Pulling the Ball for Homers

[DStars15]

I'm really having trouble pulling the ball for homeruns in my franchise. For the most part, I've been using a power swing unless I'm batting with guys with power less than 65. However, over the past 25 games I've had a lot of success getting base hits going opposite field therefore the majority of my swings are oppo. However, I average about one home run every two games. It seems like every time I pull the ball I either pop out in the infield or hit a deep fly ball that manages to stay in the park. I have only 4 homers with Josh Hamilton and 2 with Nelson Cruz (guys with powers over 90) in 32 games. Can you guys give me some tips on how to pull the ball. Right now I usually hold the left analog stick diagonal (halfway between left and up). Is there something I'm missing that will actually let me crush the ball with my Rangers lineup? I want to start hitting some more long balls.

[DontHateOnNumber2]

Re: Pulling the Ball for Homers

Better swing timing if you're on All-Star difficulty or above.

[IndianBird]

I never use the left stick. Just have to get out in front of the pitches.

[SHootar]

Re: Pulling the Ball for Homers

like the others mentioned it's mostly timing. that being said the ball can't be on the outer half really either.

[SynShadowzz]

Re: Pulling the Ball for Homers

I am hitting HR's with the Rangers in my 'chise. I am like you though, in that I'm hitting a ton of oppo-field shots.

What I'm trying to do now is wait on inside pitches. The 2K11 computer pitchers live and die on the lower outside part of the zone. You're going to see a ton of pitches like that, and if you make enough contact with a power swing you're going to send it to the opposite field.

However, if you swing early enough when a pitch is heading down the shoot or to the inside, you're going to pull it deep.

Also, I would suggest not using the left-stick. I haven't seen too many people have a ton of success with it. Just get your timing and be more selective when you're looking to jack one.

[Sabo's corked Bat]

Re: Pulling the Ball for Homers

I use classic hitting/Analog pitching and its all about timing. Timing and pitch type/placement. Unless you really know your team well, you can buy the inside edge for your team and see what they are good at hitting and on what count. If say Jay Bruce is good at hitting breaking balls early in the count, I know Im going to look for and time a breaking ball. Also depends on your players strength and contact.

[DStars15]

Re: Pulling the Ball for Homers

So would you guys recommend not using the left stick for direction?

[DStars15]

Re: Pulling the Ball for Homers

Ok I tried not using the left stick and my first swing of the bat with Ian Kinsler (70 power vs righties) I hit a 393 ft bomb to opposite field. I'm liking the advice guys.

[DontHateOnNumber2]

Re: Pulling the Ball for Homers

Don't live and die on the home run, even if you're using Texas' power bats. You'll see a hell of a lot of infield popups if you do.

[SynShadowzz]

Re: Pulling the Ball for Homers

Something else I've done:

Pull down on the right-stick earlier. I've switch over the "loading up" my power swing right when the pitcher starts his motion instead of trying to complete the whole process as the pitch is approaching the plate.

It's helped me 2-fold.

A.) My timing is a LOT better because of it.

B.) It moves your players arms and body back a bit, and it opens up the area around the plate. I'm seeing the ball much better because of it.

[Sabo's corked Bat]

Re: Pulling the Ball for Homers

Using the left stick depends on contact, strength and pitch placement. Say I keep getting sinkers, or big curves. Im going to hold down on the left stick to get under that ball. Its also good for hitting balls just outside of the strike zone. If Im a big strong guy, say Mike Stanton, Im going to be able to go opposite easier than say Jose Reyes.

Also like someone else said, there's nothing wrong with small ball. Sacs, suicide squeezes, hit and runs, stealing etc. Are actually more fun than the big bomb every couple of innings, IMO.

[DStars15]

Re: Pulling the Ball for Homers

I played a couple games last night after I posted and I'm actually using a combination of everything and I've been having big games. I've had my homeruns, stolen bases, doubles, etc. Right now using a combination of techniques with both sticks depending on the situation seems to be the answer to the problem.

[Franchise408]

Re: Pulling the Ball for Homers

Using the left stick depends on contact, strength and pitch placement. Say I keep getting sinkers, or big curves. Im going to hold down on the left stick to get under that ball. Its also good for hitting balls just outside of the strike zone. If Im a big strong guy, say Mike Stanton, Im going to be able to go opposite easier than say Jose Reyes.

Also like someone else said, there's nothing wrong with small ball. Sacs, suicide squeezes, hit and runs, stealing etc. Are actually more fun than the big bomb every couple of innings, IMO.

Totally agree. I love hitter home runs, but small ball is fun as hell I think.

[shane79013]

Re: Pulling the Ball for Homers

I don't really have any issues pulling the ball for a HR. I just wait until I get a ball in the upper corner and swing away. I am using the Braves who have quite a bit of power. However I lost Jones, Heyward and Uggla for at least 1 month. Most of my team is on a cold streak as well so, I cant rely on the long ball at the moment. So it's been station to station ball for me. I kind of hate how slow the Braves are as well. I only have like 2 guys who can steal and 1 of them is on the DL.