What does the shortstop do on a single to left or center with nobody on?

The job, step by step

The same on all 2 plays below.

1. FieldContact until the ball is caught

   Get on a straight line between the outfielder and 2B. Hands up, call for the ball.

2. RelayThe ball on its way in

   The second baseman makes the call. “Through!” — let it go to the bag. “Cut hold!” — catch it, look in and decide.

3. AssessThe ball back in the infield

   If you cut it, first look is the backdoor throw to 1B. No play, get it to the pitcher.

Who you work with

• 2BSecond baseman covers second and makes the call
• CFCenter fielder throws through your chest to second, or backs up the left fielder
• 1BFirst baseman is on his bag for the backdoor throw

Common mistakes

• Drifting too deep into the outfield.

  The cutoff man is a short, quick relay, not a second outfielder. Too deep and a throw that should go through has to bounce twice to reach the bag.

• Forgetting the backdoor after the cut.

  With nobody on, the runner who rounds first too far is the only out left on the play. Your first look with the ball is first base.

The plays

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

• Cutoff manNobody on, single to center field
• Cutoff manNobody on, single to left field

Test yourself

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

1. Nobody on, single to left or center. Who is the cutoff?

   1. A.The second baseman
   2. B.The pitcher
   3. C.The third baseman
   4. D.The shortstop
   Show the answerHide the answer

   D. The shortstop.

2. Nobody on, single. Who takes second and owns the call?

   1. A.The middle infielder who isn’t the cutoff
   2. B.The cutoff man, once he has the ball
   3. C.The first baseman, once the runner passes
   4. D.The pitcher, from behind the mound
   Show the answerHide the answer

   A. The middle infielder who isn’t the cutoff. The other middle infielder — the one who isn’t the cutoff.

More shortstop jobs

• 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?
• Relay manWhat does the shortstop do on a double to the left side?
• 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?

The shortstop on every play · All positions