Softball drill
Outfield relay throw drill
An outfielder fields a ball and throws to a relay player who lines up between them and third base, and the relay turns and throws to third, then everyone rotates. It practices hitting the cutoff from the outfield and lining up the relay.
At a glance
- Sport
- Baseball and Softball
- Skill
- Outfield
- Ages
- 10U to High school
- Players
- 4 or more (outfielders in a line, a relay player and a third baseman)
- Time
- About 15 minutes
- Level
- Intermediate
- Equipment
- Gloves, A bucket of balls, Bases
- Indoors
- Needs a field
On a ball in the gap or down the line, the outfielder's job is to get the ball to the relay player quickly, on a line, not to throw it all the way in. The relay player's job is to give a big target, and the player at the base lines the relay up. When any one of those breaks down, the runner takes an extra base.
This drill runs the whole chain from right field to third base and rotates players through every spot, so outfielders also learn what the relay and the base player need from them. It keeps a full group busy, and the coach can stand near the infield to watch all three throws.
Setup
- Put one player at shortstop as the relay and one at third base.
- The rest of the players line up in right field with balls.
- The coach stands near the infield to watch and give feedback, or hits balls to right field.
How to run it
- The first outfielder fields a ball, rolled, hit or simply started from the glove, as if it were a hit to right field.
- The relay player goes out toward the outfielder, raises both arms high, and the third baseman calls the relay left or right to line up with third.
- The outfielder makes a strong, low throw to the relay player's glove side.
- The relay catches it, turns to the glove side and throws to third.
- Everyone rotates: the outfielder goes to the relay spot, the relay goes to third, and the third baseman goes to the back of the outfield line.
Coaching points
- The relay player raises both arms so the outfielder can find them right away.
- The player at the base does the lining up. The relay cannot see the base behind them.
- Outfielders throw on a line at the relay's head or glove side, not a high arc.
- Everyone talks: the base player lines up the relay, and the relay calls for the ball.
Common mistakes
- The relay player not raising the arms, so the outfielder throws at nothing.
- The third baseman staying quiet and the relay ending up off line.
- Outfielders lobbing a high, slow throw that the runner beats.
Printable drill card
Take this drill to the field: the setup, steps, coaching points and equipment on one card, with the video's address to find it again. Free, no account needed.
Print the drill cardSmaller: half page or quarter page (PDF).
By age
10U
Shorten the distances so the throws can reach on a line, and slow down to explain each spot as players rotate.
12U
Work on quick catch-and-turn transfers by the relay and loud, early calls from third.
14U and up
Run it at game speed off fungoes, add a runner, and move the play to other bases and fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should an outfielder throw on a relay?
At the relay player's head or glove side, on a line. A low, firm throw that the relay can catch and turn on is faster than a long throw all the way to the base.
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