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How to Practice Pinpoint Pitching in MLB The Show 26

Posted: 30 Jan 2026, 06:53
by Razor1194
What is Pinpoint Pitching?

Pinpoint pitching is a mechanic that involves manually controlling the placement of your pitch by following a motion on the screen using the right analog stick. Unlike other pitching methods, Pinpoint requires a high level of accuracy. The more precise your motion, the more accurate your pitch placement will be. The system has a learning curve, but once mastered, it can drastically improve your pitching performance.

Why Should I Use Pinpoint Pitching?

While there are other pitching methods like Classic and Meter, Pinpoint pitching gives you the best control. When used effectively, it allows you to hit the corners of the strike zone, get more strikeouts, and improve your overall pitching efficiency. It’s particularly helpful when you're facing tougher opponents or trying to get more precision on your pitches.

Step 1: Understanding the Basics

To start using Pinpoint pitching, you need to understand the basic controls. When you’re on the mound, select the pitch you want to throw. Then, use the right analog stick to make a series of motions in a specific direction to execute the pitch. You'll see a small circle that grows as you perform the motion. The more you control the circle’s movement, the more accurate your pitch will be.

Step 2: Practice the Motions

Pinpoint pitching requires smooth and consistent motions. Each pitch has its own specific movement. The key here is to practice until the motion feels natural. Start by practicing with slower pitches like the curveball or changeup, as they have more forgiving timings. Focus on getting the full circle motion without jerking the stick too much.

It’s crucial to find a rhythm and avoid rushing the motion. If you do it too quickly or out of sync, the circle will not be filled properly, resulting in a bad pitch. The best way to build muscle memory is by practicing in the batting cage or during practice games.

Step 3: Work on Timing

Pinpoint pitching is all about timing. When the circle reaches its maximum size, you need to stop and wait for the timing indicator to appear. This is where a lot of players struggle. If you miss the timing window, your pitch will be inaccurate, and you’ll give up a lot of walks or home runs.

To practice timing, you can use the training mode in MLB The Show 26 and simulate various pitch scenarios. This allows you to focus solely on hitting your target with the right timing. Over time, you’ll develop a feel for when to stop the analog stick motion.

Step 4: Master Different Pitches

Each pitch in the game will have its own unique motion and timing. Once you feel confident with one pitch, move on to another. Start with basic pitches like the fastball or slider before progressing to more complex ones like the splitter or curveball.

The key to mastering multiple pitches is consistency. Don’t try to throw too many different pitches at once. Instead, focus on one or two at first. Once you’ve nailed those, gradually add others to your repertoire.

Step 5: Work on Location

Control over pitch location is what sets advanced players apart. When using Pinpoint, it’s not just about making sure the pitch is in the strike zone – it’s about placing it exactly where you want it. The higher the location in the strike zone, the more difficult it becomes to execute a pinpoint throw. To practice, try focusing on hitting the edges of the zone with each pitch, gradually working your way into tighter, more specific areas.

If you’re struggling with control, it’s a good idea to focus on the middle of the zone first. Once you’re comfortable placing pitches in the center, move on to hitting the edges. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at pinpointing exact spots, even under pressure.

Step 6: Improve with Gameplay Experience

Pinpoint pitching can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s all about practice. After you’ve done some solo practice, the next step is to try it out in actual games. The more real-game experience you get, the better you’ll understand when and where to use each pitch. Whether it’s in Ranked Seasons, Battle Royale, or just casual games, applying what you’ve practiced under pressure is the true test of your skills.

During gameplay, focus on reading your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. For example, if you’re facing a batter who struggles with high fastballs, target the top of the strike zone with your pinpoint fastball. Pinpoint allows you to be strategic, but only if you’ve practiced enough to hit those spots consistently.

Step 7: Don’t Get Discouraged – Keep Practicing

Pinpoint pitching can be difficult at first, but don’t get discouraged. Even the best players had to put in the time to develop this skill. If you’re finding it hard to execute pitches accurately, try taking a break and practicing in smaller increments. Set small goals, like hitting the edge of the zone with your slider or throwing a perfect changeup. Celebrate your improvements, no matter how small.

How to Buy MLB 26 Stubs to Enhance Your Gameplay

As you progress in MLB The Show 26, you’ll likely want to buy stubs to enhance your gameplay. Whether it’s for buying new pitchers or unlocking additional content, stubs can help you speed up your progress. If you're unsure how to buy MLB 26 stubs, it’s simple – head over to the in-game store or official marketplace to purchase them safely and quickly. Having extra stubs can help you enhance your team, giving you more tools to practice and perfect your pitching skills.

Pinpoint pitching in MLB The Show 26 is one of the most rewarding features, allowing players to take full control over their pitching performance. While it’s a tough mechanic to master, consistent practice and game-time experience will help you improve. Focus on perfecting your motion, timing, and location to become a dominant force on the mound. With dedication and perseverance, you’ll be able to utilize pinpoint pitching like a pro and take your game to the next level.