Purpose: 

Full team practices relays, cutoffs and backups on base hits to left field with runner on first

Setup:

  • Full infield and outfield in regular positions
  • Coach with fungo bat at home plate
  • Baserunner on first

Execution: 

  1. Fungo 1 hits line drive base hit – anywhere from left-center to left field
  2. LF and CF communicate to field the ball
  3. SS has the cutoff in shallow left-center
  4. 2B covers second base
  5. 3B covers third base
  6. Pitcher backs up throw into third base
  7. Return ball to Fungo 1
  8. Reset and repeat

Coaching Tips: 

We want our relay or cutoff man to catch the ball on the fly, so if necessary, he should move in or out to do so.

Also, we want him to catch the ball on the throwing side and to catch it from the heel to the palm of the glove. To catch the ball on his throwing side, he steps forward with his right foot in the direction of the throw. Holding his hands letter high, he provides a good target.