The Infield Fly Rule in Fastpitch Softball
With runners on first and second, or bases loaded, and fewer than two outs, a fair fly ball an infielder can catch with ordinary effort makes the batter automatically out. The ball stays live, so runners can advance at their own risk, but they don't have to.
When it comes up
Three things at once: runners on first and second (or bases loaded), fewer than two outs, and a fair fly an infielder can catch with ordinary effort. A line drive or popped-up bunt doesn't count; the umpire calls "infield fly, batter's out."
What the call is
The batter's out the moment the umpire makes the call, caught or not.
- The ball stays live.
- Runners aren't forced anywhere, so they can hold their bases.
- If they advance, it's at their own risk, tagging up first on a catch.
- Usually smart to stay put unless the ball drops and there's an obvious chance.
Why the rule exists
Without it, an infielder could let an easy pop-up drop and start a cheap double play on runners who weren't forced to move. Calling the batter out automatically kills that trap and protects the runners, so hold your base unless the ball drops and you've got a clear shot.
How it changes by age
Some younger rec divisions play a simpler game and don't enforce the infield fly, so check your league since it can vary at the youngest ages.
In standard fastpitch the infield fly rule applies once the runners and outs line up, and coaches teach runners to freeze and read the ball.
Test yourself
Runners on first and second, one out. The batter pops a fair fly ball to the shortstop, an easy catch. The umpire calls infield fly. What happens if the shortstop lets it drop?
Show the call
The batter is still out, and the runners are not forced to run.
The infield fly call retires the batter the moment it's made, so a dropped ball can't turn into a forced double play.