Directional Hitting strategies

[Gagnon39]

Every year it seems like I go through the same conundrum. Am I going to use Zone or Directional hitting. I have used Zone all the way back to MLB 08 so that's what I naturally gravitate towards. However, I like the idea of Directional but I just can't seem to get the hang of it. For those that have used it long enough to know, I have some questions about your strategies with it at the plate.

First of all, how often do you move the analog stick? Do you just do it in certain situations like when you're trying to hit a sac fly or a ground ball to the right side of the infield?

Also if you are pressing up and in are you more likely to pull a home run?

Do you move the left stick after the ball is released from the pitcher's hand?

The major problem I have with Directional is that it seems like the CPU almost to too large a degree predetermined the outcome. For example:

Last night I played a game where the first two pitches were right down the middle (to Kris Bryant mind you). I had "good," timing and did not move the analog stick. Both balls were fouled off. I was able to work the count full after being down 0-2 and then got "good," timing again on a 3-2 pitch only to hit an infield pop up. It was infuriating for someone like me that's used Zone forever.


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[COMMISSIONERHBK9]

Re: Directional Hitting strategies

my man gagnon I'm so happy u bought this up because I'm having the same issue. so what I do which is probably not the correct way is I just always aim up and that it. I don't know if that the correct way. I sometimes hit hr I sometimes hit doubles. it seems like it works. but I am on dynamic difficulty and I haven't play as much so I'm still on the low end level

[bcruise]

Re: Directional Hitting strategies

CPU having a lot of control over the outcome is the whole nature of directional hitting. If you want a larger influence on how well you're hitting the ball, I don't know why you'd use it. It's not "predetermined", it's based on your timing + the hitter's ratings vs the pitcher's ratings (their PCI size and placement, in other words).

Doesn't matter when you move the stick to influence the hit direction, as long as that blue arrow shows up it's having an effect. It's not a "loading up sooner gives you more influence" kind of thing.

And when I do play directional (I'm primarily a zone player though I mess around with all modes) I don't influence unless I'm doing situational hitting - intentional sac fly or ground ball like you said.

[BegBy]

Re: Directional Hitting strategies

I use directional. It's inferior. Pretty simply, it just is. Pitches right down the pipe at even veteran with sliders to help generate hits and the ball goes straight up over the mound. Not saying that isn't realistic, because it happens all the time. However at the clip it happens when using directional, it's just plain bad.

I switch to zone every night for an hour or so, I don't change sliders and don't move the PCI. My batting average goes up, I see all kinds of hit variety and I feel like I am contributing more to how the game plays out than if I were using directional. It may seem counterintuitive, but I have noticed that with directional it's almost always better to hit a ball late. Much better chance of getting a hit.

The absolute worst part of directional on all star or above is the near automatic out on high fastballs. You just get under every single one. Pitches that you know even mediocre hitters would tattoo just end up popping up around the mound or second base. It's infuriating.

[COMMISSIONERHBK9]

Re: Directional Hitting strategies

so when you do use directional you mostly just swing and you only use the left stick when there certain situations correct? also my thing is with zone I am not quick enough to move the left analog stick to match where the ball will go. do you have any tips for zone ?

CPU having a lot of control over the outcome is the whole nature of directional hitting. If you want a larger influence on how well you're hitting the ball, I don't know why you'd use it. It's not "predetermined", it's based on your timing + the hitter's ratings vs the pitcher's ratings (their PCI size and placement, in other words).

Doesn't matter when you move the stick to influence the hit direction, as long as that blue arrow shows up it's having an effect. It's not a "loading up sooner gives you more influence" kind of thing.

And when I do play directional (I'm primarily a zone player though I mess around with all modes) I don't influence unless I'm doing situational hitting - intentional sac fly or ground ball like you said.

[Bullit]

Re: Directional Hitting strategies

Teach me how and Q&A threads please.