TIGER BASEBALL - Double Cut Situations

Double Cut Situations

For a complete defensive playbook, check out the Mental and Situational Guide.

If the ball is hit into the outfield and the hitter will have a sure double, both the shortstop and 2nd baseman should move into outfield and get into position for a double cut. With 1st base empty to start the play, the relay should be lined up to 3rd base and the 3rd baseman will direct the play. If there is a runner on 1st to start, the relay should be lined up to the plate and the catcher will direct the play. On balls hit left of the center fielder, the shortstop will be the lead man and the 2nd basemen will trail. On balls hit right of the center fielder, the 2nd baseman will be the lead man and the shortstop will be the trail.

The lead man should position himself based on the arm strength of the outfielder and should have both hands in the air so that the outfielder can see him. The better arm the outfielder has, the further away he should be. If the throw from the outfielder is going to be short or offline and the lead man reads that he will have a difficult time making the play, he should let it go for the trailer. The trailer should position himself about 20 feet behind the lead man and he is responsible for repeating the call from the 3rd baseman or catcher to the lead man. As the trailer, once the ball is thrown by the outfielder, he should move his feet to get in position for an easy long hop.

Below are some double cut examples from the pros.

Double Cut - First Base Empty

For a relay to be successful, there must be two good throws and both must be on line. The outfielder hits the first relay man who turns and moves with the ball as he receives it so that there is no wasted time on the transfer. As a result, his body is lined up and he has the momentum he needs to make a strong accurate throw to 3rd base.

Here, the outfielder over throws his first relay man but because the shortstop is perfectly positioned as the backside of the double cut, he is able to complete the relay. He reads the throw and moves his feet so that he gets an easy hop and is already turned so that he can quickly make a good strong throw to hose the runner at 3rd base.

Double Cut - Runner on First Base

With a runner on 1st, the relay is lined up with the plate. Again, you see two strong throws that are on line and a middle infielder turning and moving with the ball as he receives it. Gotta love the perfect long hop through the cut.