What is the difference between a force out and a tag out?
I · Intermediate · Running the bases · 3 of 9A runner who has to leave their base because the batter has become a runner is forced. A forced runner is out if a fielder with the ball touches the next base before the runner gets there. A runner who is not forced must be touched with the ball, or with the glove holding it, while off a base.
How it works
- A force: "a runner legally loses the right to occupy a base by reason of the batter becoming a runner".
- Who is forced: the batter to first, and each runner with no empty base behind them.
- Getting a force out: the runner "or the next base is tagged before he touches the next base".
- A tag: touching a runner with the ball, or with the hand or glove holding the ball, while holding it securely.
- Tagging a base: touching the base with the body while holding the ball.
- Dropped: it is not a tag if the fielder drops the ball during or straight after it.
- The force removed: if a runner behind is put out first, the runners ahead are no longer forced and must be tagged.
- Double play: two outs in one continuous action, with no error between them.
- Overrunning first: the batter-runner may run through first base and cannot be tagged out if they return at once.
- Other bases: a runner who overslides second or third can be tagged out.
- Two on a base: if two runners are touching one base, the following runner is out when tagged, unless forced.
The glossary has the force out, the tag out, the double play, the base runner, the base and the out.
Tricky cases
Runner on first, ground ball to the first baseman, who steps on first and then throws to second. Is the runner out when the fielder touches second?
No. The batter is already out, so the force is removed and the runner must be tagged.
Runner on second only, ground ball to the shortstop. Does the runner have to run?
No. With first base empty the runner is not forced, and must be tagged to be put out.
A runner beats the throw to second on a force but slides past the base. Can they be tagged?
Yes. Having touched the base the force is gone, and a runner who overslides must be tagged to be out.
A fielder tags the runner and the ball pops out of the glove as they do it. Out?
No. It is not a tag if the fielder drops the ball at the same moment or straight after touching the runner.
Why the rule exists
Only one runner may hold a base, so when the batter must run to first, anyone in the way must move on. The force out is the defence's reward for getting the ball there first. It also decides scoring: no run counts on a play whose third out is a force.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Forced runner | The base may be tagged | WBSC Baseball Rule 10.7.6 |
| Unforced runner | The runner must be tagged | WBSC Baseball Rule 10.7.4 |
| First base | May be overrun without risk | WBSC Baseball Rule 10.7.4 exception |
| Force reinstated | A forced runner who retreats past the base can be forced out again | WBSC Baseball Rule 10.7.6 |
From the rule book
World Baseball Softball Confederation, Official Rules of Baseball (2025-2026 edition), Rules 6.23, 6.32, 6.81, 10.3, 10.4 and 10.7. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: WBSC Official Rules of Baseball 2025-2026 (PDF).