Force Out
A force out happens when a runner is forced to advance because the batter becomes a runner. The defense only needs to touch the base (with the ball) before the runner arrives — no tag required.
Field Calls
Steps
- dugout: HARD HIT!Common mistake:Watching the ball instead of reading direction.As a fielder, you should immediately read where the ball is going, not just watch it.
- 1B: GOT IT!Common mistake:Trying to tag the runner instead of touching the base.In a force situation, you only need to touch the base with the ball. Tagging wastes time.
- umpire: OUT!Common mistake:Runner slows down thinking they're safe.Always run hard through the bag unless you see the umpire's safe signal.
When does a force situation occur?
- Batter hits the ball: The batter must run to first base, creating a force.
- Runner on first: That runner is forced to second when the batter hits.
- Bases loaded: Every runner is forced to the next base.
How to record a force out
The fielder with the ball steps on the base before the runner reaches it. If there are multiple forced runners, the defense can get multiple outs on one play — a double play.
Tag Out
A tag out is required when a runner is not forced to advance. The defender must touch the runner with the ball (or glove holding the ball) while the runner is off the base.
Common tag‑out situations
- Pickoff: Runner leading off a base is tagged before getting back.
- Run‑down (“pickle”): Runner caught between bases.
- Steal attempt: Runner tries to advance on a pitch and is tagged before reaching the next base.
Tag vs. force
If a runner is forced, you only need the base. If the force is removed (e.g., the runner behind them is out), you must tag that runner.
Infield Fly Rule
The infield fly rule protects runners from a cheap double play when a pop‑up is hit in the infield with runners on first and second (or bases loaded) and fewer than two outs.
What happens
The umpire calls “Infield fly, batter’s out!” The batter is automatically out, regardless of whether the ball is caught. Runners may advance at their own risk (but are not forced).
Why the rule exists
Without it, the defense could intentionally drop the ball, force a double play, and unfairly punish the offense.
Basic Game Flow
Softball is played in innings. Each inning has a top (visiting team bats) and a bottom (home team bats).
Three outs per half‑inning
- An out can be a strikeout, a caught fly ball, a force out, a tag out, or a runner leaving the base too early (in some leagues).
- After three outs, the teams switch roles.
Scoring
A run scores when a runner touches all four bases (home, first, second, third) and returns to home plate before the third out of the inning.