The pitcher is the backup man and positions himself halfway between home plate and 3rd base in foul territory. The play is to catch the runner either at home plate, or to force him to hold up at 3rd base. The man covering the base where the play will be made is the one who tells the cutoff man what to do. If the player covering the base says nothing, the cutoff man slaps his glove, faking a catch, and lets the ball continue to the intended base. Since both players must keep their eyes on the ball, it is important that they make their intentions known loud and clear.
All outfielders have priority over all infielders.
The center fielder has priority over left and right fielder. If done correctly, only one or two throws are needed to retire the batter. The baseman with the ball runs full speed with the ball held in his bare hand ready to snap it to the other baseman. When the receiver thinks that the runner is moving fast enough to prevent a sudden stop, he signals to the baseman holding the ball to throw it. Assuming the throw was good, the runner should be tagged out just as he begins to retreat back to the other base.