When it comes to pitching in MLB The Show 26, getting control of your pitcher is one of the most important aspects of the game. Whether you're trying to make a perfect pitch or keep the opposing batters off balance, your ability to control the ball can be the difference between a dominant outing and a disaster. In this guide, I'll explain some practical tips for improving your pitching control, how to avoid common mistakes, and help you navigate the controls to become a better pitcher in MLB The Show 26.
What is Pitching Control in MLB The Show 26?
Pitching control refers to how accurately and precisely you can place the ball within the strike zone, or outside of it to get batters to chase pitches. It's different from pitch accuracy, which mainly focuses on whether your pitches land in the right spot. Control involves your ability to manipulate pitches so that they move in ways that keep batters guessing and swinging at bad pitches.
In MLB The Show 26, control impacts your pitcher's ability to throw a ball exactly where you want it. The better your control, the less likely the batter will be able to hit your pitch with power. A high control rating can help you avoid throwing wild pitches and allow you to be more precise with your locations.
How Can I Improve My Pitching Control?
Improving your control takes time and practice, but there are a few things you can focus on to help yourself out. These steps can give you more confidence on the mound and help you execute your pitches more effectively.
1. Master the Pitching Interface
Before worrying about your pitcher’s control rating or pitch types, you need to be familiar with the pitching interface. In MLB The Show 26, you have different options to choose from, such as:
Pulse Pitching: This one requires you to control the timing of the pitch by pressing a button as the pulse grows and shrinks. It gives you control over the pitch's power and placement. The better your timing, the more accurate your pitch will be.
Meter Pitching: This method uses a gauge to determine the velocity and accuracy of your pitch. You need to stop the meter at the correct spot for optimal control. It’s all about timing and precision.
Analog Pitching: In this method, you use the right stick to aim and adjust your pitch’s power. The movement on the stick controls how much break your pitch has and its location. Getting used to this takes practice but offers the most flexibility.
Once you get comfortable with one of these, your control will naturally improve. It’s worth trying out a few options and sticking with the one that fits your playstyle.
2. Focus on Pitch Locations
A lot of players tend to focus on throwing hard or making every pitch break as much as possible. But good pitching is often about making smart, accurate pitches rather than simply throwing as hard as you can. The most successful pitchers in MLB The Show 26 focus on pitch placement:
Top of the Zone: High fastballs or curveballs at the top of the strike zone can force batters to chase pitches that are harder to hit with power.
Low and Away: Pitching low and away on the outer half of the plate is a common strategy for getting ground balls or weak flyouts. When done right, it’s difficult for batters to get solid contact.
Inside and Tight: Throwing inside, especially with breaking pitches, can jam batters and make them uncomfortable. Be cautious, though; leave the pitch too high or too inside, and you could give up a hard hit.
Understanding where to throw your pitches based on the batter's tendencies is key. For example, if the batter struggles with breaking balls, throwing a slider or curve low and away may be your best bet.
3. Pay Attention to Pitch Types
Each pitch has its own movement, speed, and control attributes. Some pitches are easier to control, while others can be more difficult to handle. Here’s a quick rundown of a few common pitch types:
Fastball: The fastball is usually the easiest pitch to control in terms of location, but it can lack movement. The key is mixing it up with off-speed pitches to keep batters from timing it well.
Slider & Curveball: These breaking pitches offer more movement, but they also tend to be harder to control. Use them sparingly and focus on precise locations, especially when you’re trying to get batters to chase pitches outside the zone.
Changeup: The changeup can be a great tool for fooling batters, especially when they expect a fastball. However, it requires solid control to avoid leaving it up in the zone where it can get hit hard.
Mixing up pitch types and learning how to control them effectively will help you maintain a balanced pitching approach.
4. Utilize Your Pitcher’s Attributes
Every pitcher in MLB The Show 26 has a set of attributes that can influence their control. These attributes, such as Control, Velocity, Break, and Accuracy, affect how easily you can place pitches where you want them. Keep an eye on these stats, especially when choosing a pitcher for a particular game or matchup.
