Rawlings Elite
Playbook – Defensive Situations
1.
Double Cutoff Plays – Extra Base Hits to the Outfield
a. No Runners on Base
i. Double Cutoff Left Field – No Runners on Base
ii. Double Cutoff Center Field – No Runners on Base
iii. Double Cutoff Right Field – No Runners on Base
b. Runner on First Base
i. Double Cutoff Left Field – Runner on First Base
ii. Double Cutoff Center Field – Runner on First Base
iii. Double Cutoff Right Field – Runner on First Base
The Double Cutoff Play ~ What Makes It Different from the Single Cutoff Play?
The double cutoff is used in situations where the baseball has gotten through, past, between or over an outfielder. One of
the many essential skills for a defense, no matter what the level or age.
A big brother to the single cutoff, the basic concept is the same, it is just played out at a greater distance from the infield,
using two infielders working together in sync and the possibilities of more decisions needing to be made and
communicated.
Once the ball gets past the outfielders, the throwing distance has increased measurably for the defense.
The shortstop and second baseman must spring into immediate action, so they can get into position to line up the
outfielders throw, as well as make the relay throw to where ever it needs to go.
The lead infielder must make the decision on where to set up, based on the strength of the outfielders arm. You want the
strongest arm making the longest throw. If the outfielder has the strongest arm, the infielders set up sooner. If not, they go
out further.
The trailing infielder sets up 15-20 feet behind the lead infielder, and is there to field any throw which goes over the first
players head, or short hops him.
If the lead player has to jump to catch the ball, or has to short hop the ball, he steps out of the way and lets the second
player make the play.
As the lead player is running to set up, he needs to be yelling "HERE-HERE-HERE” or “HIT ME, HIT ME, HIT ME”. It is
doubly important in this situation to yell, as the outfielder almost always has his back to the infield. With the verbal
communication, he is able to turn and throw to the voice, saving precious steps.
Along with yelling, the lead player needs to have both arms extended above his head, providing a good target for the
outfielder.
The third baseman, or the catcher yells to get the players set up in line to the base the throw will be coming to.
We're now on line and set up, what happens next?
Below are the double cutoff and individual position responsibilities.
1. Balls from the left field foul line to straight away center field, no runners on base.
o Lead is the shortstop, second baseman trails, first baseman drops in behind the batter/runner and follows him
into second base, pitcher backs up 3B.
2. Balls to right center to the right field foul line, no runners on base.
o Lead is the second baseman, shortstop trails, first baseman drops in behind batter/runner and follows him into
second base, pitcher backs up 3B.
3. Balls from left field foul line to straight away center field, runner on first.
o Lead is the shortstop, second baseman trails, first baseman comes into the infield grass and becomes the infield
cut, pitcher goes to a spot in foul territory, half way between third base and home to read where the ball will be
thrown, then backs up either home or third accordingly, third baseman covers third and the catcher covers home
plate and makes the call as to where the throw will be going. If it will be home, catcher needs to get cutoffs lined
up.
Double Cutoff Tips ~ From the Dugout
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The middle infielders sprint into position for the cutoff.
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First player must yell loudly (“HERE-HERE-HERE” or “HIT ME, HIT ME, HIT ME”) to provide the outfielder with
a audible target, as most often their back is to the infield.

As the ball is released, the infielder anticipates where the ball is headed and moves his feet to get in position
for his throw. Start turning your body as you make the catch, already in motion towards the target, providing
momentum to the throw.

The lead man only cuts the ball if it is an easy catch. Should it short hop him, or be so high he has to jump to
reach it, let it go. It now becomes the cut for the second cutoff man.

The trailing player must be prepared to make this cut from the start. If they are ready, it will be a smooth
transition and the possibility for an out is still possible.

The first baseman trailing the runner can sometimes lead to a backside out, off the cutoff.

With a runner on first, the pitcher goes and sets up along the third base line, in foul territory, halfway between
third base and home plate. He is there until he determines which base the play will actually be made to, he
then sprints into position to back up that base.
At The Heart Of Every Defense Is Communication!
Communication is the absolute key! It starts as soon as the ball comes off the bat. Recognition that the ball hit
will require a double cut, the middle infielders start yelling “DOUBLE CUT”, as they sprint to get into position.
At the same time the pitcher is moving into position, the 3B and catcher are determining which base the play will
be going to, and start getting the cutoff tandem lined up accordingly.
Double Cutoff, Extra Bases Left Field ~ No Runners On
In this double cutoff, extra bases left, no runners on, each player has a specific assignment within the situation.

