What Do Top Players Focus On First?
The first thing most experienced players do is identify their weaknesses. Are you struggling with hitting fastballs, reading pitches, or controlling your bullpen? The best players spend a few games assessing this before jumping into full practice sessions.
Top players don’t just swing blindly—they focus on improving one skill at a time. If hitting is weak, they work on timing and pitch recognition. If fielding is the issue, they drill specific plays, like double plays or outfield throws. By isolating skills, progress becomes measurable and noticeable in actual games.
How Do They Practice Hitting?
Hitting is often the most difficult part of MLB The Show 26. Here’s how top players approach it:
Use Custom Practice Modes – There’s a mode called “Hitting Practice” that lets you focus on certain pitch types and speeds. Top players cycle through different combinations, starting with easier pitches and gradually increasing difficulty.
Focus on Timing, Not Power – It’s tempting to try to crush every pitch, but high-level players know timing comes first. They practice reading the pitcher and getting the swing meter right.
Simulate Real Game Scenarios – Instead of random practice, they recreate situations they’ll face in games. For example, bases loaded, two outs, or a full count. This makes muscle memory more relevant and transferable to actual matches.
What About Pitching Practice?
Pitching is just as important, and top players approach it systematically:
Work on Command First – You need to consistently hit the strike zone. Many beginners try new pitches without control. Top players start by mastering fastballs and sliders before adding curves or changeups.
Mix Speeds and Locations – Good pitchers vary their offerings. In practice, they focus on throwing different pitches to different parts of the zone, learning how to sequence pitches effectively.
Use Bullpen Sessions Strategically – Top players track their stats in bullpen practice. They’ll note how often they strike out batters or allow walks. This feedback guides their next session.
Fielding Drills That Make a Difference
Fielding can feel secondary to hitting and pitching, but top players know it wins games.
Position-Specific Drills – Infielders work on quick throws, double plays, and scoops. Outfielders focus on reading fly balls and making strong, accurate throws. Catchers drill framing and blocking pitches.
Reaction Time Training – Many top players adjust the game speed or pitch frequency in practice to improve reactions. This helps in real matches where the ball comes fast and unpredictable.
How They Structure Practice Sessions
Top players don’t just play endlessly—they have a plan. A common routine looks like this:
Warm-Up (10–15 Minutes) – Quick hitting, fielding, or pitching drills to get comfortable.
Focused Skill Work (30–45 Minutes) – Target one weakness at a time, with measurable goals.
Game Simulation (30 Minutes) – Play full innings or scenarios to apply what you practiced.
Review (10 Minutes) – Check stats and notes. Adjust next session based on what worked or didn’t.
By structuring sessions this way, improvement is consistent, not random.
How Top Players Track Progress
One thing that separates casual players from top performers is tracking. They keep records of batting averages, strikeouts, and other stats from practice sessions. If a player notices their timing on sliders is off, they’ll spend more time in that drill next session. Over weeks, small improvements compound into noticeable results.
The Role of Online Play and Competitions
Many top players mix practice with online play to test skills under pressure. Ranked games or friendly matches simulate high-stakes situations, giving a real sense of how well practice translates to performance. They also use online matches to identify weaknesses they didn’t notice during solo drills.
Extra Tip: Managing In-Game Resources
While practice is key, having enough in-game resources helps maximize progress. For example, some players like to buy MLB 26 stubs xbox series to get better packs or players for practice lineups. This doesn’t replace skill training, but it allows more flexibility in testing different rosters and strategies during drills.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced players make errors in practice. Avoid these pitfalls:
Practicing Without Goals – Random practice is inefficient. Always have a measurable focus.
Ignoring Weaknesses – It’s tempting to stick to what you’re good at, but improvement comes from addressing weaknesses.
Skipping Reviews – Without analyzing performance, you won’t know if practice is effective.
Top players in MLB The Show 26 succeed not just because of natural skill, but because they practice smartly. They isolate weaknesses, structure sessions, track progress, and test skills in real scenarios. Hitting, pitching, and fielding are all drilled with clear goals, and resource management—like strategically using stubs—enhances their practice options.
By adopting some of these strategies, even casual players can see meaningful improvement. Practice isn’t just about playing more—it’s about playing smarter, focusing on the right drills, and consistently challenging yourself in ways that translate to real gameplay.