Force play facts for kids

In baseball, a forceout is a special way a player can be called "out." It happens when a runner has to leave their base because another player from their team is trying to get to that same base. It's like a traffic jam on the bases!

What is a Forceout?

A forceout happens when a player, called a runner, is "forced" to run to the next base. They are forced because another player from their team is now trying to get to the base they just left. If a fielder touches the base with the ball before the runner gets there, the runner is out.

Why Runners Are Forced

Imagine the bases are like seats on a bus. Only one player can sit on a base at a time. When a batter hits the ball and runs to first base, any runner already on first base must move to second base. This is because the batter needs first base. The runner on first is now "forced" to run to second.

The "Unsafe" Rule

A runner becomes "unsafe" on a base if another teammate is forced to run to that base. For example, if a runner is on first base and the batter hits the ball, the batter must run to first. This makes the runner on first "unsafe" there. They must try to reach second base.

How a Forceout Works

A forceout happens in a few simple steps:

• A batter hits the ball into the field.
• The batter must run to first base.
• If there are runners already on bases that the batter or other runners are trying to reach, those runners are "forced" to advance.
• A fielder gets the ball.
• The fielder touches the base that the forced runner is trying to reach. They must touch the base before the runner gets there.
• The fielder must be holding the ball when they touch the base.
• If all these things happen, the runner is out due to a forceout.

Common Forceout Situations

Forceouts most often happen at first base. This is because the batter is always forced to run to first base after hitting the ball.

• Batter to First Base: If the batter hits the ball and a fielder gets the ball and touches first base before the batter arrives, the batter is out. This is the most common forceout.
• Runner on First to Second Base: If a runner is on first base and the batter hits the ball, the runner on first is forced to run to second. If a fielder touches second base with the ball before the runner gets there, the runner is out.
• Runners on First and Second to Second and Third: If runners are on first and second, and the batter hits the ball, the runner on first is forced to second, and the runner on second is forced to third. Both can be out if fielders make plays at their next bases.

Forceout vs. Tag Out

It's important to know the difference between a forceout and a tag out.

• Forceout: The fielder just needs to touch the base with the ball before the runner gets there. They do not need to touch the runner. This only happens when a runner is "forced" to advance.
• Tag Out: The fielder must touch the runner with the ball (or the glove holding the ball). This happens when a runner is not forced to advance, but is trying to move between bases. For example, if a runner is on second base with no one on first, they are not forced to run. If they try to steal third base, a fielder would need to tag them to get them out.

Knowing about forceouts helps you understand some of the most exciting plays in baseball!