How to Use the Cut Off Throw in Baseball

The cut-off throw is one of the most essential ingredients in sound baseball defense. The maneuver allows for an outfielder with a weak arm to place the ball in the infield with greater accuracy, while it also allows for the cut-off man to modify defensive strategy on the fly. Which fielder acts as the cut-off man and their position on the field changes according to which part of the outfield that ball is hit. The effective use of cut-off strategy in regards to baseball defense will prevent errant throws and will increase the accuracy of outfield-to-infield ball delivery.

Things You'll Need

  • Baseball team
  • Baseball field
  • Equipment (baseball, baseball glove, baseball bat)
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Instructions

  1. How to Use the Cut-off Throw in Baseball

    • 1

      Learn which position player should act as the cut-off or “relay.” As a coach or manager, it is your job to arrange your team's players in the appropriate manner. Learn your individual player's strengths and weaknesses and then arrange them accordingly.

    • 2

      Practice the cut-off throw three times per week. Ensure your team's success with the cut-off throw by making the maneuver an important part of your daily practice. Make them practice the cut-off throw every other practice. Teach your players how to get into position in a timely and efficient manner, and work with them in regards to their throwing mechanics.

    • 3

      Place the second basemen in the cut-off or “relay” position when the baseball is hit to right field. The shortstop should back-up the cut-off man at second base, in the event that the runner should advance to second base or the baseball sneaks past the “relay” man.

    • 4

      Place the shortstop in the cut-off or “relay” position when the baseball is hit to left field. The second baseman should then cover the bag at second base. In either instance, the pitcher should be in position to back-up an errant throw to the cut-off man (by the outfielder).

    • 5

      Place the second baseman in the cut-off or “relay” position when the baseball is hit to the left of the center fielder. The shortstop should cover second base and the pitcher should, again, play back-up to the cut-off man. However, if the baseball is hit to the right of the center fielder, the second baseman should cover second base while the shortstop receives the cut-off throw.