MLB The Show 26 Pitching Tips: Pinpoint Control Explained
Verfasst: 07.05.2026 04:28
If you want to dominate on the mound in MLB The Show 26, Pinpoint Pitching is where it’s at. It’s tough to learn at first, but once you get it down, you can place your pitches with surgical precision. This guide breaks it all down in simple, practical terms.
1. The Three Pillars of Pinpoint
Every pitch in Pinpoint is judged on three main movements. Nail these, and you’ll see a huge difference in accuracy.
Trace Score:
Follow the blue pattern on screen carefully. Smooth and steady beats fast and sloppy every time.
Red Line: You’re moving too slow.
Yellow Line: You’re rushing.
Tip: Focus on rhythm, not speed. A steady trace is a perfect trace.
Timing:
Each pitcher’s windup affects how fast you need to trace.
Stretch deliveries (with runners on) require a quicker trace.
Full windups allow a bit more leeway, but don’t get sloppy.
Release (The “Slam Down”):
This is the big moment. Flick the Right Stick down toward the small circle at the exact overlap of the two shrinking circles.
Early Release: Ball floats high in the zone.
Late Release: Ball hits dirt or barely misses.
2. The New “Bear Down” Mechanic
In The Show 26, Bear Down lets you shrink the PAR circle even further at the cost of some pitcher stamina.
When to use it: Ahead in the count (0‑2, 1‑2) or when you cannot risk a hanging slider.
It’s perfect for high-leverage situations where one mistake can cost you an inning.
3. Must-Have Settings for Pinpoint
To get the most out of Pinpoint, tweak these options:
Pitching Interface: Pinpoint (obviously).
Pitching View: Pitcher Zoom or Strike Zone High. It’s easier to time the “Slam Down” when the plate is clear.
Vibration: ON. The subtle controller buzz helps you stay in rhythm with the windup.
4. Pro Tip: “Tunneling”
Don’t just throw to corners—trick the hitter with tunnels.
Example:
Throw a 4-Seam Fastball at the top of the zone, then follow with a Cutter or Slider that starts in the same spot but breaks away.
Because your Pinpoint execution is precise, hitters won’t pick up the difference until it’s too late.
5. Practice Like a Pro
Custom Practice is your friend.
Pick a pitcher with high Control and BB/9 stats (think Greg Maddux or Corbin Burnes style).
Get the feel of tracing and releasing cleanly before moving to pitchers with “shaky” PAR circles.
Repetition is key—Pinpoint is all about muscle memory.
1. The Three Pillars of Pinpoint
Every pitch in Pinpoint is judged on three main movements. Nail these, and you’ll see a huge difference in accuracy.
Trace Score:
Follow the blue pattern on screen carefully. Smooth and steady beats fast and sloppy every time.
Red Line: You’re moving too slow.
Yellow Line: You’re rushing.
Tip: Focus on rhythm, not speed. A steady trace is a perfect trace.
Timing:
Each pitcher’s windup affects how fast you need to trace.
Stretch deliveries (with runners on) require a quicker trace.
Full windups allow a bit more leeway, but don’t get sloppy.
Release (The “Slam Down”):
This is the big moment. Flick the Right Stick down toward the small circle at the exact overlap of the two shrinking circles.
Early Release: Ball floats high in the zone.
Late Release: Ball hits dirt or barely misses.
2. The New “Bear Down” Mechanic
In The Show 26, Bear Down lets you shrink the PAR circle even further at the cost of some pitcher stamina.
When to use it: Ahead in the count (0‑2, 1‑2) or when you cannot risk a hanging slider.
It’s perfect for high-leverage situations where one mistake can cost you an inning.
3. Must-Have Settings for Pinpoint
To get the most out of Pinpoint, tweak these options:
Pitching Interface: Pinpoint (obviously).
Pitching View: Pitcher Zoom or Strike Zone High. It’s easier to time the “Slam Down” when the plate is clear.
Vibration: ON. The subtle controller buzz helps you stay in rhythm with the windup.
4. Pro Tip: “Tunneling”
Don’t just throw to corners—trick the hitter with tunnels.
Example:
Throw a 4-Seam Fastball at the top of the zone, then follow with a Cutter or Slider that starts in the same spot but breaks away.
Because your Pinpoint execution is precise, hitters won’t pick up the difference until it’s too late.
5. Practice Like a Pro
Custom Practice is your friend.
Pick a pitcher with high Control and BB/9 stats (think Greg Maddux or Corbin Burnes style).
Get the feel of tracing and releasing cleanly before moving to pitchers with “shaky” PAR circles.
Repetition is key—Pinpoint is all about muscle memory.