The main of objectives behind cut-offs and relays are to prevent the opposition from taking extra bases and to avoid "big innings." Listed below are a few basic principles governing the cutoff scheme:
--- - Always keep the ball in front of you.
--- - Throw ahead of runner.
--- - The throw to the cutoff man should be on a line at chest level.
--- - All calls should be loud and repetitive.
--- - When pitchers back up throws they should be as far back as park allows.