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In MLB The Show 25, small details can make a massive difference at the plate. One of the most overlooked but vital mechanics in the game’s hitting system is the leg kick—a subtle animation that can significantly affect timing, rhythm, and swing efficiency. For competitive players MLB The Show 25 Stubs and casual fans alike, understanding leg kicks is essential for consistent contact, launching home runs, and mastering advanced hitting techniques.

This in-depth article explores everything you need to know about leg kicks in MLB The Show 25, including what they are, why they matter, the different types of leg kicks, how to use them effectively, and tips to incorporate them into your game.

What Are Leg Kicks in MLB The Show 25?

A leg kick in MLB The Show 25 is a part of a hitter’s swing animation where they lift their front leg as part of their load before swinging. While this mechanic mimics real-life batting stances, it’s more than just cosmetic. In The Show, the leg kick plays a vital role in helping players time their swing, develop rhythm, and improve pitch recognition.

In essence, the leg kick acts as a timing mechanism. Just like in real baseball, a leg kick in-game helps you load your swing and prepare for contact. Some animations are quick and snappy, while others are high and slow, impacting the speed at which you must react to the pitch. Learning how to read and react based on your chosen leg kick style is key to becoming a high-level hitter.

Why Leg Kicks Matter in Hitting

Leg kicks are often underestimated by players who focus solely on PCI placement or button timing. However, many of the top MLB The Show players use leg kicks to their advantage. Here’s why they matter:

1. Establishing Timing

Leg kicks create a visual rhythm that can help you time your swing more accurately. If you're late on fastballs or early on off-speed pitches, adjusting your leg kick can realign your timing window.

2. Creating Consistent Rhythm

Leg kicks establish a swing rhythm that you can stick to, regardless of the pitcher or pitch type. By training your muscle memory around a consistent motion, you'll develop better overall timing.

3. Triggering Swing Load

Just like real-life hitters, your swing in MLB The Show 25 begins with the load phase. The leg kick is the first part of that process, helping transfer weight and engage your swing.

4. Visual Feedback

Different leg kicks give different cues for when to start your swing. They’re a built-in timer, letting your eyes and brain sync with the pitcher’s delivery.

Types of Leg Kicks in MLB The Show 25

There are multiple types of leg kicks in the game, and each one affects your timing and approach at the plate. Let’s break down the primary types:

1. No Leg Kick (Minimal Load)

Characteristics: Very little to no foot movement. Batters stay quiet and steady.

Players: Mike Trout, Freddie Freeman

Use Case: Great for players who value consistency and timing over power. Ideal for contact hitters and users who prefer simplified mechanics.

2. Small Leg Kick

Characteristics: Subtle forward motion with a controlled stride.

Players: Mookie Betts, José Ramírez

Use Case: Balanced hitters looking for a blend of contact and power. Provides a slight rhythm while maintaining good timing flexibility.

3. Medium Leg Kick

Characteristics: Noticeable lift and stride forward.

Players: Bryce Harper, Manny Machado

Use Case: Power hitters who want a more aggressive stride without risking major timing issues.

4. High Leg Kick

Characteristics: Exaggerated front leg lift. Delayed weight transfer.

Players: Juan Soto, Shohei Ohtani

Use Case: Pure power hitters. High risk, high reward. Offers tremendous power when timed perfectly, but easy to mistime if you’re not careful.

How to Choose the Right Leg Kick for You

Your ideal leg kick depends on your hitting style, reaction time, and skill level. Consider the following factors:

Beginner Players: Start with a no-kick or small-kick stance to focus on timing fundamentals.

Intermediate Players: Medium leg kicks add power potential without sacrificing too much consistency.

Advanced Players: High leg kicks can yield big results, but only if you have excellent timing and discipline.

In MLB The Show 25, you can select or customize a hitter’s stance and stride in the Appearance > Batting Stance Creator section. Try experimenting in Custom Practice until you find the motion that feels natural and consistent with your swing rhythm.

Leg Kicks and Swing Timing: The Connection

Leg kicks are all about timing. When you lift your leg, you’re essentially signaling to your body (and the game) that your swing is about to initiate. Mistiming the leg kick often results in:

Being late on fastballs

Swinging early on changeups

Inconsistent PCI placement

Poor contact or popups

When to Start the Leg Kick

For small kicks, begin the motion just as the pitcher starts their delivery.

For medium kicks, begin slightly earlier—when the pitcher starts to move their arms.

For high kicks, you’ll need to start almost as soon as the pitcher begins the windup.

How to Practice Leg Kick Timing

1. Use Custom Practice Mode

Choose a pitcher with high velocity and a fast delivery. Practice loading your swing at different times until you consistently time the leg kick and swing for good contact.

2. Adjust Difficulty

Start with All-Star difficulty and move up to Hall of Fame or Legend once you’re comfortable. Higher levels require more precise timing and make the leg kick more valuable.

3. Swing Feedback Tool

Review the feedback window after every at-bat. If you're consistently late, start your leg kick earlier. If you're too early, delay your load slightly.

4. Train with One Stance

Pick one hitter and stick with them for 20–30 games to build consistency with their leg kick and rhythm.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Mistake Cause Solution

Always late on pitches Kick starts too late Begin leg kick earlier in pitcher’s motion

Early on breaking balls Swing commits too fast Wait an extra half-second before swinging

Inconsistent contact Changing timing every AB Use the same leg kick rhythm every pitch

Advanced Tips: Using Leg Kicks in Competitive Modes

In modes like Ranked Seasons, Battle Royale, and Events, leg kicks become a competitive edge. Here’s how top players use them:

Pitch Tracking: Leg kicks help you stay grounded and focus on pitch location rather than just guessing.

Check Swing Control: Better rhythm improves your ability to hold or release your swing.

Mental Game: Using a consistent leg kick puts you in a confident mindset and keeps you calm in pressure situations.

Final Thoughts: Should You Use a Leg Kick in MLB The Show 25?

Yes—but only if you commit to mastering it.

Leg kicks offer incredible benefits for hitters in MLB The Show 25, especially in terms of timing and power. While they may take some time to learn, incorporating a leg kick into your swing routine can improve your plate discipline, increase your home run output, and make you a tougher out.

Whether you’re grinding Road to the Show, building your Diamond Dynasty squad, or facing live competition, the leg kick is a powerful tool. Train it like you would PCI movement or pitch recognition—and soon, it’ll become second nature.

Step into the box, lift that front leg, buy MLB 25 Stubs and let the swing speak for itself.