If you’re using a pitcher with high control, it’ll be easier to throw pitches where you want them. If your pitcher struggles with control, consider sticking to easier pitch types like the fastball and keeping your pitch locations conservative. Over time, as your pitcher’s control improves, you can start expanding your pitch locations and mixing in breaking balls with more confidence.
5. Manage Stamina and Pitch Count
A mistake that many players make is overworking their pitcher. As your pitcher’s stamina decreases, their control will naturally suffer. Be mindful of pitch counts, and don’t hesitate to pull your pitcher when their stamina is running low. Managing fatigue will help you maintain control throughout the game and avoid unnecessary walks or bad pitches.
It's also helpful to monitor your pitcher's energy during the game. As they tire, they become more prone to losing control. Pay attention to the stamina bar and keep an eye on the count. If you're ahead, don't hesitate to take them out earlier rather than risk a decline in their effectiveness.
6. Adjusting for Different Batters
Batters come in all shapes and sizes, with different strengths and weaknesses. To maximize control, adjust your strategy based on the batter you’re facing. Some batters are more aggressive, while others are more patient and likely to lay off bad pitches. Studying a batter's tendencies can help you decide whether to challenge them with a fastball or try to get them to chase a breaking pitch.
For instance, if you're facing a power hitter who struggles against breaking balls, throwing a curveball or slider low and away could be an effective strategy. If the batter is more disciplined, it might be better to focus on the corners of the strike zone and mix in a few off-speed pitches to keep them off balance.
Where Can I Find More Resources to Improve My Control?
As you continue working on your pitching control, you might find yourself wanting to upgrade your pitcher’s stats or buy in-game items to help with training. One of the best places to buy MLB 26 stubs is from authorized sellers who can give you the in-game currency you need to unlock better gear and make the most of your pitching career. Stubs can help you access valuable player upgrades, equipment, and packs that might improve your overall performance on the mound.
Mastering control on the mound in MLB The Show 26 takes time and dedication, but by focusing on the basics—pitch location, pitch selection, and using the right pitching mechanics—you’ll be well on your way to becoming a dominant pitcher. Experiment with different pitching styles, learn to read hitters, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments based on the situation. With practice and patience, you’ll gain the control you need to succeed in the game.
What is Pitching Control in MLB The Show 26?
Pitching control refers to how accurately and precisely you can place the ball within the strike zone, or outside of it to get batters to chase pitches. It's different from pitch accuracy, which mainly focuses on whether your pitches land in the right spot. Control involves your ability to manipulate pitches so that they move in ways that keep batters guessing and swinging at bad pitches.
In MLB The Show 26, control impacts your pitcher's ability to throw a ball exactly where you want it. The better your control, the less likely the batter will be able to hit your pitch with power. A high control rating can help you avoid throwing wild pitches and allow you to be more precise with your locations.
How Can I Improve My Pitching Control?
Improving your control takes time and practice, but there are a few things you can focus on to help yourself out. These steps can give you more confidence on the mound and help you execute your pitches more effectively.
1. Master the Pitching Interface
Before worrying about your pitcher’s control rating or pitch types, you need to be familiar with the pitching interface. In MLB The Show 26, you have different options to choose from, such as:
Pulse Pitching: This one requires you to control the timing of the pitch by pressing a button as the pulse grows and shrinks. It gives you control over the pitch's power and placement. The better your timing, the more accurate your pitch will be.
Meter Pitching: This method uses a gauge to determine the velocity and accuracy of your pitch. You need to stop the meter at the correct spot for optimal control. It’s all about timing and precision.
Analog Pitching: In this method, you use the right stick to aim and adjust your pitch’s power. The movement on the stick controls how much break your pitch has and its location. Getting used to this takes practice but offers the most flexibility.
Once you get comfortable with one of these, your control will naturally improve. It’s worth trying out a few options and sticking with the one that fits your playstyle.
