Rules for Force Plays in the Infield

excerpt from Baseball Playbook by Ron Polk

Every baseball coach wants to establish various rules for his infielders and pitchers in regard to force play situations on ground balls. Even if general rules are discussed, the coach will still have to rely on the baseball instinct of the player fielding the ground ball. There are many variables involved when an infielder or pitcher must make the decision as to whether or not to go for the lead runner, go for the double play, or make the sure out on the batter-runner. These variables include: speed of the ball; angle of the ball to the fielder; directional momentum of the fielder; speed of the runner(s); score; outs; and inning.

There are some basic rules that the defense can follow in regard to these variables so that they are in a better position to make the proper play. The first rule is that they anticipate the ground ball before it is hit by the batter. Prior to the pitch, a fielder must review in his mind where he will go with a ground ball hit very hard (6 type ground ball); a ground ball hit with average velocity (5 type ground ball); or a ground ball hit quite slowly (4 type ground ball). Any indecision on the fielder's part could cost the defense a potential double play, or an out on the lead runner. Any major indecision on the fielder's part could mean that no out is made on any runner, including the batter-runner.

In a previous section of the Playbook, the production rating system is discussed whereby each ground ball is graded in regard to the speed of the ball off the bat. This system is very helpful in assisting infielders and pitchers on where the best play might be made on a ground ball when he has some options available to him. In practice sessions, the coach can hit various types of ground balls to the infielders and pitchers, and assist them in grading each ball (4, 5 or 6), so that they become familiar with the best options available in regard to the speed of the ball.

A general rule that is very helpful to the defense is that early in the game, outs must be made at the expense of gambling for an out on the lead runner. Early in the game is generally from the first inning through the sixth inning of a nine inning game. In a seven inning game, early in the game would be from the first through the fourth inning. Late in the game, the infielders and pitchers must give primary consideration to the runner at third base, especially if he is the tying or winning run in the last inning of the game.

Anytime the defense can make the double play early in the game, it should be attempted even if the runner at third base will score. Of course, if the double play can be started with the force out at the plate, then this is the best direction to go. Late in the game with an important run at third base, the double play via second base can be made only if the runner at third base is not able to cross the plate while the double play is being completed.

An infielder should never make an off-balance throw to a base or the plate unless it is the only way to make a play. This is especially true for the first baseman and third baseman that field ground balls on the second base side of the diamond and have a decision as to whether to throw to second base, or try to make the play at the plate. If the runner at third base is a very important run late in the game, then the play should be made at the plate. Otherwise, the play should be made at second base. Many times, the old baseball saying that you make the play "wherever the ball takes you" holds true.

On the following pages we will detail some rules to follow in regard to a fielder's options when there is a runner at third base. In practice sessions, various situations can be set up by the coach so that the defense has a chance to simulate game situations that might arise. By placing runners on the bases and having them run full speed, it will allow the defense ample opportunities to test their reactions. Prior to hitting various types of ground balls to the infielders and the pitcher on the mound, the coach needs to inform the defense as to what depth they will be playing, how many outs there are, the score of the game and the inning.

1. Bases loaded with less than two outs-early innings.

The defense wants to get the double play the best way they can, especially with one out. With no outs they can gamble a little more on the double play via home plate. Again, the defense is looking for outs and when a double play type ground ball is hit, the defense needs to make the twin killing early in the game. Generally, the infield will not be playing in on the grass early in the ball game. Because of this, the double play via the pivot man at second base is generally the easiest route to go. Any ball hit to the second base side of the first baseman or the third baseman needs to go to second base. The same holds true for any ball hit to the second base side of the shortstop or second baseman. If the ball is hit to the first base side of the first baseman and he is close enough to touch first base, he should do so. From that point, he needs to decide which play can be made easier. Whatever direction he goes, to the plate or to second base he needs to communicate to the fielder that he must tag the runner by yelling out' 'tag". The same holds true for a ball hit to the third base side of the third baseman. Since the runner going to the plate might obstruct his view of the catcher, he might have an easier play at first base. Much will depend on where the runner heading for the plate is when the third baseman makes the out at third base. The pitcher should always go the home plate route on any ground ball hit back to the mound unless the ball takes him well off the mound and he will have a very difficult throw to make to the plate. If that be the case, then he should make the play closest to where he fields the ball.

2. Bases loaded with less than two outs-late innings.

In this case, the importance of the runner at third base will be of great importance as to where the throw will be made. If the runner at third base is an important run late in the game, the infield should be in on the grass. If the defensive team is ahead and the runner at third base is not the tying or winning run, the infield should be in double play depth. Anytime the defense is behind in the score in the later innings of the game, they will just about always have to play in on the grass to prevent the runner from third base from scoring. Anytime a coach can keep from playing the infield in on the grass he should do so. By playing the infield in, it gives the hitter the distinct advantage of hitting a ground ball past the infielders. If the infield is playing in on the grass, all ground balls fielded must be thrown to the plate in hopes that a double play might be made via the catcher to the first baseman. If no double play is possible, then they can at least get the force out at the plate. If the infield is in double play depth, the infielders will read the nature of the ground ball that they field and make the play accordingly. Anytime there is one out and a ground ball is fielded with a good chance for the double play via the pivot man at second base, it should be attempted. Again, the importance of the runner at third base must be considered. If the infield is in on the grass and the ball is hit to the first baseman or third baseman to the second base side of the diamond, they must give the pivot man at second base a chance to get back to the bag for the force out. A double play in this situation is generally not feasible so the play at the plate might be the best bet if the fielder can get a good throw off to the catcher. The pitcher will always throw to the plate on the ground ball back to him in this situation unless his momentum carries him well away from the mound and away from the plate.

