When the ball is hit deep into the gap, one relay isn’t enough. A double cut puts two relay players in a line. Outfielder throws to the first cut, who catches and throws to the second cut, who throws home. Three short throws beat one long one every time.
What you need: A full field, an outfielder, two infielders, a coach with a bat, a catcher.
Setup: Outfielder in the gap. Shortstop as the first relay (closer to outfielder). Second baseman as the second relay (closer to home plate).
How to run it:
- Coach hits a deep ball into the gap.
- Outfielder fields, turns, and throws to the first relay player. Throw should hit chest-high.
- First relay catches and immediately throws to the second relay player.
- Second relay catches and throws home to the catcher.
- Do 5 reps. Time the play from hit to ball arriving home.
What to watch: Time wasted between throws. Each catch should turn into the next throw within 1 second. Slow exchanges kill the play.
If they’re struggling: Drop one relay. Single cut only. Build the timing of one before adding two.
If they’ve got it: Add a runner from second who’s trying to score. The throw home has to beat the runner.