If you’ve been grinding MLB The Show 25 and struggling with inconsistent timing and ugly swings, you’re not alone. Hitting in The Show has always been a nuanced skill, demanding perfect timing, pitch recognition, and a little bit of instinct. But one of MLB The Show 25 Stubs the most underrated—and game-changing—tools in a hitter’s arsenal is the leg kick. Many top players swear by it as a “hidden cheat code” that unlocks reliable, repeatable hitting in MLB The Show 25.
This article dives deep into why leg kicks work so well in this year’s game, how they improve your swing timing, and the best ways to integrate them into your batting mechanics for consistent success at the plate.
What is a Leg Kick in MLB The Show 25?
A leg kick is a hitting mechanic where the batter raises their front leg just before the pitch arrives, helping generate timing and rhythm. Visually, it mimics what many real-life power hitters do to sync their body’s movement with the pitch.
In MLB The Show 25, the leg kick is more than just animation flair — it fundamentally changes how your batter’s timing window works. By activating the leg kick (usually with a button or analog input before or during the pitch), you prepare your swing in a way that increases your timing consistency and power output.
Why Are Leg Kicks the “Hidden Cheat Code”?
1. Improved Timing Window
The timing window for hitting in MLB The Show 25 can be unforgiving. Without a leg kick, your swing is more reactive and less synchronized with the pitcher’s delivery, leading to early or late swings and weak contact.
Activating the leg kick creates a mechanical rhythm that aligns your swing preparation with the pitch. This rhythm acts like a metronome, helping you better predict when the ball will cross the plate. The result is a larger effective timing window — meaning you can connect with the ball consistently, even if your reaction isn’t frame-perfect.
2. More Power on Contact
Because leg kicks engage your lower body and simulate a coil-and-release motion, they build momentum that translates into more powerful swings. This increased power is noticeable in-game, with more frequent extra-base hits and homers.
If you want to hit those towering fly balls that clear the fences with authority, the leg kick is a reliable way to generate that extra pop.
3. Consistent, Repeatable Mechanics
One of the biggest challenges in MLB The Show 25 hitting is repeatability. If your swing timing is all over the place, your batting average and slugging will suffer.
The leg kick gives your swing a repeatable mechanic—once you get the timing down, your muscle memory kicks in, helping you repeat solid swings at a high success rate. This is especially valuable in pressure situations like late innings or clutch at-bats.
How to Use the Leg Kick Effectively in MLB The Show 25
Step 1: Activate Leg Kick in Settings
Before diving into gameplay, make sure you enable or customize the leg kick mechanic in your hitting settings. Most players assign a specific button (like L1/LB or right stick flick) to trigger the leg kick during an at-bat.
Check your controls and find what works best for you to activate the leg kick reliably without messing up your normal swing controls.
Step 2: Practice the Timing in Training Mode
Once enabled, head to the batting practice or training mode and practice hitting with the leg kick on. You’ll want to focus on syncing the leg kick with pitch timing.
Try to start the leg kick as the pitcher is in their windup, so your swing peak matches the ball crossing the plate. It takes some experimentation, but with practice, the timing will become instinctual.
Step 3: Adjust Your Approach by Pitch Type
Leg kicks are especially helpful for timing fastballs and mid-velocity pitches, but they can make hitting breaking balls trickier if mistimed.
When facing breaking balls, try to delay or shorten the leg kick slightly to avoid swinging too early. Watching the pitcher’s release closely and practicing pitch recognition helps you adjust the leg kick timing dynamically.
Step 4: Use the Leg Kick in Live Games Sparingly at First
While leg kicks are powerful, overusing them can make your swings predictable or force early timing errors if you’re not ready.
Start by selectively using the leg kick on fastballs or in counts where you expect a fastball. Once you get comfortable, gradually increase your leg kick usage.
Tips to Maximize Your Leg Kick Success
- Pair the Leg Kick with Analog or Directional Batting
Using analog or directional batting with the leg kick can enhance your control over the swing’s placement and contact quality. Combine directional inputs with leg kicks to drive the ball to specific parts of the field.
- Customize Batting Stance and Timing Settings
Experiment with different batting stances that feature leg kicks. Some hitters naturally have longer or shorter leg kicks—choose one that fits your timing style. Additionally, adjust your timing window in settings for more forgiving or realistic timing.
- Use the Leg Kick to Counter Opponent Pitchers
Against pitchers with predictable windups or patterns, the leg kick helps lock in timing, making it easier to punish mistakes. Use it strategically based on scouting the opponent’s tendencies.
Real Player Testimonials: Why They Swear by Leg Kicks
Many top MLB The Show 25 streamers and competitive players have credited leg kicks for dramatically improving their batting consistency.
One popular streamer said:
“I was struggling with timing for weeks until I started using the leg kick. Suddenly, I’m hitting rockets every game and my batting average skyrocketed. It’s like having a built-in timing cheat.”
Another pro player noted:
“Leg kicks help me get into a rhythm and focus on the ball better. It’s a little mechanical nudge that makes a huge difference when you’re facing elite pitching.”
Common Mistakes When Using Leg Kicks
Starting the Leg Kick Too Late: Waiting until the ball is almost at the plate to trigger the leg kick reduces its timing benefit.
Using Leg Kicks on Every Pitch: This can lead to over-swinging and mistimed contact.
Ignoring Pitch Recognition: Leg kicks don’t replace the need to identify pitch types; misreading a curveball or slider can still lead to poor contact.
Not Practicing Enough: The leg kick requires practice to perfect. Jumping into ranked matches without training often backfires.
Conclusion: Unlock Your Best Swing with Leg Kicks
If you want to break free from inconsistent hitting and ugly swings in MLB The Show 25, leg kicks are the hidden cheat code you’ve been missing. By giving you a mechanical rhythm, a better timing window, and more power, the leg kick helps you unlock reliable and repeatable hitting — exactly what’s needed in competitive modes like Ranked Seasons and Weekend Classic.
Start by enabling the leg kick, practicing your timing in batting practice, and integrating it smartly in live games. With patience and practice, you’ll find your contact rate soar and your power numbers climb. So step into the
MLB The Show for sale batter’s box with confidence—your leg kick awaits to transform your hitting game.
MLB The Show for sale batter’s box with confidence—your leg kick awaits to transform your hitting game.
