Cutoff & Relay Decisions

Dugout Master ✓ Official Dugout Master drill

Players practice identifying cutoff positions and deciding when to relay, hold, or redirect a throw.

Game IQ⏱ 15 min👥 7-14 players

Setup

Full defense in position with bases down and a catcher in gear. Coach hits from the plate. Place runners at the bases once the alignments are clean — the runners are what make the decision real.

Execution

  1. Coach calls the situation and hits a ball to the outfield.
  2. Outfielder fields and comes up throwing; the cutoff player lines up between the ball and the target base with both hands up.
  3. The trailing infielder or catcher makes the call: "Cut two!", "Cut home!", or "Let it go!".
  4. Cutoff player either lets the ball travel or catches, turns glove side, and delivers.
  5. Freeze after every rep and confirm who made the call and whether it was right.

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