WHY IS THE 3RD BASEMAN THE CUTOFF TO HOME?

Why is the 3rd baseman the cut-off man to home from a ball hit to left field?

COACH HENZE’S ANSWER

I have always used the 3rd baseman as a cutoff to home from a ball hit to left field. That is the way I grew up learning it and EVERY team I have played on (youth, high school, college and amateur) has done it that way.

Why? It is simple… The 3rd baseman is in the best position already to be the cutoff to home. You want your outfielder to make the longest throw during a relay which makes the 3rd baseman the best infielder for the job. It also makes it easier for the catcher to communicate with the cutoff man because the 3rd baseman is closer to the catcher. The shortstop, in this situation, has a duty to cover third base.

The first baseman, in my opinion, will always be the cutoff man for any ball hit from left-center field all the way to the right field line.

NOTE: There are other cutoffs, called double-cuts, that need to be learned when kids get a little older (10 or 11 years old). Make sure you visit my double cutoff page for more information.

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