One fundamental most youth baseball players learn is the relay throw to the cutoff man, which is crucial in getting the ball from the outfield to the correct base with the best chance to either get the runner out or prevent the runner from advancing. Understanding where the throw needs to go before the ball is even hit is important, and drills can help players learn proper cutoff throw techniques.
Pylon Drill
Arrange four or five pylons spread out in the outfield, with a baseball next to each. Have the three outfielders and the six infielders stand where they would if the game were live, and number each of the pylons as well as the third baseman, shortstop, second baseman and first baseman. Call out the number of a pylon, and the closest outfielder has to sprint to that pylon to field the ball. Then call the number of an infielder, who has to run out into the outfield grass with his hands high yelling for the relay throw, making it known to the entire defense who the cutoff man is. As the infielder receives the cutoff throw, yell out the base to which the cutoff throw should go. Repeat for different fielders and bases as necessary.
Pop Fly
Have the players line up in their defensive positions, but move the shortstop to the edge of the outfield grass as the cutoff man. Hit the ball into the air to an outfielder, and call out the base to which the relay throw should go. The cutoff man should move so that he is in a direct line with the spot the outfielder catches the ball and the base where the relay throw should go. The catcher should be yelling and directing where the ball is heading, yelling "cut" and the number of the base so there is no confusion about where the ball is headed. Change up positions and the base the ball is headed to throughout the drill.
Four-Man Relay Drill
To practice lining up the throw from the outfield, have an outfielder start with the ball a few feet from the outfield wall. Have two cutoff men spaced between home plate and the outfielder, forming a straight line to the plate. Practice relaying the ball from player to player, with each cutoff man making a 180 degree turn to make the throw to the next player and the catcher applying the tag. You eventually can work on skipping one relay man, focusing on making a longer, quicker throw with the same accuracy.
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