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, double to the left-center gap · Nobody on, double down the left-field line
- FieldContact until the ball is caught
Sprint to the relay spot on the straight line between the outfielder and 3B. Hands up, calling for the ball.
- RelayThe ball on its way in
Catch on the glove side, already turning to the infield. The third baseman makes the call: “Cut 3” relay it, “Cut hold” cut it and look in, “Cut 2” throw behind the batter-runner at second.
- AssessThe ball back in the infield
Ball in hand or just released: check the batter-runner rounding 2B. Anyone yelling “Backdoor” means look there now — a quick throw to 2B gets the runner who drifts too far.
Runner on first, double to the left-center gap · Runner on first, double down the left-field line · Runners on first and second, double to the left-center gap · Runners on first and second, double down the left-field line: what changes
- FieldContact until the ball is caught
Sprint to the relay spot on the straight line between the outfielder and the plate. Hands up, calling for the ball.
- RelayThe ball on its way in
Catch on the glove side, already turning to the infield. The catcher makes the call and the third baseman repeats it: “Cut 4” relay it home, “Cut hold” cut it and look in, “Cut 3” to third, “Cut 2” behind the batter-runner at second.
Who you work with
- Second baseman trails 25 to 30 feet behind you
- Third baseman runs the relay with nobody on, and repeats the catcher’s call with runners on
- Catcher makes the call when the throw is going home
Common mistakes
- Catching the throw square to the outfield.
Turn your glove side to the infield before the ball arrives. A relay man who catches flat-footed and then turns adds a full second to the throw.
- Running out too far on a weak arm.
Relay depth depends on your arm. Strong arm, come out further; weak arm, stay shallow so your own throw still gets there.
The plays
Each one opens the full play: every position's job, the coaching points and the animation.
- Relay manNobody on, double to the left-center gap
- Relay manNobody on, double down the left-field line
- Relay manRunner on first, double to the left-center gap
- Relay manRunner on first, double down the left-field line
- Relay manRunners on first and second, double to the left-center gap
- Relay manRunners on first and second, double down the left-field line
Test yourself
Questions from the app's Learn sessions. Pick your answer, then check it.
Doubles: who relays and who trails?
- A.The shortstop always relays; the second baseman always trails
- B.The middle infielder relays; the first baseman trails
- C.The third baseman relays; the shortstop trails
- D.The middle infielder on the ball’s side relays; the other trails
Show the answerHide the answer
D. The middle infielder on the ball’s side relays; the other trails. The middle infielder on the ball’s side relays and the other trails — down the right-field line too. Never the first baseman.
More shortstop jobs
- Cutoff man to secondWhat does the shortstop do on a single to left or center with nobody on?
- Covers second and makes the callWhat does the shortstop do on a single to right field with nobody on?
- Cutoff man to thirdWhat does the shortstop do on a single with a runner on first?
- Trailer behind the relayWhat does the shortstop do on a double to the right side?
- Covers thirdWhat does the shortstop do on a single to left with a runner on second?
- Covers secondWhat does the shortstop do on a single to center or right with a runner on second?
- Takes the force at secondWhat does the shortstop do on a bunt with a runner on first?
- Rotates to thirdWhat does the shortstop do on the wheel play?