Force Out Meaning in Softball

A force out happens when a runner must move to the next base by rule. This occurs because the batter becomes a runner and occupies the first base bag. The defense only needs to touch the base with the ball to record the out. They do not have to tag the runner with the glove to succeed. A runner is on first when the batter hits a slow ground ball. The second baseman touches the bag before the runner from first base arrives. This creates a force out because the runner had no other place to go. Force outs are the most common way to get runners out in the infield. Coaches teach this concept early because it simplifies the job of the defensive players.