Relay Throw
Also known as: relay man throw, outfield relay
A relay throw is an outfield throw caught by an infielder (the relay man) positioned in a direct line to the target base, who then re-throws it, rather than one long throw all the way from the outfield.
Very few outfield throws travel accurately and with useful velocity across the full distance from the outfield to a far base; breaking the throw into two shorter legs — outfielder to relay man, relay man to the base — keeps both throws hard and accurate rather than one long, arcing throw that loses carry and gives the batter-runner extra time. The relay man's job is entirely about positioning and preparation: getting to a spot roughly between the ball and the target base, showing a clear target with the glove, and having feet already aligned to catch and release in one fluid motion.
Good relay execution depends on communication as much as mechanics — the relay man is often turned away from the play and relies on teammates shouting where to direct the throw (cutting it, letting it go through, or redirecting to a different base entirely). A relay throw that is caught but released slowly defeats the purpose of using a relay at all; the entire technique exists to preserve both accuracy and speed across a long defensive sequence.
Example
The center fielder's throw reached the relay man in the outfield grass, who caught it moving toward the infield and fired a strike home to cut down the tying run.
Why it matters
A well-executed relay sequence can save a full second or more compared to a single long outfield throw, which is frequently the margin between a runner being safe or out at a distant base.
How it shows up on video
On video, a good relay man is already moving toward the target before catching the ball, catching it with the glove-side foot forward so the transfer and throw happen in one motion; a poor relay shows the fielder standing flat-footed to receive the ball, adding a full stop-and-restart before the second throw.
Common mistakes
- Standing still to receive the relay throw instead of moving toward the target, adding unnecessary time before the second throw
- Positioning too far from the direct line between the ball and the target base, forcing either the first or second throw to be longer than necessary
- Failing to communicate clearly which base the relay should go to, causing hesitation or a throw to the wrong target
In SwingVantage Motion Lab
SwingVantage Motion Lab can review a relay man's footwork and transfer timing on tracked reps, showing whether time is being lost in positioning, the catch, or the release.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a relay man and a cutoff man?
A relay man is typically positioned well out in the outfield grass to shorten a very long throw into two legs; a cutoff man is closer to the infield, positioned in the throwing lane to potentially intercept a throw headed to a base or home plate.
Related terms
- Cutoff ManThe cutoff man is the infielder who positions in a direct line between an outfielder and the base being defended, ready to intercept — or "cut" — the throw and redirect it if the original target is no longer the best play.
- Carry (Throw)Carry describes how well a throw holds its velocity and straight-line trajectory through the air without tailing, sinking, or losing steam — a throw that "carries" arrives true to the target.
- Crow Hop (Throwing)A crow hop is a small skip-step a fielder uses after fielding a ball — replanting the back foot and shuffling toward the target — to gather momentum and align the body before a long or off-balance throw.
- Defensive RangeDefensive range is how much ground a fielder can cover and convert into outs — a combination of first step, speed, reads, and athleticism.
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