MLB 15 The Show News Post

MLB 15 The Show: Zone Hitting Guide (Video)

12:28 PM - April 23, 2015 by RaychelSnr

This post is the first in a new series from Jake Berger entitled, "The Show Training 101". You can check Jake out on YouTube here.

Welcome to the first episode in my new series, The Show Training 101, where we’ll take an in-depth look at various mechanics and control schemes, analyze how they’re implemented in MLB 15 The Show, and explore the ways in which you can leverage your newfound knowledge to take your game to the next level.

Read More - MLB 15 The Show: Zone Hitting Guide (Video)

Game: MLB 15 The ShowReader Score: 9/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS Vita / PS3 / PS4Votes for game: 31 - View All

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Member Comments

# 41 Factzzz @ 04/28/15 02:53 PM

I can't get the pci on high pitches, therefore i suck at hitting high pitchers, especially high fastballs.

Anything low in the zone, i rake, but anything up, not so much.

# 42 iLLWiLL @ 04/28/15 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobhead


	I dont hold it the way the video creator does either. I just hold it normally, except my thumb intentionally extends past the analog stick a bit... so that I'm practically touching the stick with the underside of my knuckle, instead of the tip of my thumb. This helps me avoid the "overadjustment" problem that was described in the video, since I'm basically applying pressure to my entire thumb (which is heavier), instead of just the last segment. I haven't tried it his way before though, so I'm going to give it a shot in my next game.

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

# 43 HimynameisMattyK @ 04/29/15 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolverines05


	Hey guys, I hope you find the video helpful! I'll be making more MLB 15 guide videos, covering various hitting/pitching mechanics and interfaces, so stay tuned for more. Here is the video on Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-NC83uuymo Thanks for posting Chris!

Exactly what I was looking for. I'm usually really good at hitting but I only find myself getting a few runs a game on average. I have the PCI turned off so I'm going to turn it back on and see how I do. Thanks for this!

# 44 HimynameisMattyK @ 04/29/15 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joewillyjets


	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

# 45 iLLWiLL @ 04/29/15 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iLLWiLL


	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!!!

# 46 baseballsim @ 04/29/15 02:58 PM

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.

# 47 iLLWiLL @ 04/29/15 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baseballsim


	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.

# 48 baseballsim @ 04/29/15 03:56 PM

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

# 49 iLLWiLL @ 04/29/15 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baseballsim


	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.

# 50 baseballsim @ 04/29/15 10:47 PM

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

# 51 FenwayMac @ 06/24/15 10:43 AM

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!

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