WK's Coach's Tips

Tag Plays and Relay Throws

We'll start this season's Coach's Tips by continuing from last season and focusing on infield defense. In this session, we will outline key points to remember for tag plays and relay throws.

Tag Plays

• Let the ball travel in the air as long as possible. Don't try to go out and "meet it".
• If the throw is on target, catch and apply the tag straight down. Off target throws may allow for a "swipe" tag.
• Expose the back of the glove to the sliding runner.
• After the tag, bring the glove up and "sell" to the umpire.
• Straddling the bag is fundamental. Use quick feet to retrieve off throws.
• Move inside the runner for a possible catch and tag.
• It is important to be able to judge when to pick a low throw and tag and when to block the low throw to prevent a runner from advancing.
• With runners on first and third, middle infileders should open their shoulders to allow maximum peripheral vision.

Relay Throws

• Receive the ball facing the outfield with arms raised.
• Be aware of the game situation. An ill-timed relay throw results in a hitter taking an extra base.
• Keep your throws low in order to freeze runners and allow the ball to be cut.
• The strength of the outfielder's arm will determine your depth on a relay.
• Use quick footwork to position the incoming throw for a quick ball transfer.
• Low throws from the outfield should be allowed to bounce through to the trailing infielder. The trailing infielder should also receive high throws.

That's it for this session. For the next Coach's Tip, we'll look at some aspects of throwing for infielders.

Keep your head in the game!

WK

Updated May 14, 1999