Relay Throw Drills

A Drill to Train Infielders and Outfielders on the Mechanics and Timing of Relay Throws

Relay Throw Drills focus on improving the coordination, timing, and accuracy needed for effective relay throws, especially for plays that involve throws from the outfield to home. This drill helps players understand their roles in cut-off plays and builds communication and quick decision-making.

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

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Baseballs
  • Cones or markers to set relay points (optional)
  • Field space (a large area between the outfield and infield)
  • Four players (an outfielder, a relay infielder, a cutoff infielder, and a player at home plate)
  1. Player Positioning:
  • Place one outfielder in a set spot in the outfield (e.g., right-center or left-center).
  • Set up a relay player roughly halfway between the outfield and the infield.
  • Position a cutoff infielder closer to the infield, lined up with the outfielder and the relay player.
  • Place a player at home plate who will receive the throw.
  1. Relay Points:
  • Use cones or markers to designate the relay points where the outfielder will aim and where the relay player will turn to throw to the next target.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Setup:
  • Position yourself near the outfielder with a bucket of baseballs to simulate balls hit deep into the outfield.
  1. Drill Execution:
  • Begin by rolling or hitting a ball to the outfielder. The outfielder retrieves the ball and quickly throws it to the relay infielder.
  • The relay infielder positions themselves to catch the ball on the side of their body (glove side), turns, and throws it to the cutoff infielder.
  • The cutoff infielder then makes the final throw to home plate, aiming to make a strong, accurate throw to the player at home.
  • Run this sequence several times, varying the distance of the outfielder or changing the positions of the cutoff infielder and relay player to simulate different relay scenarios.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Rotate players so everyone practices each position. Aim to run at least 3-4 rounds for each player in each role, which helps develop a solid understanding of each position’s responsibility in relay situations.
  1. Adjustments:
  • For younger or less experienced players, start with shorter distances and slower throws. As players develop confidence, increase the speed and vary the angles of the throws to make the drill more game-like.

Why You Run This Drill:

Relay Throw Drills are essential for teaching the timing, positioning, and communication needed for cut-off and relay plays. These plays are crucial for controlling base runners and making outs on throws from the outfield to infield, especially at home plate. By practicing the drill, players develop the muscle memory and awareness required to execute these plays quickly and accurately, helping them understand the importance of positioning, timing, and accurate throws under pressure.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Positioning and Footwork: Players learn where to stand and how to position their bodies for efficient, accurate throws in relay situations.
  • Timing and Communication: The drill emphasizes timing between players and reinforces verbal communication to ensure everyone is aligned.
  • Accuracy and Arm Strength: Practicing relay throws helps players improve their arm strength, aiming for strong, accurate throws to each relay point.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Body Positioning and Footwork: Emphasize proper footwork for relay players, especially the importance of receiving the throw on the glove side and positioning their body for a quick turn and throw.
  • Clear Communication: Teach players to communicate loudly and clearly. In real games, players need to call out “Cut!” or “Relay!” to ensure everyone knows where the play is going.
  • Throwing Mechanics: Focus on accuracy over power, especially for younger players. Make sure they understand that an accurate, well-timed throw is more effective than a hard but uncontrolled throw.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What if the player has trouble with positioning and footwork?
  • If a player struggles with positioning, slow down the drill and break down each step. Position them correctly and walk through the steps of receiving the throw, pivoting, and throwing to the next player until it becomes second nature.
  1. How can I make this drill more challenging for advanced players?
  • For more advanced players, increase the distance and speed of throws. You can also vary the starting position of the outfielder and relay infielder, making the relay route less predictable. Adding game-like elements, such as a timed play with runners on bases, can increase difficulty as well.
  1. Can this drill be done with fewer players?
  • Yes, the drill can be modified with fewer players by having the same players rotate through the different roles more frequently. For example, a team of three can rotate through the outfielder, relay infielder, and cutoff infielder positions.
  1. How often should we run this drill?
  • This drill should be incorporated regularly, especially during preseason or when working on defensive strategies. Running the drill 1-2 times per week can be effective in helping players retain the skills and improve their timing and communication.

Relay Throw Drills are an essential part of defensive training for any team, preparing players for high-pressure situations where timing, accuracy, and communication are crucial. Consistent practice with this drill will help players become confident and reliable during cut-off and relay situations, turning challenging plays into routine outs.