Alright, guys, so I wanted to get better at picking off runners in MLB The Show, and I gotta say, it took some serious practice. I’m no pro, but I figured out a few things that really helped me up my game.
Starting Simple: Understanding the Basics
First, I spent some time just understanding the basic controls. You gotta know which buttons do what, right? So I went into practice mode and messed around with the different pickoff throws. I realized pretty quickly that timing is everything.
Practice Mode: My Best Friend
- Holding the button:I started by holding down the button for the base I wanted to throw to (like L2 for first base on PlayStation).
- Quick taps:Then I learned that quick taps give you a deceptive throw, but you’re more likely to make an error, so it’s risky.
- Mixing it up:I practiced doing both – holding the button for a regular throw, and quickly tapping it for a quick, risky throw. I wanted to get a feel for both.
- Focusing on the runner:I also made sure I was actually watching the runner’s lead. You can’t just throw randomly; you gotta see if they’re taking a big lead or not.
Getting the Timing Down
The real trick, I found, was getting the timing down. It’s all about anticipating when the runner is going to try to steal. Too early, and they’ll get back easily. Too late, and they’re safe.
- Watching for patterns:I started to notice that certain runners were more aggressive than others. Some guys would almost always take a big lead, while others were more cautious. I started using that to my advantage.
- Using the quick throw: When I felt brave enough to use a quick throw, I watched how much my pitcher would look at the runner before stepping off.
- Step-Off Timing:After the pitcher took some glances, I learned to quickly tap and make the throw, and that’s when I started to improve.
Putting It All Together in Games
Once I felt a bit more comfortable, I started trying it out in actual games. I won’t lie, I messed up a lot at first. I threw the ball away a few times, and I definitely gave up some stolen bases. But I kept at it.
Slowly but surely, I started getting better. I picked off a few runners here and there, and it felt great! It definitely made the games more exciting, and I felt like I had more control over the running game.
Still Learning
I’m still not perfect, of course. I still get caught off guard sometimes, and I still make mistakes. But I’m definitely better than I was before, and I’m having a lot more fun playing the game. So, if you’re struggling with pickoffs, just keep practicing, and you’ll get there!
