double cut-offs

Question
I am coaching a 13 year old Fall Ball team and wanted to get your advice on double cut-offs. Could you give me proper positioning for a no-runner on and runner on first scenarios for balls hit to both sides of the field? We rotate players through many positions, but I want to make sure that they have a basic understanding. We play on 90' bases.

Answer
Hi Paul,

This may get wordy...but I'll try to summarize.

No runners on hit in right/center gap or down rf line, trying to prevent a triple:

The 2b goes to a deep cut-off position aligning himself between the ball and the third base bag.  The SS stays on the dirt near second base.  The cut-off goes OF-2B-SS-3B.

There is no double cut-off for a ball hit to left/center gap as the bag is close enough for a single cut.

Runner on first on hit to right/center gap or down rf line, trying to prevent run from scoring:

2B goes out for first cut, 1B moves in position for second cut.

Runner on first on hit to left/center gap or down lf line, trying to prevent run from scoring:

SS goes out for 1st cut, 3B moves in position for second cut.

Just a note:  keep it simple.  These boys are adjusting to the new field dimensions--NOT throwing the ball around will help keep the team in the game at this level.  Stress LOW throws.

Good luck.

Pete