Counter Throw

Counter Throw (, Counter Throw) is one of the three down special moves for the in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, replacing Foot Flurry from the previous game.

Overview
The move functions as a counterattack, hence the name. When used, the Brawler takes a defensive stance with their hands covering their face, similar to Little Mac when he uses Slip Counter. If not hit, the Brawler goes through a small period of endlag, but if they are hit, a heartbeat line icon will appear above their head, and the Brawler will proceed to grab the opponent and slam them onto the ground behind them, damaging anyone else who might be nearby. Afterwards, the countered opponent will bounce off the ground and be sent reeling. In the air, the throw deals knockback at a more vertical angle, and the knockback is reduced slightly; however, the higher launch angle can allow for KOs off the upper blast line.

Counter Throw is unique in many ways: it is actually very fast for a counter due to its extremely low ending lag, making it a low-commitment and relatively safe counter, though this is counteracted by the move's very short counter window. It is also tied with Gut Check and Slip Counter for having the second highest damage multiplier out of all counterattacks, at 1.5x (only Tetrakarn is higher, at 1.6x), and has the highest knockback growth, allowing it to KO even against weak hits. However, it has multiple flaws: since the counterattack is a very short grab, the opponent must be within close range to be grabbed; attacks from below soft platforms or moves with a long enough range (most often disjointed hitboxes) will outrange the grab, causing it to miss. Furthermore, it has the least reliable counter detection in the game, not only possessing the shortest window in the game (a mere 18 frames compared to an average of around 23 frames), but also is one of the few counters which requires attacks to strike a certain part of Brawler's body, being their arm or hand. If the incoming hitbox does not overlap with their arm hurtbox the counter will fail and Mii Brawler will be damaged normally, which is most noticeable when attacking from behind or below. Due to its flawed counter detection and unique launch angle (specifically throwing the opponent behind them), it is additionally quite ineffective at edgeguarding despite counters as a whole generally being very useful in that regard, as recovering opponents will be flung into the stage and can tech. Finally, it will always fail against indirect attacks such as projectiles, even if the user is standing directly in front of Mii Brawler.

As a result, Counter Throw is a low-lag option that allows the Brawler to heavily punish enemy mistakes, but is very inconsistent due to its flaws. It can be considered a "high-risk, high-reward" counterattack due to its speed, power, and inconsistency.

Customization
Counter Throw appears exclusively in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, with two other Special Move customization options available. These are the variations:

Trivia

 * Counter Throw is the only counter in the series that retaliates with a grab.
 * Because of this, it is one of the only two counters that can bypass a falling Stone or Wonderwing, the other being.
 * Counter Throw appears inspired by Geese Howard's infamous Jōdan'ateminage ("High Hit Throw") from the and  series, sharing its raised-arm counter stance and backwards judo throw upon trigger, as well as its vulnerability to low attacks.
 * Geese's Spirit Battle appropriately features a Mii Brawler with Counter Throw as the puppet fighter.
 * If the Shadow Assist Trophy freezes Mii Brawler while performing Counter Throw, the counter hitbox will remain active and trigger if hit. Mii Brawler will not grab until being unfrozen, but will remain intangible in the mean time.