MLB 15 The Show: Zone Hitting Guide (Video)

[HimynameisMattyK]

Re: MLB 15 The Show: Zone Hitting Guide (Video)

holding the right trigger after the pitch does not list the pitch speed. i wish it did.

I've thought about this as well. That would be a welcome addition for sure

[iLLWiLL]

Re: MLB 15 The Show: Zone Hitting Guide (Video)

Jake aka wolverine, I finally get what you were saying about "overextension" lol I totally do that, I just always described it as my own "twitchiness", or excessive movements.

While I can't really use the tip of the thumb placement (it's too uncomfortable for my thumb, and creates too much tension when I prefer to be relaxed & loose), it is a great tip

I'm going to give Bobhead's technique a shot, and try using the underside of my knuckle and see how that feels

Just wanted to bump this thread, and say thanks to wolverine's & Bobhead's tips on left-stick thumb positioning! Played 3 games last night, on Dynamic-All Star, and got my 3 most productive games at the plate!!! Games of 9 hits, 10 hits, and 11 hits! In the 11-hit game, scored a season-high 9 runs, with the Phillies of all teams including two hits by Cliff Lee!

I've been using Bobhead's technique of positioning the stick under the underside of my thumb knuckle (i.e., the crease). It does make it harder to reach the far-right side of the plate. But overall it feels like I get much more precision with shorter movements with this positioning, due to the restricted range of motion.

Hope last night wasn't just a fluke!!!

[baseballsim]

Re: MLB 15 The Show: Zone Hitting Guide (Video)

I tried Bobhead's technique but found myself actually pushing down on R3 - which I think causes drag bunts which usually result in pop-ups in the infield. I going back to the 90 degree thumb.

[iLLWiLL]

Re: MLB 15 The Show: Zone Hitting Guide (Video)

I tried Bobhead's technique but found myself actually pushing down on R3 - which I think causes drag bunts which usually result in pop-ups in the infield. I going back to the 90 degree thumb.

R3? The right stick?

I incidentally push down on L3 (left stick), but thankfully L3 has no function.

[baseballsim]

Re: MLB 15 The Show: Zone Hitting Guide (Video)

Sorry. Meant L3. In any case, I did see a lot of check swings pop-up in the infield for some reason.

[iLLWiLL]

Re: MLB 15 The Show: Zone Hitting Guide (Video)

Sorry. Meant L3. In any case, I did see a lot of check swings pop-up in the infield for some reason.

If you're check-swinging it's your other thumb that is the problem.

[baseballsim]

Re: MLB 15 The Show: Zone Hitting Guide (Video)

Well, the problem seemed to go away when I used something that was more comfortable to me.

[FenwayMac]

Re: MLB 15 The Show: Zone Hitting Guide (Video)

For what it's worth I think I have stumbled upon something that works pretty well so I wanted to share it with you, if it even only helps a few of you to hit the ball better

Firstly, I use the bottom of my knuckle. For some time I tried the 90 degree thumb and it just was not consistant for me.

Secondly, I have Kontrol Freek, so I have a concave control that my bottom of knuckle fit snugly in. Whether this matters or not I don't know, but it is comfortable instead of awkward. Just place the rest of your hand however it is comfortable on the controller, I have my two smallest fingers on the left handle, middle under the base, and index around L1 and L2, but whatever works.

I do NOT push down on L3, just rest the knuckle pad on the surface.

Now here is the part that really worked for me. While awaiting the pitch I lightly, but consistantly wiggle the stick side to side. Not a lot, just a fraction both direction, but the key is a steady side-to-side where you feel in control. If it feels awkward "step away from the plate" and readjust.

Now that your PCI is taken care of, you can just focus on the pitch. Watch the pitch, focus on a large portion of the strike zone but not the whole zone unless protecting the plate. Focus on timing the swing.

What the wiggle did for me is somehow cause my brain to react much more quickly and accurately to pitch location, while my main focus is watching pitch location and timing my swing.

This may sound odd, but I encourage you to do some BP and try it for about 5-10 rounds on discipline and watch where you PCI ends up after each swing.

My result has been more solid hits, and even the outs feel solid and controlled. Much less shallow pop ups and choppers!

Flat knuckle, controlled wiggle. Try it!