Runner on first, single to center field

How the play works

This is the first-to-third play. The runner on first will try for third, so the center fielder throws through the shortstop to third, and the third baseman calls what happens to the throw. The second baseman covers second for the backdoor, and the right fielder backs up the center fielder, then peels off behind second once the throw is away.

Key questions

Where does the throw go on a single to center with a runner on first?

To third base, through the shortstop. The center fielder throws chest high and firm enough that a ball the shortstop lets go still carries to third.

Who is the cutoff man on a single to center with a runner on first?

The shortstop. He lines up on a straight line between the center fielder and third base.

Who makes the call on a single to center with a runner on first?

The third baseman. He calls Through, Cut hold, Cut 3 or Cut 2, early and once. See cut calls.

Who covers second base on a single to center with a runner on first?

The second baseman. If a runner rounds second too far, he calls for the backdoor and the shortstop throws behind the runner on Cut 2.

Who backs up third base on a single to center with a runner on first?

The pitcher, about 30 feet behind third, in line with the throw. He stops any overthrow, and if the ball is cut he moves to back up the next likely throw.

Who backs up the center fielder on a single to center with a runner on first?

Both the left fielder and the right fielder. Once the center fielder's throw is away, the right fielder peels off and comes in behind second, so a Cut 2 throw that gets through is his.

Every position's job

Every fielder has a job on this play, even when the ball never comes near him.

1. CF

   Center fielder

   Fields it and throws to third · Every center fielder play

   Charge the ball under control and field it cleanly off your glove-side foot so you can throw in rhythm. Throw firmly through the shortstop, chest high, so a ball he lets go still carries to third on its own; the third baseman decides what happens to it. Then jog in behind your throw and watch the runners. If the ball gets back out, you’re the first one on it.

2. SS

   Shortstop

   Cutoff man · Every shortstop play

   Get on a straight line between the center fielder and third base, hands up, and call for the ball while the third baseman lines you up. Then do what he calls. On “Through,” fake the catch and arm-fake to second to send that runner back. On “Cut hold,” catch it and look in. On “Cut 3,” relay it to third. On “Cut 2,” turn and throw behind the runner at second. With the ball in hand, check third, then second, and throw only to make an out; otherwise get it to the pitcher.

3. 3B

   Third baseman

   Takes the throw, makes the call · Every third baseman play

   Get to third and straddle the bag. Line the shortstop up with your voice and arm so a throw he lets go still comes to you. Make the call early and once: “Through” if the runner is coming, “Cut hold” if he isn’t, “Cut 3” to have it relayed, “Cut 2” if the runner behind him has rounded second too far. Catch the ball first, then make the tag. Afterward, keep the ball in front of you, check every runner and get it to the pitcher.

4. 2B

   Second baseman

   Covers second · Every second baseman play

   Get to second and straddle the bag. If the runner rounds second too far, yell “Backdoor!” so the shortstop throws it to you on “Cut 2,” and make the tag if the throw comes. Stay on the bag until the ball is dead.

5. P

   Pitcher

   Backs up third · Every pitcher play

   Get off the mound at contact and head for the backup spot behind third, staying out of the runner’s way. Set up about 30 feet behind third, in line with the throw, and stop any overthrow. If the ball is cut, move to back up the next likely throw, then get the ball back and get on the rubber.

6. LF

   Left fielder

   Backs up the center fielder · Every left fielder play

   Break at contact and sprint to back up the center fielder. Set up behind him on the line of the ball, deep enough to keep a miss off the wall. If the ball gets past him, it’s yours: field it and hit the shortstop. Otherwise hold, watch the throw come in, and jog back toward your position with an eye on the runners in case the ball comes back out.

7. RF

   Right fielder

   Backs up center, then second · Every right fielder play

   Break at contact and back up the center fielder, setting up behind him on the line of the ball, deep enough to keep a miss off the wall. Once his throw is away, peel off and come in behind second on the shortstop’s throwing line. A “Cut 2” throw that gets through is yours. Stay there until the ball is back to the pitcher.

8. 1B

   First baseman

   Covers first · Every first baseman play

   Watch the batter-runner touch first, then get to the bag. A throw to you is unlikely because the play is in front of you, but covering the bag keeps the batter-runner from rounding too far. Stay there until the ball is back to the pitcher.

9. C

   Catcher

   Holds the plate · Every catcher play

   Stay at home plate. The third baseman owns the call on the throw to third; repeat it loud so the shortstop hears it. Watch the lead runner in case the play changes direction, stay home until the ball is dead, then call for the ball back to the pitcher.

Coaching points

1. The cutoff man is also the relay to second: if the runner rounds the bag too wide, “Cut 2” turns the cutoff into a relay throw behind him.
2. The throw to third only matters if it gets there first. When it will not, the smart play is a runner at third, the batter-runner at first, and no free bases — not a wild throw.
3. Every throw through a cutoff man carries a second play with it: the cut, and the backdoor behind the trail runner.

Test yourself

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

1. Runner on first, single to center. What does the right fielder do?

   1. A.Sprints to back up the throw to third
   2. B.Runs in to cover second base
   3. C.Backs up first in case of a throw behind the runner
   4. D.Backs up the center fielder, then peels off behind second
   Show the answerHide the answer

   D. Backs up the center fielder, then peels off behind second. Backs up the center fielder, then peels off behind second once the throw is away.

2. Runner on first, single to any field. Where does the throw go, and through whom?

   1. A.To third, through the shortstop
   2. B.To second, through the second baseman
   3. C.To third, through the second baseman
   4. D.Home, through the first baseman
   Show the answerHide the answer

   A. To third, through the shortstop.

3. Runner on first, single. Who is on the bag at second for the backdoor?

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

   C. The second baseman.

4. Runner on first, single. Who lines up the shortstop and makes the call?

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

   C. The third baseman. The third baseman: Through, Cut hold, Cut 3 or Cut 2.

5. Runner on first, single. Who backs up third?

   1. A.The pitcher
   2. B.The shortstop
   3. C.The center fielder
   4. D.The catcher
   Show the answerHide the answer

   A. The pitcher.

6. Runner on first, single. What does the first baseman do?

   1. A.Backs up the throw to second base
   2. B.Runs to back up the throw to third
   3. C.Covers first so the runner can’t round too far
   4. D.Goes out as the cutoff man to third
   Show the answerHide the answer

   C. Covers first so the runner can’t round too far. Covers his bag and keeps the batter-runner honest.

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