Hit the cut-off
Outfielders: when you can't get the lead runner, keep everybody else where they are.
The rule: No play on the lead runner? Throw to the cut-off man or the base in front of the next runner.
Throwing behind
Never throw to a base where the runner is already safe.
Single to right, runner going first to third. You have no chance at third. Throw there anyway and while the ball is in the air, the batter takes second for free.
The play
Throw to the base in front of the NEXT runner.
Throw to second. The batter stays at first, the force is still on, and the runner on third was going to be there anyway.
The cut-off man
Your cut-off man lines up between you and the plate.
Hit him low and hard. If there's a play, he lets it go through. If there isn't, he cuts it and nobody moves. That's the safe play from deep.
When to go for it
Short throw, long run? Let it fly.
Single to left with a runner going home from second: that's the shortest throw in the outfield and a long way to run. Come up throwing, through the cut-off, and let the catcher do the rest.
You make the call.
Single to you in center with a runner on second. They're going to score — the batter is eyeing second. Where is the play?