In MLB The Show 25, hitting success is all about timing. Among the various visual cues and swing mechanics in the game, leg kicks stand out as one of the most important and widely used tools for MLB The Show 25 Stubs synchronizing your swing with the pitcher’s motion. While they may seem like just a visual flourish, leg kicks serve a functional purpose in both real baseball and in the game—they help hitters generate momentum, rhythm, and ultimately better timing.

In this 1000+ word guide, we’ll explore what leg kicks are in MLB The Show 25, why they matter for your hitting strategy, how they function in different gameplay modes, and tips to master them whether you're playing Diamond Dynasty, Road to the Show, or Ranked Seasons.

What Are Leg Kicks in MLB The Show 25?
Leg kicks are pre-swing animations used by batters to load their weight and build rhythm before launching their swing. In real-life baseball, players like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Bryce Harper use leg kicks to generate power and maintain balance. In MLB The Show 25, leg kicks emulate that same concept, allowing players to use body motion to build momentum and timing cues before swinging the bat.

In-game, the leg kick is determined by the batter’s stance and swing style. Some stances feature high, pronounced leg kicks; others use subtle toe taps or even no kick at all. Players can choose or edit stances based on preference and playstyle.

Leg kicks are not a separate button input; they are part of the hitter’s animation cycle and act as a visual guide to help you time your swing. When synced properly with pitch delivery, leg kicks help you identify the right moment to trigger your swing—whether you’re using zone, directional, or analog hitting.

Why Leg Kicks Matter in MLB The Show 25
1. Visual Timing Cue
One of the biggest challenges in MLB The Show 25 is pitch recognition. Leg kicks help mitigate this by giving you a visual load trigger, syncing your eyes and hands with the pitcher’s release. By consistently timing your leg kick with a pitcher’s wind-up or release point, you’ll develop better swing timing.

2. Power Generation
While leg kicks don’t mechanically add power to your swing in the game, they simulate the real-world concept of momentum-based hitting. Certain stances with higher leg kicks tend to correlate with power-focused hitters, which can affect your mental approach. Players with these stances often have longer swing animations, encouraging you to time your load more precisely to tap into “Perfect-Perfect” swing timing.

3. Swing Rhythm and Consistency
Consistent rhythm is key to batting success. Leg kicks encourage a routine that you can rely on. Once you lock into the rhythm of a batter’s stance and leg kick, it becomes easier to build muscle memory, especially when switching between hitters or teams.

4. Pitch Anticipation
When used correctly, a leg kick can help you delay your swing decision, especially on breaking balls and off-speed pitches. The “load-and-wait” philosophy allows players to recognize spin and pitch type without lunging early.

Different Types of Leg Kicks
Not all leg kicks are the same. The game features a range of pre-loaded stances, each with their own leg kick timing window and visual flair. Here's a breakdown of the main leg kick types:

1. No Kick / Toe Tap
Example Players: Mike Trout, Freddie Freeman

Description: Minimal movement, ideal for contact hitters.

Timing Profile: Early swing load, fast reaction time.

Use Case: Best for players who want quick swings and faster adjustments to pitch speed.

2. Small Leg Kick
Example Players: Mookie Betts, José Ramírez

Description: Slight lift of the front foot, consistent and easy to time.

Timing Profile: Medium load window.

Use Case: Good balance between power and contact, suited for players comfortable with varied pitch speeds.

3. Medium Leg Kick
Example Players: Fernando Tatís Jr., Manny Machado

Description: Noticeable leg lift and weight shift.

Timing Profile: Slightly longer load time.

Use Case: Players who want a natural rhythm to their swing without sacrificing timing flexibility.

4. High Leg Kick
Example Players: Juan Soto, Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuña Jr.

Description: Large, pronounced kick with high front leg lift.

Timing Profile: Long load, slower to the ball.

Use Case: Ideal for pure power hitters but requires excellent pitch recognition and early timing.

How to Use Leg Kicks Effectively
Mastering leg kicks takes time and practice. Here’s how to get the most out of them in MLB The Show 25:

1. Learn Your Batter’s Timing Window
Each leg kick has a different animation speed. Spend time in Custom Practice Mode with your preferred batter. Time your swing based on the peak of the leg lift, as this represents the hitter's natural load point.

2. Adjust to Pitcher Windups
Some pitchers have quick, deceptive windups while others are slower and more deliberate. Adjust your leg kick timing start based on when the pitcher begins their delivery.

Quick Windup: Start your leg kick early.

Slow Windup: Delay the kick slightly to match the release point.

3. Don’t Rush the Swing
One common mistake is swinging as soon as the leg kick begins. Instead, use the leg kick to load, then read the pitch before committing. This is especially important on Legend and Hall of Fame difficulties.

4. Match Kick Height to Playstyle
If you’re a contact hitter who likes reacting quickly to pitches, a low or no-kick stance may work best. If you rely on pulling home runs or driving fastballs over the wall, try medium to high leg kicks to find your rhythm.

Where You’ll See Leg Kicks in Action
1. Road to the Show (RTTS)
In RTTS, your created player’s batting stance—including leg kick—can be fully customized. You can experiment with different styles to match your hitting archetype (Contact, Power, Balanced). Players focusing on hitting progression should choose a stance with a leg kick they can consistently time.

2. Diamond Dynasty
Leg kicks are tied to the batter’s real-life stance. Some legends and flashbacks have unique swing animations. Understanding how their leg kick affects timing is crucial for online play, especially when pitch speeds are higher due to lower latency.

3. Franchise Mode and Exhibition
In Franchise Mode, players using simulation or broadcast-style games can use leg kicks for immersion and performance. Pay attention to fatigue or lineup changes that might affect rhythm and pitch speed anticipation.

Pro Tips for Mastering Leg Kicks
Use a Batting Practice Routine: Spend 10–15 minutes each day practicing leg kick timing with different pitchers and pitch types.

Custom Stance Editor: Tweak the stride and leg lift height using the stance editor to find your optimal balance of power and control.

Stick With One Kick Type: Consistency is key. Switching between multiple leg kick styles can disrupt your muscle memory and lead to mistimed swings.

Watch Real MLB Players: Study hitters like Ohtani, Soto, and Harper for how they use their leg kick rhythm in real life. Apply those principles in-game.

Conclusion
Leg kicks in MLB The Show 25 are more than just aesthetic animations—they’re vital timing tools that can elevate your hitting from average to elite. By understanding the types of leg kicks, learning the proper timing window, and applying rhythm-based swing mechanics, you can significantly improve your performance at the plate. Whether you're grinding XP in Road to the Show, battling in Diamond Dynasty, buy MLB The Show 25 Stubs or climbing the Ranked Seasons ladder, mastering leg kicks will give you the edge you need to dominate the competition.

So, the next time you step into the batter’s box, don’t just swing—load, kick, and crush.