Youth Baseball Cutoffs and Relays: Who Goes Where on a Play at the Plate

Every team needs basic cutoffs and relays. When the ball goes to the outfield with a runner trying to score, every player should know exactly where to go.

The rule

There are three bases to cover besides home. The defense shifts based on who the cut man is, so every base stays covered. The runner might be held at third, so third always needs a fielder.

Ball to left field

• Cut man: third baseman
• Shortstop: covers third
• Second baseman: covers second
• First baseman: trails the batter-runner and back-picks him if he takes too big a turn

Ball to center or right field

• Cut man: first baseman
• Second baseman: covers first
• Shortstop: covers second
• Third baseman: covers third

Pitcher and catcher

• Pitcher backs up home plate every time.
• Catcher calls "Cut," or lets it come through.
• When it comes through, the cut man fakes a catch and a throw toward first. The deke holds the batter-runner at first.