Swinging for Power...

[KraZe]

Hey guys...

I've been having a pretty tough time when it comes to hitting, specifically for power. My player has 70 power vs Righties, and it seems like most of the time all I do is simply fly out to the outfield, or pop it a mile high, so I have a couple questions to see if I'm doing something wrong, or if it's just the way the game is supposed to work...

Pre-loading vs Timing Swing:
Does it make a difference between pre-loading your swing or timing your swing with the pitch? If so, when do you normally try to start your power swing for it to be most effective?

Aiming vs Not Aiming:
No matter what I've tried, it doesn't seem to matter how I'm aiming my swing. How exactly is this supposed to work? I've been holding down on the stick to try and get a ground ball, but still skied a fly ball to shallow outfield. Alternatively, I've been holding the stick to the right (trying to go opposite field) and sent it out to center field.

For the record, I'm playing on XBox, if it makes a difference. I'm currently using the camera settings Batter 3, Zoom 10, Height 5, Pitch Zoom Off and feel I'm most comfortable with that, as I can normally see the breaks in pitches, but would be willing to try some suggestions.

Thanks in advance guys!

[kchuskey]

Re: Swinging for Power...

Hey guys...

I've been having a pretty tough time when it comes to hitting, specifically for power. My player has 70 power vs Righties, and it seems like most of the time all I do is simply fly out to the outfield, or pop it a mile high, so I have a couple questions to see if I'm doing something wrong, or if it's just the way the game is supposed to work...

Pre-loading vs Timing Swing:
Does it make a difference between pre-loading your swing or timing your swing with the pitch? If so, when do you normally try to start your power swing for it to be most effective?

Aiming vs Not Aiming:
No matter what I've tried, it doesn't seem to matter how I'm aiming my swing. How exactly is this supposed to work? I've been holding down on the stick to try and get a ground ball, but still skied a fly ball to shallow outfield. Alternatively, I've been holding the stick to the right (trying to go opposite field) and sent it out to center field.

For the record, I'm playing on XBox, if it makes a difference. I'm currently using the camera settings Batter 3, Zoom 10, Height 5, Pitch Zoom Off and feel I'm most comfortable with that, as I can normally see the breaks in pitches, but would be willing to try some suggestions.

Thanks in advance guys!

I can't believe that nobody has answered this yet, so I will.

First off...there is no step timing anymore when power hitting. So basically what I do is pull back and hold while the pitcher is in his windup. It just feels better to not have to sit with it held back so long. Also the only time I use left stick is if I am trying to ensure a fly ball for a sacrifice fly. It is more about pitch location and timing.

Also...I am not sure what you have power set to...but in my opinion you should raise it to 70-75 for the human and computer both. default just seems to low. Just my take...Hope it helps.

[DaveMN]

Re: Swinging for Power...

I have better luck hitting for power after working the count to favor the hitter. If you can get to a 2-0 or 3-1 count, just wait on that fastball down the middle and let it rip. I've found trying to hit for power when behind in the count to be very difficult.

[cardswin2006]

Re: Swinging for Power...

Kind of the same as the post above:

Try and look for a specific pitch--it will help drastically with your hitting and will also cause you to take more pitches putting the count in your favor. Much like real life, when you are way ahead in the count (3-0, or 3-1), you are more likely to get the meatball down the middle.

Like others have said, I don't use the aim much at all...only on rare occasions. Timing and location are the most important. If you are swinging at the pitches on the corner most of the time, you will have a lot of dribblers and pop ups, just like real life. I have hitting sliders at 40 contact, 45 power for human and seem to get fairly realistic results. This will, however, pretty much eliminate any HRs from hitters below 60 for their PWR ratings (except for rare occasions, but I almost don't even try anymore with players like that and just try to use the contact swing to get on base).

[swaldo]

Re: Swinging for Power...

I think the L stick is just a situational tool which increases probabilities of what you want to do but there are no guarantees.

Just because you're aiming for a spot or trying to ground out doesn't mean it's always going to happen that way. For example if you want a grounder but the ball is up in the zone you still can lift it - you should try to wait for low pitches. If you want to pull it you should wait for an inside pitch and swing early. Want to ground it to opp field? Look for something low & away and swing late with L stick down etc.

Normally you can aim just fine using just your swing timing and location. Keep the same philosophy but again use the L stick to increase your chances in various situations.

Just use standard contact/power/defensive swing (no L stick) in normal situations.