The Relay Throw: Two Fielders, One Boundary Prevention
The relay throw — a fielding technique where a deep fielder throws to a second fielder who is positioned closer to the stumps, who then completes the throw to the keeper or bowler's end. Why the relay is used when the outfield fielder is too far from the stumps for a direct throw, how the intermediate fielder positions and catches the relay, the timing required to execute a run-out or boundary save via relay, and when captains specifically drill relay throws as part of fielding preparation.
Why a Relay Is Needed
A fielder at the boundary (60+ metres from the stumps) attempting a direct run-out throw faces two problems: the throwing distance is at or beyond the limit of most fielders' accurate throwing range (70-80 metres for elite fielders, less for most), and the time the ball takes in flight is long enough for running batsmen to complete an additional run. A relay throw solves both: the outfield fielder throws to an intermediate fielder stationed at 25-35 metres, who has already received the ball and turned to throw to the wicket-keeper in a single motion. The combined two-throw distance is similar to a direct throw, but each throw is shorter and more accurate, and the total time can be faster than a lobbed long throw.
The Intermediate Fielder's Role
The intermediate fielder's positioning must anticipate the relay: they need to be stationary (or near-stationary) at the point where the deep fielder's throw arrives, positioned facing the stumps, so they can catch and immediately re-throw in a single smooth motion. A relay where the intermediate fielder must chase the throw, stop, turn, and then re-throw takes 2-3 extra seconds — potentially giving the batsmen an additional run. The ideal relay: the deep fielder throws a flat, chest-height ball directly to the intermediate fielder's chest; the intermediate fielder catches and throws in one motion (catch-and-release, similar to a baseball relay). This requires extensive practice between specific fielder pairs — the timing and positioning must be drilled before match deployment.
Relay vs Direct Throw Decision
The decision between a relay and a direct throw depends on: distance from the stumps (direct throws are preferred inside 55-60 metres; relays beyond 60 metres), fielder arm strength (some fielders with exceptionally strong arms throw accurately at 70-75 metres, making the relay unnecessary), and the run-out's timing (a tight run-out with 0.5 seconds margin requires the fastest option; a comfortable run-out gives time for a relay). Captains in the field assess each situation individually — most fielding teams have pre-designated relay fielders who automatically position themselves when a ball is hit to the deep outfield. The relay fielder doesn't wait for a signal; they move to position immediately when the ball passes 45 metres from the stumps.
Frequently asked questions
Can the relay throw be used for any position on the field?
The relay throw is most commonly used from the boundary outfield — positions like long-on, long-off, deep midwicket, and deep square leg where distances to the stumps are greatest. It is rarely used from infield positions (inside 35 metres) because direct throws from those distances are accurate enough without a relay. Some teams also practice a 'one-bounce relay' — where the deep fielder throws a ball that bounces once toward the intermediate fielder, who picks it up and re-throws. The one-bounce relay is slightly slower but reduces the risk of an overthrown relay throw (a relay intermediate fielder who misses the ball creates a boundary opportunity just as an overthrown direct throw does).
Is there a risk of the relay throw going over the stumps for an overthrow?
Yes — the relay has a specific overthrow risk: if the intermediate fielder over-throws to the keeper (throwing too hard or inaccurately), the relay throw can result in the same overthrow boundary as a direct throw gone wrong. The intermediate fielder must therefore control their re-throw to be accurate and controlled, not maximum pace — they are 25-35 metres from the keeper, a throwing distance where full arm speed is unnecessary. Overthrowing from the relay position is a coaching error: the intermediate fielder is instructed to prioritise accuracy over pace on the relay re-throw. A slow-but-accurate relay re-throw to the keeper is better than a fast overthrown relay that gives 4-6 boundary runs.
Do fielding teams practice relay throws before matches?
Yes — relay throw drills are a standard part of fielding warm-up sessions at professional level. The drill: the fielder throws from the boundary to the pre-designated relay fielder, who catches and re-throws to the keeper in a single motion. Repetition of this sequence builds the muscle memory and coordination between specific fielder pairs needed for match execution. In professional cricket, fielding coaches designate specific fielder pairs for relays in different zones of the outfield — player A is the relay intermediary for the deep midwicket zone; player B covers the long-on/long-off relay zone. This pre-match assignment means players automatically position correctly during the match without needing signals.