Outfield Relay Throw Drill

A Drill to Improve Outfielders’ Throws to Cutoff Men and Build Teamwork for Effective Relay Throws

The Outfield Relay Throw Drill focuses on teaching outfielders to make quick, accurate throws to a cutoff man, simulating a relay throw to home or another base. This drill builds teamwork and communication between outfielders and infielders, helping them execute effective relay throws in game situations.

This drill is a vital drill for developing outfielders’ throwing accuracy and building teamwork with infielders. With regular practice, this drill helps players understand their roles in relay situations, make accurate throws, and communicate effectively for smoother in-game execution.

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

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Baseballs (at least 5-10)
  • Cones or markers to designate outfield positions and relay spots
  • Field space (outfield and infield)
  1. Player Positioning:
  • Position one outfielder at each outfield spot (left field, center field, right field).
  • Place one infielder (cutoff man) at a relay spot about halfway between the outfielder and the target base (e.g., third base or home plate).
  • A coach or additional player can stand at home plate or third base to catch the final throw in the relay.
  1. Tossing Area:
  • Set up cones or markers to establish the positions where outfielders and cutoff men should be. This helps players know where to stand for effective relays and simulates realistic game positions.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • Stand at home plate or near third base to hit or throw balls to each outfielder in rotation.
  1. Executing the Drill:
  • The coach hits or throws a ball to the outfielder, who fields it and quickly turns to make a throw to the cutoff man (infielder) positioned as the relay.
  • The cutoff man receives the throw, pivots, and makes a strong, accurate throw to the final target base (either home plate or third base).
  • Each outfielder takes turns fielding and throwing, working on speed, accuracy, and communication with the cutoff man.
  • Rotate the cutoff man positions so each infielder has a chance to practice handling the relay.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Run the drill in sets of 5-6 throws per outfielder, then rotate players. Each outfielder should get a few rounds to practice fielding, throwing, and communicating with the relay man.
  1. Variations:
  • To add challenge, hit balls to simulate different fielding situations (line drives, grounders, or fly balls) and adjust the cutoff man’s position to work on various angles for the relay.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Outfield Relay Throw Drill is essential for teaching outfielders to make accurate, quick throws to the cutoff man, a skill critical for preventing runners from advancing or scoring. By practicing relays, players build teamwork between the outfield and infield, improve communication, and develop accuracy under pressure. This drill helps players learn their roles in the relay and become comfortable making accurate throws over distance.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Throwing Accuracy and Speed: Outfielders practice making accurate throws to the cutoff man, essential for game situations.
  • Communication and Teamwork: The drill emphasizes teamwork between outfielders and infielders, improving on-field communication.
  • Situational Awareness: Players learn to identify the correct relay target, adjusting based on the base runners and game situation.

Pros and Cons of the Outfield Relay Throw Drill:

Pros:

  • Builds Teamwork: Enhances communication and cooperation between outfielders and infielders.
  • Improves Throwing Mechanics: Emphasizes accuracy, footwork, and body positioning for longer throws.
  • Simulates Game Situations: Provides realistic practice for handling outfield relays to prevent runners from advancing or scoring.
  • Teaches Situational Decision-Making: Helps players understand when and where to throw the ball based on base runner locations and game context.

Cons:

  • Repetitive for Certain Players: Infielders may find the relay position repetitive if not rotated frequently.
  • Requires Field Space: Needs a large field area to practice full relays, which may be limited in some practice settings.
  • Coordination Challenges for Younger Players: Younger players may find it challenging to execute long throws accurately, so adjust expectations based on skill level.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Focus on Communication: Emphasize that outfielders should verbally call out the cutoff man, and the cutoff man should communicate the target base to the outfielder. Clear communication improves teamwork and avoids misthrows.
  • Reinforce Proper Positioning: Ensure the cutoff man is positioned at an angle that allows for an easy pivot and quick transfer to the target base.
  • Encourage Quick Decision-Making: Remind players to make decisions quickly—once they field the ball, they should immediately look for the relay or target base without hesitation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if outfielders are struggling with accurate throws?
  • If accuracy is an issue, slow down the drill and reduce the throwing distance until the players are more comfortable. Emphasize proper mechanics, and encourage them to take their time to ensure an accurate throw before increasing the drill’s speed.
  1. How often should this drill be used?
  • This drill can be run once a week as part of outfield or situational practice. It’s especially beneficial before games or tournaments to reinforce teamwork and communication in high-stakes situations.
  1. Can younger players handle this drill?
  • Yes, but for younger players, focus more on shorter throws and fundamentals rather than speed and power. As they get more comfortable, you can increase the throwing distance and pace.
  1. How do I help players make better decisions in relays?
  • During practice, provide clear instructions and walk players through scenarios, explaining which base should be prioritized based on the situation. Consistent practice will help players become more confident in making these decisions on their own.