The force out is a softball play that does not require the fielder to tag the runner. If there is a runner on first base and the batter hits an infield grounder, the runner on first will be out if the ball is secured by the second baseman or shortstop before the runner has reached the base. As long as the fielder can secure the softball at the base before the runner has made contact, a force out has occurred.
Force Play on the Bases
A force play can be recorded at second or third if there are runners on the base preceding the ball being put in play. For example, if there are runners on first and second base and the batter hits an infield grounder to shortstop, the lead runner can be retired by throwing the ball to the third baseman standing on the corner of the base. As long as the third baseman catches the ball cleanly, the runner is out without having to be tagged. That would also hold up if the shortstop had thrown the ball to the second baseman. In that case the runner would be out at second.
Force at Home
This type of play can be a bit trickier than a force on one of the bases. The same principle holds in that runners must be on each base prior to the ball being put into play. This is a bases loaded situation. The difference is the shape of the base itself. First, second and third base all protrude up above the ground, while home plate is flush to the ground. As a result, it can be more difficult for the catcher to keep her foot anchored to the plate if the throw is off line. The catcher must make sure that her foot stays on the plate when she catches the ball in order to secure the out. If there are less than two outs and the bases are loaded, a ground ball may be turned into a double play. For example, if the batter grounds out to the pitcher, the pitcher throws home and the catcher can then wheel around and throw to first to get the batter. The catcher has to be wary of not taking her foot off the plate before she secures the ball. If the catcher does not have her foot on the plate when catching the ball, it is not a force out.
Force Play From the Outfield
A hard one-hop line drive that appears to be a base hit can be turned into a force play. While it does not happen often, it does happen on occasion. For example, with a runner on first base, the next batter hits a one-hop drive to the center fielder. She picks it up quickly and fires a strike to the shortstop standing on second. The throw beats the runner and the umpire calls the runner out. The players may be stunned for a second because the ball looked like a clean hit, but the runner is out on a force play.
Member Comments