Mastering the Mound: A Guide to Pitching in Wii Sports Baseball
So, you want to dominate the diamond in Wii Sports Baseball? It all starts with mastering the art of pitching. Fortunately, the Wii Remote offers a surprisingly nuanced control scheme that allows you to throw a variety of pitches, each with its own distinct movement and purpose. Here’s the lowdown on how to throw different pitches and dominate the competition.
The Basic Controls: Setting the Stage
Before diving into specific pitches, let’s cover the fundamentals. Holding the Wii Remote like a pointer, you’ll raise your arm to start the pitching motion. The game registers the speed and direction of your wrist flick as the “throw.” This basic motion determines the ball’s velocity and trajectory. The key is to experiment and find a comfortable, repeatable motion.
Pitch Types: Your Arsenal of Deception
Wii Sports Baseball offers a handful of pitch types, each controlled by a specific button combination:
Fastball: The Bread and Butter
The fastball is your go-to pitch for sheer speed. To throw a fastball, hold nothing and flick your wrist quickly. The faster the flick, the faster the pitch. Mastering the fastball is essential for establishing a baseline and keeping hitters honest. Experiment with different wrist motions to find the perfect balance of speed and control. The trick to throwing a 100mph fastball in Wii is to use a fast, but short movement, like flicking your wrist.
Screwball: Deceptive Movement
The screwball is a breaking ball that curves in the opposite direction of a curveball, breaking away from right-handed hitters. To throw a screwball, hold the A button while pitching. This adds a unique spin that can fool even the most seasoned virtual batters.
Curveball: Bending it Like Beckham (But with Baseball)
The curveball is a classic breaking ball that dips sharply downward. To throw a curveball, hold the B button while pitching. The curveball is particularly effective against hitters expecting a fastball, as its sudden downward movement can induce weak swings.
Splitter: The Sudden Drop
The splitter is a deceptive pitch that appears to be a fastball but suddenly drops downward as it approaches the plate. To throw a splitter, hold both the A and B buttons simultaneously while pitching. The splitter is a challenging pitch to master, but its unpredictable movement can make it a devastating weapon in your arsenal.
Submarine Pitch: Changing the Angle
The submarine pitch is a sidearm delivery that can disrupt a hitter’s timing and provide a unique look. To throw a submarine pitch, press the 2 button before beginning your pitching motion. Your Mii will adopt a sidearm stance, and your pitches will be delivered from a lower angle. Pressing the 1 button will return you to the default overhand pitching style.
Speed Control: Adding Finesse
Beyond pitch type, you can also control the speed of your pitches by adjusting the “whip action” on the controller. A quick, forceful flick will result in a faster pitch, while a slower, smoother motion will produce a slower pitch. Mastering speed control allows you to further deceive hitters and keep them off balance.
Tips and Tricks for Pitching Domination
- Practice makes perfect: Experiment with different pitch combinations and wrist motions to find what works best for you.
- Vary your pitch selection: Don’t become predictable! Mix up your fastballs with breaking balls to keep hitters guessing.
- Watch the hitter’s tendencies: Pay attention to how the hitter reacts to different pitches and adjust your strategy accordingly.
- Use the submarine pitch strategically: The submarine pitch can be particularly effective against hitters who are expecting a standard overhand delivery.
- Master speed control: Use varying speeds to disrupt the hitter’s timing and induce weak swings.
- Don’t forget the basics: Raise your Wii Remote to begin to pitch and try flicking your wrist.
FAQ: Answering Your Burning Wii Baseball Questions
How do you throw a 100 mph fastball on Wii Sports?
As quoted, the trick to throwing a 100mph fastball in Wii Sports is to use a fast, but short movement, like flicking your wrist.
How do you throw straight in Wii bowling?
If you’re having trouble rolling the ball straight in Wii Bowling, try lofting the ball. Instead of rolling on the lane as soon as you release the ball, a lofted ball is lifted into the air, and when it hits the ground, the impact deadens most of the ball’s spin.
How do you hit a homerun every time in Wii baseball?
While there’s no guaranteed way to hit a home run every time, hold the bat high and behind you as far as it gets. Holding it high will allow you a larger swing and so the more power you will be able to get into it. However, holding the Wii remote low and hitting up will allow you to hit the ball higher, and so increase your chance of a home run.
How do you hit a super fast ball in Wii Tennis?
To hit a super fast ball in Wii Tennis, let the ball fall back into your hand. This will let you get a feel for the timing. Toss the ball again and flick your Wii remote when it is at the top.
Can you hit an inside-the-park homerun in Wii Sports?
Yes, there is also the “inside-the-park” home run, where the batter reaches home safely while the baseball is in play on the field.
How do I switch to the submarine (sidearm) pitch?
Press the 2 button before flinging the ball toward the plate. To switch back to a regular overhand delivery, press the 1 button.
Is there a way to throw even faster than 100 mph?
While the game displays a maximum of around 94-96 mph for player-controlled pitches, the computer AI can throw faster, so it might be possible to push the limits with precise timing and motion.
Can I improve my pitching accuracy?
Yes! Practicing your wrist motion and release point will significantly improve your accuracy. Focus on consistency and repetition.
What’s the best pitch to use against a left-handed hitter?
The screwball is generally effective against left-handed hitters, as it breaks away from them.
What’s the best way to deal with pros and champions who predict my pitches?
Vary your pitch sequence and speeds even more. Try throwing the same pitch in different locations or at different speeds to keep them guessing.
Does my Mii’s attributes affect pitching?
While not explicitly stated, it’s speculated that a Mii’s athleticism rating might influence its pitching ability.
How does the game determine pitch speed?
The game measures the speed and force of your wrist flick. A quicker, more forceful flick results in a faster pitch.
Are there any secret pitches in Wii Sports Baseball?
No, there are only 4 pitches that can be made: fastball(hold nothing), the screwball(hold A button), the curveball(hold B button), and the splitter(hold both A and B buttons).
How do I get better at judging the strike zone?
Pay close attention to the catcher’s mitt and the umpire’s calls. Over time, you’ll develop a better sense of what constitutes a strike.
Is it possible to throw a knuckleball?
Unfortunately, the knuckleball isn’t available in the game.
Conclusion: Become a Wii Baseball Legend
With practice and dedication, you can master the art of pitching in Wii Sports Baseball and become a true legend on the virtual diamond. Remember to experiment, adapt, and have fun! Consider exploring the research conducted at the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to understand the deeper implications of game-based learning and skill development. The only thing left for you to do is to dominate the mound in Wii Sports Baseball!