Force Play
A force play occurs when a runner is legally required to advance to the next base because the batter has put the ball in play and become a runner. Since the batter-runner is entitled to occupy first base, any runner already on first is 'forced' to move to second. This chain reaction continues for any runners immediately following them (e.g., a runner on second is only forced if there is also a runner on first).
A force out is recorded when a fielder, while holding the ball, touches the base to which the runner is forced before that runner arrives (Rule 5.09(b)(6)). Unlike a tag play, the fielder does not need to touch the runner's body with the ball; simply maintaining firm control of the ball in his/her hand or glove while contacting the bag is sufficient to retire the runner.
When a runner overruns a base they are forced to (other than first), the force is removed, and the runner must be tagged to be put out. See example two. When a runner is forced to advance and his succedding runner is put out, the force is removed for all preceding runners. See example three.
One of the most vital scoring rules involves the third out of an inning. If the third out is the result of a force play (including the batter-runner being put out at first), no runs can score on that play, regardless of whether a runner crossed home plate before the out was made (Rule 5.08(a)). This is a common point of confusion, as it differs from a 'timing play' where a run counts if it occurs before a non-force third out.
A force situation is reinstated if a runner, having been forced to advance, retreats toward the base they previously occupied. That runner can then be put out by the defense touching the base which the runner was forced to advance to (Rule 5.09(b)(6)). See example four.
Examples
- Runner on first, ground ball to shortstop. Throw to second beats the runner — this is a force out.
- With a runner on first, the batter hits a ground ball. The runner advances to second but overruns the base. The defense can not step on second to record the out, they must tag the runner while off the base.
- With a runner on first and second, the batter hits a ground ball to the first baseman who steps on first. The force is now removed for the runners on second and third (i.e. they do not have to advance).
- A runner on first advances to second on a ball hit to the outfield. After touching second, thinking the outfielder caught the ball in the air, the runner runs back to first. The defense can now retire this runner by stepping on second base.
- Two outs, bases loaded. The batter hits a grounder and is thrown out at first. Even if the runner from third crossed home before the throw reached first, the run does not count because the third out was a force play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a force play still apply if the runner retreats?▼
Yes. A force exists until the runner reaches the next base safely or the batter-runner is put out. See Rule 5.09(b)(6).
Can a run score on a force play?▼
Yes. But if the third out is a force play, no runs can score on that play.
If a fielder tags the runner instead of the base, is it still a force out?▼
Technically, yes. If the runner is forced to advance, tagging the runner is simply another way to complete the force play. However, tagging the base is usually the more efficient choice.