Cutoff Man: Cut It or Let It Go
A real baseball and softball situation: the outfielder throws home through a cutoff player, and the catcher yells whether the ball should be cut or allowed through. Students practice decision-making, the long throw, and team communication.
How to play
- Set up two fields with home plate, second base, and three outfield zones marked with cones 100 ft out. On each field, form a defense of 6 in pinnies and a group of 6 runners (3 min).
- The defense has three outfielders, a cutoff player, a catcher at home, and a helper at third. The cutoff lines up between the fielding outfielder and home, about 40 ft from home.
- The teacher or a student throws a fly ball or grounder to an outfield zone and, at that moment, a runner breaks from second toward home.
- The outfielder fields it and throws hard and low to the cutoff. The catcher yells 'Cut!' if the runner will score anyway, or 'Let it go!' if there is a play at home.
- The defense scores a point for an out at home or for cutting the ball to stop another runner from advancing; the offense scores if the runner gets home. Rotate positions every 3 plays.
- After 8 minutes, runners and defense switch roles (16 min).
Rules
- Safety: the runner crosses on the outside of home, and the catcher receives in front of the plate without blocking the path.
- The cutoff keeps both arms up as a target for the outfielder.
- Only the catcher decides whether to cut the ball or let it through.
Variations
Easier
The outfielder throws from 65 ft and the runner starts from third one second late.
Standard
Throw from 100 ft, runner from second, and the catcher's call.
Harder
Add a second runner on first who tries to advance if the ball isn't cut.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student plays catcher, the role with the most decisions and the least running.
- Hearing impairment: in addition to yelling, the catcher signals with arms: up for cut, down for let it go.
- Skill level: students with a weaker arm can play cutoff, closer to home.
Learning goals
- Decide quickly whether to cut the throw.
- Make a long, strong throw to a teammate used as a target.
- Communicate with short, clear calls.
Equipment for a class of 25
- soft balls: 6
- bases: 4
- cones: 12
- pinnies: 12
Teacher tip
Before playing, walk students into position and move the ball by hand so they see the outfielder-cutoff-home line. A good throw takes one hop and arrives chest high.
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