P: Backup 3B
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C: Stay at home plate
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1B: Trail runner to 2B
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2B: Second out on cutoff

SS: First out on cutoff
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3B: Covers 3B
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CF: Move towards left field
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RF: Backup 2B
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LF: Chase down ball, make a strong throw "through" the cutoff to 3B
Second relay man sets up 15 - 20 feet behind the first, there to catch balls thrown too high or balls that will shorthop first
player. Both need to be lined up straight between the LF and the base the throw is going to, 3B or home plate.
Double Cutoff, Extra Bases Center Field ~ No Runners On
In this double cutoff, extra bases center, no runners on, each player has a specific assignment within the situation.

P: Back up 3b

C: Stay at home plate

1B: Trail runner to 2B

2B: Second out on cutoff

SS: First out on cutoff

3B: Cover 3B

LF: Back up 3B

RF: Back up 2B

CF: Chase down ball, make a strong throw "through" the cutoff to 3B
Coaches Note: In this situation, if the ball goes to the gap in right center, the SS and 2B switch relay positions. Consider
keeping the SS in the lead for everything from the LF foul line through the gap in right center, if there is a big difference in
arm strength between the SS and 2B.
Speed to the ball for the outfielder and speed getting out for the two relays is critical. This ball is either in the gaps or over
the CF's head, all usually the biggest parts of the field. It takes a super effort on these to keep the runner at 2B.
Double Cutoff, Extra Bases Right Field ~ No Runners On
In this double cutoff, extra bases right, no runners on, each player has a specific assignment within the situation.

P: Back up 3B

C: Stay at Plate

1B: Trail runner to 2B - If the play looks to be at home, move into the infield grass as the cutoff

2B: First out on cutoff

SS: Second out on cutoff

3B: Cover 3B

LF: Come in to infield

CF: Move towards RF

RF: Chase down ball, make a strong throw "through" the cutoff to 3B
With younger players it works well to have the lead relay keep going out, until the outfielder picks up the ball.
With high school players, have them adjust their depth based on the strength of that outfielders arm.want your strongest
arm, making the longest throw.
Double Cutoff, Extra Bases Left Field ~ Runner On First
In this double cutoff, extra bases left field, runner on first, each player has a specific assignment within the situation.

P: Go to a spot in foul territory, between HP and 3B. When you see where the throw will be going, backup that base

C: Cover HP

1B: Into the infield as the cutoff man

2B: Second cutoff out

SS: First cutoff out

3B: Cover 3B

CF: Go towards left field

RF: Cover 2B

CF: Chase ball down, make a strong throw "through" the cutoff to the base called
In this double cutoff situation, I like to use the 1B as the infield cutoff for all plays, no matter where the ball is hit. The RF
will cover 2B twice, the RF once.
This coverage keeps the changes minimal, eliminating opportunities for mistakes.
Double Cutoff, Extra Bases Center Field ~ Runner On First
In this double cutoff, extra bases center, runner on first, each player has a specific assignment within the situation.

P: Go to a spot in foul territory, between HP and 3B. When you see where the throw will be going, backup that base

C: Cover HP

1B: Into the infield as the cutoff man

2B: Second cutoff out

SS: First cutoff out

3B: Cover 3B

LF: Go towards CF

RF: Cover 2B

CF: Chase ball down, make a strong throw "through" the cutoff to the base called
The catcher is responsible for deciding where the play will be made and calling it out. If it is 3B, the third baseman is
responsible for lining up the relay team.
If it is HP, the catcher lines them up.
Double Cutoff, Extra Bases Right Field ~ Runner On First
In this double cutoff, extra bases right, runner on first, each player has a specific assignment within the situation.

P: Go to a spot in foul territory, between HP and 3B. When you see where the throw will be going, backup that base

C: Cover HP

1B: Into the infield as the cutoff man

2B: First cutoff out

SS: Second cutoff out

3B: Cover 3B

LF: Cover 2B

CF: Go towards RF

RF: Chase ball down, make a strong throw "through" the cutoff to the base called
The SS and 2B need to anticipate the flight of the ball, move their feet to get in position to receive the ball, turning to throw
as they make the catch, not turning after they make the catch.
It is all about quickness and speed. Every delay in the relay means lost steps on the runners.