Force Play
Definition and practical explanation of force play.
A force play occurs when a runner is required to advance because the batter becomes a runner and occupies the base behind them.
Why it matters
Understanding force plays explains many common infield outs and when a tag is not required.
Example
With a runner on first, a ground ball can create a force at second because the runner must advance.
Brampton parent example
Runner on first, ground ball to shortstop: because the batter must run to first, the runner on first is forced toward second. A fielder can record the out by controlling the ball and touching second base before that runner arrives. If the force is removed—for example after a preceding runner is retired—the tagging requirement can change.
Related reading
Sources
- Baseball Canada — National governing-body context and official baseball resources.
This glossary page explains the general baseball concept; competition-specific rules should be checked in the applicable current rule book.