proper distances. WhereToHit's batting cage finder lists facilities near you with hours and contact info so you can call ahead and confirm the space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Basic cutoff positioning (lining up and catching the ball) can be introduced as early as age 8–9. Decision-making — whether to cut the throw or let it go through — is better introduced around ages 11–12, once players have a consistent catch-and-throw foundation. Rushing the decision-making phase before mechanics are solid is the most common coaching mistake at the youth level.
The most common cause is eyes leaving the ball too early — usually to check the runner. Have your player practice calling out the seams or color of the ball as it approaches. This forces visual focus on the catch. A secondary cause is catching in the palm rather than the fingertips, which slows the transfer to a throwing grip. Fingertip catches are faster and more secure.
A cutoff man intercepts a throw to prevent it from going through — typically used on throws to home plate or third base to cut down an advancing runner or prevent an error. A relay is a planned two-throw sequence on deep hits where no single player can make the full throw. Both involve the infielder lining up between the outfielder and the target base, but the intent differs. Teaching the distinction matters around ages 11–13.
You don't need a full field. Set up two cones 50–60 feet apart in a backyard or park. Have your player stand in the middle as the cutoff man while you throw from one end. Focus on footwork: catch, pivot toward the target, and release quickly. Progress to adding a second target (a fence or wall) so they practice making the throw after the catch. Ten focused reps three times a week builds the muscle memory faster than one long practice session.
