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.