Relay Relay Drill

A Challenging Drill to Sharpen Relay Throws, Quick Transfers, and Team Communication

The Relay Relay Drill focuses on outfield relay throws to home plate, helping players improve their quick transfer skills, communication, and accuracy. This drill is designed for advanced 10-12 year-olds aiming to become top players, combining teamwork with high-intensity throwing practice.

The Relay Relay Drill is a high-impact exercise that improves outfield-to-infield teamwork, communication, and relay accuracy. It’s a perfect choice for players looking to refine their skills and handle the pressures of real-game situations.

Difficulty Rating: ★★★★☆ (Challenging)
Time Estimate: 15-20 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Baseballs
  • Cones or markers to designate positions (outfield, cutoff, and home plate)
  • Gloves for each player
  • Bat for the coach to hit fly balls or ground balls to the outfield
  1. Player Positioning:
  • Place one outfielder in deep center or right-center field.
  • Set up a cutoff player (typically a middle infielder) halfway between the outfield and home plate.
  • Position a catcher at home plate to receive the final throw.
  • Additional players should stand off to the side and rotate in after each repetition.
  1. Drill Layout:
  • Use cones to mark the relay points (outfielder, cutoff, and catcher positions) so players know where to position themselves. Ensure the field is clear for running and throwing.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning and Hitting:
  • The coach stands near home plate or slightly to the side to hit balls into the outfield. Alternate between fly balls and ground balls to challenge the outfielder.
  1. Relay Execution:
  • The coach hits a ball deep into the outfield. The outfielder fields the ball and immediately looks for the cutoff player.
  • The outfielder throws the ball to the cutoff player as quickly and accurately as possible. The goal is to make the transfer seamless and fast.
  • The cutoff player catches the throw and quickly relays it to home plate, aiming for an accurate throw that the catcher can receive easily.
  • Each repetition should be fast-paced, and players should communicate verbally, especially on field positioning, timing, and targeting.
  1. Rotation and Repetition:
  • Rotate players through the outfield, cutoff, and catching positions to ensure everyone gets experience in each role.
  • After each successful relay, provide quick feedback and set up the next hit. Repeat for about 15-20 minutes, adjusting difficulty by hitting balls further or increasing the pace as players improve.
  1. Variations:
  • For advanced players, add a runner who tags up at third base and tries to score, increasing the pressure on the relay team to execute accurately and quickly.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Relay Relay Drill develops critical fielding skills, communication, and teamwork necessary for elite-level play. Relays are an essential skill for outfielders and infielders, requiring players to transfer throws quickly, communicate effectively, and aim with accuracy. By simulating game-like situations, players learn to stay calm under pressure while executing their throws, positioning, and communication skills.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Quick Transfers and Throws: The drill emphasizes quick, efficient transfers from the outfield to the cutoff and then to home, teaching players to handle high-pressure throws accurately.
  • Communication and Teamwork: Players must communicate clearly to ensure the relay runs smoothly and effectively.
  • Accuracy and Consistency: Hitting the cutoff and making an accurate throw to home plate requires focus, aiming, and consistency, which are honed through repetition.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Encourage Strong Communication: Players should call out their positions and target points. Encourage them to be vocal and clear, helping the relay flow smoothly.
  • Emphasize Quick, Controlled Transfers: Remind players that accuracy is just as important as speed. Encourage them to make quick but controlled throws that the cutoff can handle easily.
  • Use Realistic Game Scenarios: Create situations where the outfielder is under pressure to throw accurately, helping them practice for in-game situations.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if players are struggling with accuracy?
  • If accuracy is an issue, slow down the pace and ensure players are set up correctly before each throw. Focus on technique and control before gradually increasing speed.
  1. How do I keep the drill challenging and engaging for advanced players?
  • Introduce variations like adding a runner or simulating throws from different positions in the outfield. You can also increase the distance of the cutoff throw or vary the hitting speed to test players’ range and adaptability.
  1. Can this drill be used for younger players or beginners?
  • While it’s designed for advanced 10-12-year-olds, it can be adjusted for beginners by shortening distances, reducing intensity, and focusing on slower, controlled throws to build fundamentals.
  1. How often should we run this drill?
  • Run this drill once or twice per week to build muscle memory and consistency. The drill complements other fielding and throwing exercises, making it a valuable addition to practice for players aiming to improve relay skills.