When a runner tags up on a fly ball with less than two outs, the defense has one chance: catch the ball and throw home before the runner gets there. The throw has to be on a line, and the cutoff has to be in position. Practice the throw home from different outfield positions.
What you need: A full field, an outfielder, a cutoff infielder, a runner on third, a catcher.
Setup: Runner on third. Outfielder in right or center. Cutoff infielder positioned between outfielder and home plate.
How to run it:
- Coach hits a deep fly ball to the outfielder.
- Runner on third tags up at the catch.
- Outfielder catches and throws home through the cutoff.
- Cutoff catches and either relays or lets the ball through.
- Catcher catches and tags. Was the runner safe or out?
What to watch: Did the outfielder hit the cutoff? Or did they air-mail it over? Throw on a line that hits the cutoff chest-high.
If they’re struggling: Use shorter fly balls. Build the timing of the throw and the cutoff.
If they’ve got it: Add deeper flies. The runner has more time, the throw has to be perfect.