High school
Fielding / Infield
All positions
Intermediate
Proper Cutoffs and Relays Teaching Progression
Instructional breakdown and drill progression for teaching both basic and advanced cutoff/relay systems, including modern MLB-style options.
- Equipment:
- Glove
- Duration:
- About 12 min
- Setting:
- Outdoor
- Players:
- Team
Coaching notes
Walks through standard single cutoffs to home and third, then introduces advanced setups that give the outfielder multiple options (e.g., 1B as cut to home and SS as cut to third). Emphasizes positioning, communication, and decision-making.
Objectives
Teach clear cutoff responsibilities; introduce advanced multi-option systems; improve team communication and decision speed on extra-base hits.
Coaching cues
Know your responsibility before the ball is hit; Create the lane early; Communicate the cut call loudly; Give the outfielder clear options; Trail properly.
Common errors
Standing in the wrong place; Quiet or late communication; Not giving the outfielder a clear target; Failing to cover the bases behind the play.
Steps
- 1. Walk through basic single-cutoff alignments
- 2. Practice live throws with standard cuts
- 3. Introduce advanced dual-option setups
- 4. Run game-speed situations with decision-making
Source:
Baseball Instincts
