Definition: A force out occurs when a base runner is required to advance to the next base because the batter became a runner and “forced” them off their current spot. In this situation, a fielder only needs to touch the base while holding the ball to record an out; they do not need to tag the runner with the ball.
A force out is most common at first base, where the batter is always “forced” to run after hitting a fair ball. It also frequently happens at second base when there is already a runner on first. Because two people cannot stand on the same base at the same time, the person on first must move to second as soon as the ball is hit. This makes the defense’s job much easier because they can simply throw the ball to a teammate standing on the bag rather than chasing the runner down for a tag.
If there is no runner behind a player, there is no “force,” and the defense must physically tag the runner with the ball or the glove holding the ball to get them out. For example, if a runner is on second base but first base is empty, that runner is not forced to run on a ground ball. If they choose to run anyway, the fielder must tag them. Understanding the difference between a force out and a tag play is essential for fielders to know where to throw the ball the instant they catch it.
Example: With a runner on first, the shortstop caught the ground ball and stepped on second base for a force out before the runner could get there.
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