Sometimes a fielder holding the ball only needs to touch a base; in other situations, the ball or glove holding it must touch the runner. The distinction concerns whether the runner is forced to advance. Follow the changing relationships between occupied bases rather than assuming every play at a base works identically.
A force begins with the runner behind
When the batter becomes a runner, an occupant of first may be compelled to move towards second. Consecutively occupied bases can extend that relationship forwards. Where a force applies, the defence can obtain the relevant out by possessing the ball and touching the required base. Start by mapping the runners before contact.
A preceding out can remove the force
If the following runner is retired first, a former obligation to advance may disappear. Merely touching the next base may then be insufficient to record the same out. Watch the runner's position and the fielder's contact carefully, because each out in a continuing play can change the legal situation for the next action.
Double plays require a useful order
Recording two outs from one batted ball demands coordinated collection, transfer and throwing. Choosing the sequence matters alongside speed. Identify the forced runners before following the throw to understand why an infielder might send the ball to second rather than immediately seeking the batter at first.
