Where does the center fielder throw on a single to center?

The job, step by step

The job is the same idea on each play. The first one is shown in full; after it, only the steps that change.

Nobody on, single to center field

1. FieldContact until the ball is caught

   Charge the ball under control and field it cleanly off the glove-side foot so you can throw in rhythm.

2. RelayThe ball on its way in

   Throw firmly through the shortstop, chest high, with enough on it to reach 2B if the batter-runner tries for it. If he is not going, hit the cutoff man and nothing more.

3. AssessThe ball back in the infield

   Jog in behind your throw and watch the runners. If the ball gets back out, you are the first man on it.

Runner on first, single to center field: what changes

1. RelayThe ball on its way in

   Throw firmly through the shortstop, chest high, so a ball he misses carries to 3B on its own. The third baseman decides what happens to it.

Runner on second, single to center field · Runners on first and second, single to center field: what changes

1. RelayThe ball on its way in

   Throw through the first baseman’s chest on a line to the plate — one hop to the catcher. He decides what happens to it.

Who you work with

• SSShortstop is the cutoff man to second or third
• 1BFirst baseman is the cutoff man for the throw home
• RFRight fielder backs you up

Common mistakes

• Throwing over the cutoff man.

  A high throw can’t be cut, so every trail runner moves up a base. Chest high through the cutoff man keeps both options open.

• Throwing everything home.

  With nobody on, a long throw home has no runner to get. Hit the cutoff man; if the batter-runner isn’t going for two, that is the whole job.

The plays

Each one opens the full play: every position's job, the coaching points and the animation.

• Fields it and throws to secondNobody on, single to center field
• Fields it and throws to thirdRunner on first, single to center field
• Fields it and throws homeRunner on second, single to center field
• Fields it and throws homeRunners on first and second, single to center field

Test yourself

Questions from the app's Learn sessions. Pick your answer, then check it.

1. Nobody on, single to left or right. What do the other two outfielders do?

   1. A.The near one backs up the fielder; the far one backs up second
   2. B.Both come in to cover the empty bases
   3. C.Both stay where they are and watch the play
   4. D.The near one covers second; the far one backs up first
   Show the answerHide the answer

   A. The near one backs up the fielder; the far one backs up second. The far one breaks to back up second; the near one backs up the fielder.

More center fielder jobs

• Backs up the corner outfielderWhere does the center fielder go on a single to left or right?
• Runs it down with the corner outfielderWhat does the center fielder do on a ball in the gap?
• Backs up and calls the baseWhat does the center fielder do on a double down the line?
• Backs up second, then the backdoorWhere does the center fielder go on a bunt?
• Backs up the force at secondWhat does the center fielder do on a bunt with a runner on first?
• Covers secondWhat does the center fielder do on the wheel play?

The center fielder on every play · All positions