In MLB relay, a player fields a ball and then throws to another teammate on a specified base. The other teammate catches the ball, turns and then throws back to the fielder who originally received it.
On double cuts try to position yourself so the throw comes in chest height (it’s easier for players to handle). Also, work on throwing on your glove side.
The Outfielder
The outfielder will typically field a ball and then throw it to their relay man. The relay man will then position themselves somewhere between the outfielder and third base (depending on their own arm strength). The relay man will want to be in-line with third so if the throw is overthrown it can still land at third.
When a player fields a ball, they should try to catch it on their glove side and throw it towards the relay man. It is important for the outfielder to be able to make a good throw because this play will often result in an out at the base and will also give them an assist.
Infielders should be ready for a cut off play as well if there is a runner on 2nd. This may require the shortstop to move over and cover 1st base or it could mean that the 3rd baseman will become a cut off man for the throw towards home plate.
The Relay Man
A relay play typically happens when an outfielder is too far from a base to throw the runner out. In this situation, the outfielder will throw to a player in the infield who will then throw the ball to another base and record an out.
To successfully do this, the infielder needs to field the ball cleanly and then quickly throw the ball to a different base. To make this happen, the infielder needs to be prepared for anything.
When working on double cuts and relays with your players, emphasize the importance of being able to catch the throw at chest height. This allows for the throw to be caught with ease and it also gets your target base faster than if the throw sails high.
To help with this, instruct your players to begin positioning themselves for the throw as soon as they see it leave the throwers hand. They should also work on catching the ball on their glove side to avoid any overthrows.
The Infielder
The player that is going to be the relay man on a cutoff play needs to understand how to get into position quickly, and how to make a quick relay throw. This will normally be a middle infielder.
They will need to stay in fair territory and also want to make sure that they are lined up with third base so that if the ball is overthrown it will end up at third base. They also need to be able to back up second base in case there is a runner on that base.
MLB is allowing teams to use technology that will allow catchers to relay signals with pitchers, and this could help eliminate sign-stealing from baseball. The new device is called PitchCom and it will be worn inside the catcher’s hat. It is being tested during spring training, and the Yankees players seem to love it.
The Throw
A good relay throw starts with the outfielder cleanly fielding the ball. They need to get their feet into position and be inline with where the ball is going – they don’t want to be too far from the target base. Then they need to make a chest high throw that is towards the relay man’s glove hand side.
The trail cut off man should stay about 20 -30 feet behind the lead guy ready to give direction and also in case the lead guy lets the ball go. The trail cut off man should also be communicating with the lead player telling them whether they are going to hold or throw and to what base.
This is a fun team competition that helps develop footwork, quick transfer of the ball from your glove to your hand and a fast release. It’s important for every player to be able to do this. Especially with the new PitchCom devices that allow catcher and pitcher to communicate directly without giving the other teams players an opportunity to steal signals. MLB중계
