classic hitting help?

[njnets]

i have trouble hitting for power with the classic hitting controls
my main problem/question is which way do i hold the left analog stick to hit for power
do i hold it down or up?

[RogueHominid]

Re: classic hitting help?

i have trouble hitting for power with the classic hitting controls
my main problem/question is which way do i hold the left analog stick to hit for power
do i hold it down or up?

My sense is that most everyone around here who uses classic hitting just leaves the left stick out of the equation altogether. The power comes with proper timing more than anything else.

In order to get your timing down, turn the batter's eye on, turn the slider for it up to 100% so you get lots of clues, and practice reading each pitch and learning to time your swing accordingly.

[mkharsh33]

Re: classic hitting help?

Classic is the only hitting style I use. I NEVER use the left thumb stick. Not saying you shouldn't but I've found it unnecessary, and at times, unhelpful (the few times I experimented with it).

[DetroitStyle]

Re: classic hitting help?

from what I've observed, using classic hitting, the cpu will determine whether or not you use a "power", "contact", or "defend" swing as well.

[mkharsh33]

Re: classic hitting help?

from what I've observed, using classic hitting, the cpu will determine whether or not you use a "power", "contact", or "defend" swing as well.

this...

it's largely about pitch type recognition, pitch speed, pitch LOCATION, and timing of hitting the button for your swing. If you work the counts you can really get some lengthy at-bats and be rewarded.

[canes21]

Re: classic hitting help?

this...

it's largely about pitch type recognition, pitch speed, pitch LOCATION, and timing of hitting the button for your swing. If you work the counts you can really get some lengthy at-bats and be rewarded.

I don't know if it is a coincidence, but whenever I am patient and get 2-0, 3-1, 3-0, etc. counts where I am easily ahead, I hit balls a lot harder. It might be because the strike I finally get is in the middle of the plate, but it seems the game rewards you for being patient by giving you more powerful hits. I see more HRs and extra base hits when I get ahead in counts.

[Hal Fowler]

Re: classic hitting help?

I use the left stick occasionally if I am getting a cue that the pitch will be outside or in. I rarely take the cue on high and low pitches to use the left stick. I might use a up swing to bring in a runner from third, but often it results in a shallow pop-up.

But if you go with the pitch, you will generate more power. But you still have to time it well. I think using the LS correctly produces a mathematically larger contact and power window in your swing.

I'm still terrible for hitting with power. I have power set to 90, and I still rarely hit them. I hit two home runs in my first three game series. But one of those was from Chris Carpenter. So if you get the timing right, anyone can hit it out.

If I start cranking home runs, i will slide the power back down. But my timing is just piss poor.

[PutridExistence]

Re: classic hitting help?

I don't get how exactly you implement the left stick. Do you hold it in a certain direction when pushing "A" (or "X" on the PS3)?

[Hal Fowler]

Re: classic hitting help?

I don't get how exactly you implement the left stick. Do you hold it in a certain direction when pushing "A" (or "X" on the PS3)?

That is exactly how you do it.

[mkharsh33]

Re: classic hitting help?

I just don't like the idea of using the thumb stick to put a ball exactly where you want it. most MLB players aren't that good. I think it's more about pitch recognition and location, and these determine my bat speed (timing of hitting the button). but that's just me...

[Hal Fowler]

Re: classic hitting help?

I just don't like the idea of using the thumb stick to put a ball exactly where you want it. most MLB players aren't that good. I think it's more about pitch recognition and location, and these determine my bat speed (timing of hitting the button). but that's just me...

The thumbstick doesn't overide your timing, though. It is more like opening up to pull a pitch vs. keeping your shoulder in to go the other way. You get more solid contact by going with the pitch, which should be the case.

If you try to pull an outside pitch, you might be able to pull it off, but it will be a much weaker hit than had you went with it. But even more likely, you will pull your bat away from the ball and miss it entirely. But if you have a hit and run on, it may be worth the gamble to try and force it.

Basically, you are triggering an animation that helps center the ball better. It is exactly what you do when hitting.

I still do not use the LS often, as I tend to be more aggressive when I do. But with two strikes, and you are swinging at anything close, it can really help. And will almost never use it if I did not get a batter's eye cue about which way to go. I see the cue as a way to further differentiate the better hitters from the scrubs.

By the way, I am still using classic hitting. I think you are dead on that is is the best way to hit this year. I miss the check swing, but it wasn't working right anyway. But the CPU seems to do a fantastic job of picking power vs. contact vs. defensive swings. I see a ton more foul balls, which has improved my ability to work counts and get opponent pitch counts up. But more than that, I think the variety of hits is significantly more variant.

I probably would not have given it a try had I not read your impressions of it. I was obviously skeptical, but I was wrong.

[mkharsh33]

Re: classic hitting help?

I miss the check swing.

Yeah, this ^

I still find myself pressing the button because of all the games I played using MVP 05 (where the check swing was WELL implemented). I wish 2K could work on pressure sensitive classic hitting, but I don't they'll throw us much of a bone...