Ready Set Field

All situations

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.

Choose a play Teaching notes

12 plays

Choose a play

Showing all 12 plays.

When to use it

When to practice these plays

  • 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.