Cutoff & Relay — Gap to Right-Center
RF → relay (2B) → C at plate
A ball is driven into the right-center gap with a runner on first trying to score. The second baseman sprints out as the relay man, lines up with the plate, and the throw comes home.
Press Watch the Play to run the sequence, or tap any player to study their job.
All 9 jobs
Ball Bag Backup
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P
Pitcher Backup
Sprint to back up home plate behind the catcher.
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C
Catcher Bag
Guard the plate, give a target, and take the relay throw for the tag.
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1B
First Base Bag
Cover first base and trail as a second cutoff if the throw comes up short.
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2B
Second Base Ball
Sprint into short right field as the relay man; line up with the plate and catch the throw.
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3B
Third Base Bag
Cover third base in case the runner is held or the batter tries to advance.
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SS
Shortstop Bag
Cover second base behind the relay in case the batter-runner stops there.
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LF
Left Field Backup
Cross behind the infield to back up second base from the left.
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CF
Center Field Backup
Back up the right fielder in the gap in case the ball gets by him.
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RF
Right Field Ball
Run the ball down in the gap and fire to the second baseman relay man.
Coaching notes
On a ball to the gap the relay man runs OUT to meet the throw — a short, strong throw beats one long airmail every time.
Two-man relay reps: outfielder to relay to plate, emphasizing the relay man turning glove-side and lining up with the target.
The relay man standing flat-footed near the infield instead of sprinting out to shorten the throw.