When the ball is hit to the outfield, the throw back to the infield is only as good as the cutoff and relay system behind it. A good system gets the ball to the right base quickly, holds runners, and lets the team cut off a throw when there is no play. This guide covers who goes where, what each call means, and how to practice it.
Cutoff vs. relay
- Cutoff: an infielder lines up between the outfielder and the target base. They can let the throw go through, catch it and hold, or redirect it to another base.
- Relay: on deep hits to the fence, a middle infielder goes out toward the outfielder to take a throw and make a second throw to the infield.
Standard assignments
Programs vary, but this is a common setup:
| Situation | Cutoff or relay | Backup / other roles |
|---|---|---|
| Throw home from left field | Third baseman (some teams use the pitcher or first baseman) | Pitcher backs up home |
| Throw home from center or right field | First baseman | Pitcher backs up home |
| Throw to third base | Shortstop | Pitcher backs up third |
| Extra-base hit to left or left-center | Shortstop goes out as relay; second baseman trails | Catcher or third baseman directs the throw |
| Extra-base hit to right or right-center | Second baseman goes out as relay; shortstop trails | First baseman covers the bag |
The verbal calls
The cutoff player cannot see the runners behind them, so the catcher (for throws home) or the trailing infielder (for throws to third) makes the call, loud and early:
- No call or the base number (“Four! Four!”): let the throw go through.
- “Cut!”: catch the ball and hold it.
- “Cut two” / “Cut three” / “Cut four”: catch it and throw to that base.
- “Relay!”: on deep hits, tells the relay player to go out.
Technique for the cutoff player
- Line up on a straight line between the outfielder and the target base.
- Face the outfielder with both arms raised so you are an easy target.
- Turn slightly to your glove side so you can catch and throw in one motion.
- Listen for the call and react without looking back.
Tips for outfielders
- Hit the cutoff player in the chest on a line. A low, accurate throw beats a high, strong one.
- Know the situation before the pitch: outs, runners, and the score.
- On balls to the fence, get the ball to the relay quickly rather than trying to throw all the way in.
Quick warm-up drills
- Line drill: outfielder, cutoff and catcher throw on a line while the catcher calls “cut,” “cut two” or nothing.
- Situational defense: coach hits balls to the outfield with live runners and random calls.
- Double relay race: two relay lines compete to get the ball from the fence to home plate fastest.
Why distances matter
With 60-foot bases and short outfield fences (college fields recommend at least 190 ft down the lines and 220 ft to center), softball plays happen fast. Cutoffs usually set up closer to the infield than in baseball, and throws must be quick and low.
Drills to teach cutoffs and relays
| Drill | Focus | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Line relay | Catch and throw footwork | Three players in a line 30 to 40 feet apart pass the ball end to end as fast as possible |
| Situation calls | Knowing assignments | Coach calls a runner situation and hit location; everyone sprints to their spot |
| Live cutoffs | Decisions under pressure | Runners go on a fungo hit; the catcher calls cut, relay or let it go |
| Target throws | Accuracy | Outfielders throw to a cutoff holding her glove at head height |
Common cutoff and relay mistakes
- Cutoff too deep or too shallow: the cutoff should line up between the thrower and the target so a throw can be caught or let through.
- Catching flat-footed: turn your glove side toward the throw and catch while moving toward the target.
- Silent defence: the player covering the base must make the call; without it, the cutoff has to guess.
- Throwing behind runners: hit the base or the cutoff, not the runner’s back.
- No backup: the pitcher and outfielders should back up bases on every relay.
Rules reference: USA Softball Official Rules of Softball, the NCAA Softball Rules Book and the NFHS Softball Rules Book. Assignments vary by team system, so follow your coach’s calls.
Cutoff assignments at a glance
Exact assignments vary by team, but many coaches start from a standard chart like this one.
| Situation | Cutoff or relay player | Throw goes to |
|---|---|---|
| Single to left field, no runners | Shortstop lines up | Second base |
| Single to right field, no runners | Second baseman lines up | Second base |
| Single with runner on second | First or third baseman cuts to home | Home plate |
| Extra-base hit to left or left-centre | Shortstop goes out as relay | Third base or home |
| Extra-base hit to right or right-centre | Second baseman goes out as relay | Third base or home |
Communication checklist
- Before every pitch, infielders remind each other who is the cutoff in each direction.
- The cutoff player raises both arms high so the outfielder has a clear target.
- The trailing infielder or catcher gives a loud call: “cut,” “relay” or “let it go.”
- Outfielders throw through the cutoff’s head height so the ball can be caught or allowed through.
- After the play, the team resets and confirms the next situation.
Rules on obstruction and runners’ paths apply during these plays. Check the current NCAA, NFHS or USA Softball rulebook for your level.
Adjusting for field size and arm strength
Cutoff positions depend on how far and how accurately your players can throw. On small youth fields or with younger players, the relay may need to move further into the outfield so each throw stays short and on target. With strong-armed outfielders on a larger field, the cutoff can stay closer to the infield. Coaches should test throwing distances in practice and adjust the standard positions so that no single throw is longer than a player can make accurately on a line. A shorter, accurate throw almost always beats one long throw that bounces or sails off line.
What fans should watch
On a hit to the gap, watch the middle infielder sprint into the outfield with arms raised, and listen for the catcher’s call. A clean relay to the plate is one of the quickest team plays in softball.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the cutoff on a hit to left field in softball?
Usually the third baseman for throws home, though some teams use the pitcher or first baseman.
What does “cut two” mean?
Catch the throw and immediately throw to second base.
Where does the pitcher go on a hit to the outfield?
The pitcher backs up the base where the throw is going, usually home or third.
Field dimensions per the NCAA softball field diagram. Cutoff assignments are coaching conventions and vary by team.