3. Runners at first and third base with less than two outs-early

innings.

In almost all cases, in the early innings of a game the infield would be positioned in double play depth. As in the bases loaded situation, the defense will want to make the double play via the second base route even if it means that the runner from third base scores. If the defense is concerned about the runner at third base due to the nature of the game, they can play in shallow double play depth or play the corners in (third baseman and first baseman) and the middle (shortstop and second baseman) at regular double play depth. With one out, the infield would generally playa little shallower in their double play depth, so that they can have a better chance at completing the double play negating the runner at third base from scoring. The pitcher should always go the second base route for the double play type ground ball. If it is not a double play type ground ball, he can look the runner back to third base and go to either second base or first base for the out. Anytime the defense can keep the runner from first base off second base via the force out, it should be attempted. Again, in the early innings the defense must get an out, so this is not the time to gamble on a runner.

4. Runners at first and third base with less than two outs-late

innings.

The infield would need to play in on the grass if the runner at third base is an important run late in the game. This is especially true when there is one out. With no outs, the runner at third base will generally not break for the plate until the ground ball gets through the infield, so the infielders could play a few steps off the grass. Anytime the runner at third base is the tying or winning run late in the game, every ground ball fielded must be thrown to the plate if the runner is attempting to score. If the runner at third base is not breaking for the plate, then the pitcher or the infielder who fields the ball must get an out somewhere after checking the runner at third base. If the infield is playing in on the grass and the runner at third base does not break for the plate, the force out at second base should be made if possible. Again, the defense needs to be aware of the fact that the shortstop or second baseman will have a very difficult time covering second base for the force play. If so, the out should be made on the batter-runner at first base. If there is one out, the defense could play their corners in (third baseman and first baseman) and the middle (shortstop and second baseman) in double play depth. Since the first baseman will have to hold the runner on first base, he is already in the proper position when the pitch is made to the plate. By playing the defense in this manner, it will provide the opportunity to get the inning ending double play via the second base route. Again, the importance of the runner at third base must always be taken into consideration. If a 5 or 6 type ground ball is hit right at an infielder or the pitcher with one out, they should be able to get the double play ending the inning. With no outs, a ground ball of this type fielded would be played in accordance with the importance of the runner at third base. The defense would not want to complete the double play only to have the tying or winning run score. If the defense started the double play at second base with no outs, and the pivot man at second base saw that the runner at third base broke late for the plate, he can throw the ball to the catcher at home plate. The third baseman can yell "four-four", if the runner broke after the double play was started. The signals that the coach in the dugout can use to control the depth of his infielders.

About the Author...

Polk has helped UAB to back-to-back winning seasons in his two years with the Blazers, including a 30-win campaign in 2009. He has helped the Blazers to victories in eight of 16 Conference USA series since his arrival, including 2009 series wins over both fourth-ranked Rice and eventual College World Series participant Southern Miss.

"It has been a personal highlight in life for me to be able to learn under Coach Polk in the 80's at Mississippi State and now work with him again at UAB," head coach Brian Shoop said. "I have more respect for Coach Polk than any coach in college baseball. No one has had more of an influence on our game and on countless young coaches, including myself. Our players love him and appreciate the sacrifices he makes to be involved with the UAB baseball program. We are better in so many ways because of Coach's decision to donate his time to Blazer baseball."

In July 2009, Polk was inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame. He is also a member of the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Hall of Fame, having been inducted in 1995. In 1988, he was presented with the Lefty Gomez Award, the highest award given by the ABCA.

Polk retired from Mississippi State in 2008, following his 29th season at the school. He ranks seventh all-time in NCAA career head coaching victories.

Polk concluded his 35-year career as a head coach with a career record of 1,373-700-2 (.662). In his career, which also included stints at Georgia Southern (1972-75) and Georgia (2000-01), Polk led his teams to a total of eight College World Series appearances, five SEC championships and 23 Regional appearances. He is one of only three coaches in college baseball history to take three different programs to the College World Series.

Polk mentored current UAB head coach Brian Shoop when the Blazer skipper was on his staff at Mississippi State from 1983-89. The Bulldogs won three SEC championships and made one trip to the College World Series during that time.

At Mississippi State, Polk recruited and coached some of the game's all-time greats, including Major League standouts Jeff Brantley, Will Clark, Rafael Palmeiro, Bobby Thigpen and Jonathan Papelbon. Those are just a few of the 185 of his former players that have signed professional contracts and a few of the 23 that have played in the Major Leagues.

A three-time National Coach of the Year, Polk held the position of Assistant Athletics Director for Special Projects at Mississippi State following his team's College World Series run in 1997. While in that position, Polk spearheaded a successful campaign to expand Polk-DeMent Stadium in Starkville. He returned to coaching at Georgia in 2000, where he spent two years before making the move back to Mississippi State for his final seven seasons.

Perhaps Polk's most talented Mississippi State squad ever was the 1985 version. That club finished the year 50-15 and was SEC champion before going on to appear in the College World Series. The 1985 Bulldog club featured future major league stars Brantley, Clark, Palmeiro and Thigpen.

In his 35 years as a college baseball coach, Polk produced 35 All-Americans and more than 75 All-SEC performers.

In addition to Polk's work in the collegiate ranks, the Boston, Mass., native has completed seven tours as a member of the coaching staff for the USA National Baseball Team, twice serving as head coach. Two of the teams he coached represented the United States in the Olympics.

Polk has also impacted the college baseball world through his literary work. He has authored "The Baseball Playbook," the nation's leading college textbook for baseball, and is featured in the book, "6 Psychological Factors for Success: America's Most Successful Coaches Reveal the Path to Competitive Excellence."