Situation hub
Force play situations
Force play situations are about knowing which runner must advance and which base creates the cleanest out. The field map helps defenders see the pivot, the lead runner, and the backup jobs before the ball is hit.
When to use it
When to teach this family
- Use these plays when runners are forced to advance on a ground ball.
- Teach them before double-play or lead-out work so the receiving fielder knows where to be early.
- Review them when defenders tag a runner unnecessarily or throw to a base where there is no force.
Common mistakes
What to watch
- Forgetting that a force out only exists when the runner must advance.
- Showing the runner safe at the bag before the out is recorded.
- Pivot players crossing the bag too early and turning the throw into a catch-and-reach play.
- Backups assuming the force is routine and failing to cover an overthrow.
12 plays
Concrete plays in this family
-
Ground ball | Shortstop
Ground ball to short with runner on 1st, 0 outs
The middle infield gets the force at second and can still finish the double play if the exchange stays clean.
1B | 0 outs -
Ground ball | Shortstop
Ground ball to short with runner on 1st, 1 out
The middle infield gets the force at second and can still finish the double play if the exchange stays clean.
1B | 1 out -
Ground ball | Shortstop
Ground ball to short with runner on 1st, 2 outs
The middle infield gets the force at second and can still finish the double play if the exchange stays clean.
1B | 2 outs -
Ground ball | Second base
Ground ball to 2nd base with runner on 1st, 0 outs
The middle infield gets the force at second and can still finish the double play if the exchange stays clean.
1B | 0 outs -
Ground ball | Second base
Ground ball to 2nd base with runner on 1st, 1 out
The middle infield gets the force at second and can still finish the double play if the exchange stays clean.
1B | 1 out -
Ground ball | Second base
Ground ball to 2nd base with runner on 1st, 2 outs
The middle infield gets the force at second and can still finish the double play if the exchange stays clean.
1B | 2 outs -
Ground ball | Shortstop
Ground ball to short with runners on 1st and 2nd, 0 outs
The defense forces the trail runner at second while keeping third base occupied for the lead runner.
1B, 2B | 0 outs -
Ground ball | Shortstop
Ground ball to short with runners on 1st and 2nd, 1 out
The defense forces the trail runner at second while keeping third base occupied for the lead runner.
1B, 2B | 1 out -
Ground ball | Shortstop
Ground ball to short with runners on 1st and 2nd, 2 outs
The defense forces the trail runner at second while keeping third base occupied for the lead runner.
1B, 2B | 2 outs -
Ground ball | Second base
Ground ball to 2nd base with runners on 1st and 2nd, 0 outs
The defense forces the trail runner at second while keeping third base occupied for the lead runner.
1B, 2B | 0 outs -
Ground ball | Second base
Ground ball to 2nd base with runners on 1st and 2nd, 1 out
The defense forces the trail runner at second while keeping third base occupied for the lead runner.
1B, 2B | 1 out -
Ground ball | Second base
Ground ball to 2nd base with runners on 1st and 2nd, 2 outs
The defense forces the trail runner at second while keeping third base occupied for the lead runner.
1B, 2B | 2 outs