It’s quite evident that after watching the division series in
major league baseball that hitting the cutoff man was invaluable in
cutting down potential runs.
It’s quite evident that after watching the division series in major league baseball that hitting the cutoff man was invaluable in cutting down potential runs. The execution of these particular defensive plays takes a lot of practice and is something that’s mainly overlooked on the youth level. It’s talked about, but not perfected.
Well-schooled teams understand the importance of hitting the cutoff man, thus alleviating the circus-type atmosphere that occurs when throws start flying everywhere and base runners take extra bases and move into scoring position.
Hitting the cutoff man requires the outfielder to know ahead of time where he’s going to throw the ball when it’s hit to him and the infielders in turn must position themselves strategically to handle the throw. And in all cutoff situations the infielder taking the throw should be waving his hands so the outfielder can spot where he needs to target the throw.
A lot of times an outfielder gets the ball in the outfield after a hit and flings it on a fly toward home plate. Parents and coaches alike marvel at the throw, when in fact it was actually poorly thrown and not the way fundamentals should be taught. A good throw should be low and reach its intended destination on one or two hops, which also makes it easier for the person taking the throw.
So who should be the cutoff man? Well, with a runner in scoring position (second base) and a ball hit to left field, the third baseman is the cutoff man on a throw to the plate and the shortstop covers third. On a ball hit to centerfield or right field, the first baseman is the cutoff man and the second baseman covers first while the shortstop covers second.
With a runner at first, and the throw potentially going to third, the shortstop is the cutoff man for all balls hit to all three outfield positions. This is simply how it’s done the fundamental and correct way. Tweaking the system to take advantage of a weak arm in the outfield only serves to confuse players as they move up levels. With players under the age of nine I see no problem in making some minor adjustments, just don’t re-invent the wheel.
In all situations, whether the catcher, third baseman or second baseman is taking a throw, they should be communicating to the cutoff man as to where to lineup in taking the throw. Not lining up straight leads to an off line throw and a missed opportunity to get an out. Communicating and yelling to cut the throw or throw it to another base is essential.
Cut off plays are no laughing matter and should be taken seriously. Execution is paramount and by perfecting this part of your defense it lends itself toward preventing easy scoring opportunities.
Take the Mets- Dodger series for example. By hitting the cutoff man on one particular play the Mets got two outs on the same hit, albeit enhanced a base running guffaw by the Dodgers. But if the Dodgers scored on that play it might have been a different game and series.
Rich Taylor is the owner, head instructor and CEO of California Pitching Academy and is an associate scout for the New York Mets. Reach him at rj********@***oo.com.
