Relay plays: the execution of perfection.

A lot of younger coaches think of baseball as a game purely of skills--hitting, throwing, base running, fielding, and so on. But if you take a step back and watch any high level game, you will see a lot of artful plays executed.

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The Yankees playbook covers everything from wild pitch assignments to bunt coverages to pop foul responsibilities to relay throws.

Properly executed, these plays keep base runners from advancing, save runs and help win ball games. Allow us to start by focusing on relays, particularly on a relay throw when a sure double is hit down the right field line--with no runners on base and then with a runner on first.

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With no runners on base, the key is for the right fielder to take a path to the ball that will keep the runner from not going farther than 2nd base. That means he must keep the ball in front of him. (See Diag. 1).

Once the right fielder has secured the ball, he has to throw it to the 2nd baseman, who is the lead man on the tandem relay. The shortstop backs him up and directs the path of the throw. (See Diag. 2).

The 1st baseman plays a unique role in this play. First, he must be sure the hitter touches 1st base and then trail the runner all the way to 2nd base, being ready for a possible put out if the runner is careless. (See Diag. 3).

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To complete the primary responsibilities, the 3rd baseman stays at his bag for a possible tag play, while the left fielder and pitcher back up any throw that might come to 3rd base. (See Diag. 4).

Now let's take a look at a Sure Double down the right-field line with a runner on 1st base. The key to this play is to keep that runner on 1st base from scoring.

In this case, the right fielder's responsibilities are essentially the same as when there are no runners on base. He must keep the ball in front of him and hit the 2nd baseman on the relay throw.

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The 1st baseman, shortstop, and pitcher are the players with significantly different roles when a player is on 1st base in this situation. Let's take a look at their tasks.

The 1st baseman is the trail man on the tandem relay and directs the throw to either home plate or 3rd base--if a throw is needed. (See Diag. 5).

The shortstop is a floater, who must be able to read the play and serve as a cut man on a throw to 3rd base or to home. The shortstop must have good instincts and the anticipation to make the right play. (See Diag. 6).

The pitcher covers the angle between 3rd base and home and must be prepared to back up a throw to either base. He must be able to read the play, understand the base-runner's speed and the game situation and then be prepared to move appropriately. (See Diag. 7).

The left fielder's responsibilities remain the same, as he must back up any throw to 3rd base.

The keys to executing these plays correctly is being disciplined and then practicing the play over and over. You must coach your players to be in the right spot on each occasion. With enough practice, these movements will become intuitive. Understanding and executing these plays takes time, so be patient as your players develop confidence in being at the right place at the right time.

Although there can be some variations on these plays, competent teams from high school to the major leagues can practice these movements on a regular basis and commit them to memory.

If a player has to think too much when executing these plays, he requires a little more work until his movements become intuitive.

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By Joe Torre, Manager, New York Yankees