If you’re looking to improve your fielding game in MLB The Show 26, you're in the right place. Whether you're trying to make better throws, field grounders cleanly, or improve your reaction times, there are a lot of advanced techniques that can make a difference. This guide will break down how fielding works in the game, answer some real questions from players, and give you some practical tips based on common player behavior.
How do I control fielding in MLB The Show 26?
Fielding controls in MLB The Show 26 are similar to past entries in the series, but they have been fine-tuned over time. The main thing you need to understand is how the game differentiates between regular fielding, throwing, and advanced inputs like diving or jumping.
Basic Fielding Controls
Left Stick: Move your fielder.
R2: Sprint (use it sparingly because it can affect your ability to field cleanly).
Square: Throw the ball to the base or player you're aiming at. The power of the throw depends on how long you hold the button.
Circle: Use this for a short throw (for instance, to first base).
X: Use to dive or make a sliding catch.
L1/R1: Use for specific fielding actions like stopping a ball with a backhand or preventing it from going through your legs.
Advanced Controls
To get to the next level, you need to pay attention to the "Advanced Fielding" section in the game settings. These options can help you get more out of your fielding experience, especially in situations where precise control matters.
One-Handed vs Two-Handed Fielding
A common question is whether to use one-handed or two-handed fielding. The general rule is that you should use two-handed fielding for routine plays. This will allow you to secure the ball more safely and get a quicker throw off. One-handed fielding is best for plays on the run or when you're diving to the side, as it lets you stay mobile without having to reset.
What are the best techniques for handling ground balls?
Ground balls are a huge part of fielding, and getting them right is essential for success. Here's what to focus on:
Positioning Your Fielder
The first step is making sure your fielder is in the right position when the ball is hit. You don’t want to be too close or too far from the ball. Ideally, you want to position yourself slightly in front of the ball, ready to either scoop it up or field it cleanly.
Approach the ball: When a ground ball is hit to you, don’t just hold the left stick in one direction. Instead, flick the stick towards the ball, letting your fielder move with the flow of the play.
Angle is key: You don’t always need to line up perfectly with the ball, but you should make sure your player is angled so they’re facing the direction of the throw. This gives you the best chance of a clean pick-up.
Timing the Fielding Action
In MLB The Show 26, you don’t need to wait for the ball to fully reach your fielder to press the fielding button. It’s better to time the button press just before the ball reaches your glove, which allows your player to field it cleanly without any awkward animations.
To get better at this, practice using the "fielding practice" mode, which can help you get used to different types of ground balls (slow rollers, hard-hit balls, etc.).
Using the Dive
You’ll likely need to dive for balls occasionally, especially when playing on higher difficulty levels.
Basic Dive: Press X to dive when you’re in the right range.
Running Dive: If you’re sprinting toward the ball, press X just before you reach it. This will make your fielder perform a diving stop or catch.
Timing the Dive: Don’t dive too early. If you do, you risk missing the ball altogether. You want to dive when the ball is just about to enter your fielder’s reach, giving them the best chance to make the play.
How do I improve my throwing accuracy and power?
Throwing is another area where a lot of players struggle. Even though fielding might be your first priority, you’ll need to focus on making accurate, powerful throws if you want to avoid giving up easy runs.
Throwing to Bases
The key to an accurate throw is timing the release of the button. You’ll notice a power bar when you throw the ball, and the longer you hold the button, the more power your throw will have.
Short throws (to first base or second): Tap the throw button (Circle) lightly for a quick, controlled throw. These are easier to make but require good timing.
Long throws (to third or home): Hold the button (Square) for a longer time to generate more power. Be mindful of the fielder’s arm strength, as weaker players may not have the same range or accuracy as stronger ones.
Precision Throwing
If you want to throw to a specific base or player, it’s essential to aim with the right stick while holding the throw button. You’ll notice that a target indicator will appear. Position this indicator where you want to throw, but be mindful of your distance and the fielder's arm strength.
Throwing with R1
For precision throwing, you can press R1 when you release the button to ensure the ball goes to the right player. It’s a great way to avoid unnecessary errors, especially when making quick throws to home plate.
How can I improve my reactions to fly balls?
Fly balls are another aspect of fielding that requires quick reactions and precise control. Here are a few tips to help:
Reading the Ball Off the Bat
When a ball is hit into the air, your first step is to judge the direction it’s going. The game gives you a visual cue by showing a small circle beneath the ball. You’ll need to move your fielder to this spot, but don’t wait for the ball to reach the circle.
As the ball gets closer, start moving toward it and release the button at just the right moment to make a smooth catch.
Running with the Left Stick
You can use the left stick to adjust your fielder’s position, but be careful not to overcorrect. When you’re running toward a fly ball, use the stick for small adjustments. If you push too hard, your fielder might run past the ball.
Catching the Ball
Press X to jump for a catch, but only do this when you’re sure you’ll make the play. Jumping too early can cause you to miss the ball, while jumping too late might lead to a misplay.
When should I dive for fly balls?
You’ll need to dive for fly balls when you’re not in the optimal position to make a catch. This happens frequently in MLB The Show 26, especially when the ball is hit deep into the outfield.
To dive for a fly ball, press X while running, just like with ground balls. Timing is everything — if you dive too early, you’ll miss the ball. Dive only when you're sure it’s the last resort.
How can I buy MLB The Show 26 stubs for Xbox?
For those of you looking to enhance your MLB The Show 26 experience, you might want to consider buying MLB The Show 26 stubs for Xbox. These in-game currency items can help you unlock packs, acquire new players, and improve your team, which can indirectly improve your fielding stats.
Fielding in MLB The Show 26 can be tricky, but with practice, you’ll find that mastering the controls and understanding when to use advanced techniques will make a big difference. Start by focusing on your positioning, timing, and throwing accuracy, and gradually move on to more complex fielding situations.
