What Are Force out Rules for Softball?

A force out is a basic type of out a player can use to retire a runner on base. According to the international softball website, a force out is made when a runner loses their right to the bag that they had occupied. The action of a force out is demonstrated by a fielder stepping on whichever base that applies to the situation.

  1. The Batter

    • A force out rule will always apply to a batter running to first base. After catching the ball (whether it was thrown or fielded), if the fielder steps on first base before the runner touches the base, the runner is declared out. If the runner and the ball reach base at the same time, the runner is safe.

    On Base

    • The force out rule also applies to a runner on base. If a batter hits the ball and there's a runner on first base going to second base, the force out rule will apply to both runners, providing the first force out is made at second base.

    Runners

    • The force out applies when one or more runners are already on base as long as one of the preceding bases isn't occupied. For example, if the bases are loaded, a force out rule applies to all bases, including home. However, if there is a runner on third with nobody else on base, that runner at third has to be tagged out. This also applies to other runners on base without another runner preceding them.

    Flyballs

    • A force out rule can also apply if a batter hits a flyball that's caught by a fielder and a runner on base decides to leave the base before the ball is caught. If the fielder throws the ball to the fielder at the base previously occupied by the runner, the fielder can touch the base and force the runner out.

    Running Home

    • A force out for the third out also prevents a run from scoring if a runner on third runs home. This happens even if the runner reaches home before a force out is made.