A double play is a term used in baseball and softball to describe the act of making two outs during the same continuous play. Double plays can occur any time there is at least one baserunner and fewer than two outs. The simplest scenario for a double play is a runner on first base with less than two outs. In that context, five example double plays are:

• The batter hits a ground ball to a middle infielder, who throws the ball to another infielder covering second base to force out the runner coming from first base (first out). The second baseman or shortstop then throws the ball to first base to force out the batter (second out).
• The batter hits a fly ball to the outfield, and the outfielder catches the ball. Meanwhile, the runner on first base has advanced too far from the base and is tagged out by the first baseman before he can return to the base (first out). This is known as a "line drive double play."
• The batter hits a ground ball to a middle infielder, who throws the ball to another infielder covering second base to force out the runner coming from first base (first out). The second baseman or shortstop then throws the ball to third base to force out the runner coming from second base (second out).
• The batter hits a ground ball to a corner infielder, who throws the ball to a middle infielder covering second base to force out the runner coming from first base (first out). The middle infielder then throws the ball to first base to force out the batter (second out).
• The pitcher throws a pitch that the batter misses for strike three (first out). Meanwhile, the runner attempts to steal second base, and the catcher throws the ball to a middle infielder, who tags the runner before he reaches the base (second out). This is colloquially known as a "strike em out, throw em out" double play.

Double plays can occur in many ways in addition to these examples, and can involve many combinations of fielders. A double play can include an out resulting from a rare event, such as interference or an appeal play.

It is important to note that "Double Play" is also the name of an add-on feature for the Powerball lottery game in some states. This feature gives players another chance to match their Powerball numbers in a separate drawing with a top cash prize of $10 million. However, this is not related to the baseball term "double play."