2. Focus on Pitch Locations
A lot of players tend to focus on throwing hard or making every pitch break as much as possible. But good pitching is often about making smart, accurate pitches rather than simply throwing as hard as you can. The most successful pitchers in MLB The Show 26 focus on pitch placement:
Top of the Zone: High fastballs or curveballs at the top of the strike zone can force batters to chase pitches that are harder to hit with power.
Low and Away: Pitching low and away on the outer half of the plate is a common strategy for getting ground balls or weak flyouts. When done right, it’s difficult for batters to get solid contact.
Inside and Tight: Throwing inside, especially with breaking pitches, can jam batters and make them uncomfortable. Be cautious, though; leave the pitch too high or too inside, and you could give up a hard hit.
Understanding where to throw your pitches based on the batter's tendencies is key. For example, if the batter struggles with breaking balls, throwing a slider or curve low and away may be your best bet.
3. Pay Attention to Pitch Types
Each pitch has its own movement, speed, and control attributes. Some pitches are easier to control, while others can be more difficult to handle. Here’s a quick rundown of a few common pitch types:
Fastball: The fastball is usually the easiest pitch to control in terms of location, but it can lack movement. The key is mixing it up with off-speed pitches to keep batters from timing it well.
Slider & Curveball: These breaking pitches offer more movement, but they also tend to be harder to control. Use them sparingly and focus on precise locations, especially when you’re trying to get batters to chase pitches outside the zone.
Changeup: The changeup can be a great tool for fooling batters, especially when they expect a fastball. However, it requires solid control to avoid leaving it up in the zone where it can get hit hard.
Mixing up pitch types and learning how to control them effectively will help you maintain a balanced pitching approach.
4. Utilize Your Pitcher’s Attributes
Every pitcher in MLB The Show 26 has a set of attributes that can influence their control. These attributes, such as Control, Velocity, Break, and Accuracy, affect how easily you can place pitches where you want them. Keep an eye on these stats, especially when choosing a pitcher for a particular game or matchup.
If you’re using a pitcher with high control, it’ll be easier to throw pitches where you want them. If your pitcher struggles with control, consider sticking to easier pitch types like the fastball and keeping your pitch locations conservative. Over time, as your pitcher’s control improves, you can start expanding your pitch locations and mixing in breaking balls with more confidence.
5. Manage Stamina and Pitch Count
A mistake that many players make is overworking their pitcher. As your pitcher’s stamina decreases, their control will naturally suffer. Be mindful of pitch counts, and don’t hesitate to pull your pitcher when their stamina is running low. Managing fatigue will help you maintain control throughout the game and avoid unnecessary walks or bad pitches.
It's also helpful to monitor your pitcher's energy during the game. As they tire, they become more prone to losing control. Pay attention to the stamina bar and keep an eye on the count. If you're ahead, don't hesitate to take them out earlier rather than risk a decline in their effectiveness.
6. Adjusting for Different Batters
Batters come in all shapes and sizes, with different strengths and weaknesses. To maximize control, adjust your strategy based on the batter you’re facing. Some batters are more aggressive, while others are more patient and likely to lay off bad pitches. Studying a batter's tendencies can help you decide whether to challenge them with a fastball or try to get them to chase a breaking pitch.
For instance, if you're facing a power hitter who struggles against breaking balls, throwing a curveball or slider low and away could be an effective strategy. If the batter is more disciplined, it might be better to focus on the corners of the strike zone and mix in a few off-speed pitches to keep them off balance.
Where Can I Find More Resources to Improve My Control?
As you continue working on your pitching control, you might find yourself wanting to upgrade your pitcher’s stats or buy in-game items to help with training. One of the best places to buy MLB 26 stubs is from authorized sellers who can give you the in-game currency you need to unlock better gear and make the most of your pitching career. Stubs can help you access valuable player upgrades, equipment, and packs that might improve your overall performance on the mound.
Mastering control on the mound in MLB The Show 26 takes time and dedication, but by focusing on the basics—pitch location, pitch selection, and using the right pitching mechanics—you’ll be well on your way to becoming a dominant pitcher. Experiment with different pitching styles, learn to read hitters, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments based on the situation. With practice and patience, you’ll gain the control you need to succeed in the game.