Relay Throw Research Paper

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The foundation of the relay throw is knowing when to cutoff the ball during a baseball or softball game. Relay is a term in baseball that refers to the throw by a relay man (who has received the ball from an outfielder) for the purposes of directing the ball to the proper location or base for a put-out.
(http://www.sportingcharts.com/dictionary/mlb/relay.aspx )
There are certain tactics used and can be played during the game that may or may not assist you on defense. This idea and the main purpose of a relay throw is to basically try to get the runner out by employing the easiest and fastest way possible. Players learn early when to use the relay throw and when to cut off the baseball. “It is the catcher’s job to tell the cutoff man to …show more content…

Don't overlook the positioning of the cutoff. (http://www.qcbaseball.com/situations/cut-off-situations.aspx). In other words, move toward the ball as it’s thrown to you. If the player receiving the ball is a right-handed thrower you want the ball on the right side of your chest, if you are a left-handed thrower you want the ball on the left side of your chest. This will make is more efficient to grab and throw. You must anticipate the ball coming, before you catch it. When the player moves towards the ball you must remember to move your feet toward the direction that you what to throw. Turn to your glove side and throw (you create more momentum and have less movement). This ensures the quickest and strongest catch and release possible. Remember move feet to catch and move feet to throw. Although, keeping in mind, throwing to a cutoff man is primarily used to keep the ball down low. (Bernier, Doug. "Baseball Relays and Cut Offs." Pro Baseball Insider. N.p., n.d. Web.). When you throw the ball low it gets to your target quickly with a hop or two rather than sailing it high over your cut off man’s head like a rainbow. That isn’t acceptable. There are indeed certain occasions that you may observe someone making a throw without using a cutoff man. Perhaps the player has a strong enough arm to by-pass or not needing or use the cutoff man. The purpose of the cutoff man is used as an extra arm to get the baseball to the base runner faster. However, in most situations the cutoff man should always be in

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