Approach: Difference between revisions

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{{ArticleIcons|series=y}}
{{ArticleIcons|series=y}}
{{AllGames|Techniques}}
{{AllGames|Techniques}}
{{incomplete|Smash 4- and Ultimate-specific approaches}}
An '''approach''' is the offensive method a player uses to get close enough to their opponent to land an attack or start a [[combo]]. Approach methods vary from [[approaching attack|built-in special moves]] ([[Bowser Jr.]]'s [[Clown Kart Dash]], [[R.O.B.]]'s [[Arm Rotor]]), to dash attacks, projectiles, or highly technical techniques ([[wavedashing]], [[shuffling]], or using [[short hop laser]]s). The simplest (and least safe) forms of approach are simply [[walking]] or [[dashing]] up to the opponent.  
An '''approach''' is the offensive method a player uses to get close enough to their opponent to land an attack or start a [[combo]]. Approach methods vary from [[approaching attack|built-in special moves]] ([[Bowser Jr.]]'s [[Clown Kart Dash]], [[R.O.B.]]'s [[Arm Rotor]]), to dash attacks, projectiles, or highly technical techniques ([[wavedashing]], [[shuffling]], or using [[short hop laser]]s). The simplest (and least safe) forms of approach are simply [[walking]] or [[dashing]] up to the opponent.  


==Types of approaches==
==Types of approaches==
===Multiple games===
===Multiple games===
*[[Walking]] is slow and can be [[punish]]ed. However, this method can be unpredictable due to its rarity, and allows the use of any other attacks, or to start other approach methods. Characters with a fast walk speed (most notably [[Marth]]) can use walking to microspace against slower characters.
*[[Walking]] is slow and can be [[punish]]ed. However, this method can be unpredictable due to its rarity, and allows the use of any other attacks or actions, or to start other approach methods. Characters with a fast walk speed (for instance [[Fox]], [[Falco]], [[Pikachu]], [[Marth]] or [[Sheik]]) can efficiently use walking to microspace against slower characters.
*[[Dashing]] is both faster than walking and grants the potential for the use of [[dash attack]]s and [[dash cancel]]ed moves. However, this prevents immediate usage of any tilts, neutral attacks or smash attacks (excluding up smashes).
*[[Dashing]] is both faster than walking and grants the potential for the use of [[dash attack]]s, dash [[grab]]s, pivot grabs, [[jump]]s, [[shield]]ing, forward [[roll]]s (back rolls are also possible from an initial dash but require more precision), [[up smash]]es, [[side special]]s and [[up special]]s. However, this prevents immediate usage of any tilts, neutral attacks, forward smashes, down smashes, neutral specials or down specials. In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', it is possible to perform any grounded action from a full run but not from an initial dash.
*[[Jump]]ing allows the player to put out any aerial attacks while moving toward the opponent. This aggressive approach method can be difficult to defend against, especially with characters that have high aerial mobility or large [[auto-cancel]] windows; for example, [[Jigglypuff]] can easily attack while retreating if the player senses danger, while [[Sheik]]'s generous auto-cancel windows allow her to throw out aerials aggressively. However, as most aerial attacks are unsafe on shield if spaced incorrectly, this approach can be countered by [[out of shield]] options or capitalizing on [[landing lag]].
**[[Fox-trotting]] involves performing multiple consecutive initial dashes by repeatedly flicking the control stick. Depending on the character used, it can potentially be faster than running. Fox-trotting is especially common in ''Ultimate'', where the fox-trot timings are highly uniform throughout the entire cast.
*[[Projectile]]s can cover an approach that would otherwise be vulnerable. They force the opponent to either dodge, shield, or take the hit, all of which can be capitalized on. Some such projectiles are [[Peach]]'s [[Vegetable]]s, [[Falco]]'s [[Blaster]], and [[Mario]]'s [[Fireball]]. This is countered by [[reflection]].
*[[Jump]]ing allows the player to put out any aerial attacks while moving toward the opponent. This aggressive approach method can be difficult to defend against, especially with characters that have high aerial mobility, solid [[range]], fast aerial startup, low landing lag, or large [[auto-cancel]] windows; for example, [[Jigglypuff]] can easily attack while retreating if the player senses danger, while [[Sheik]]'s generous auto-cancel windows allow her to throw out aerials aggressively. However, as many aerial attacks are unsafe on shield if spaced incorrectly or performed too high in the air, this approach can often be countered by [[out of shield]] options or capitalizing on [[landing lag]]. It is also risky in all games except for ''Brawl'' and ''SSB4'', due to defensive options in the air generally being inferior to their counterparts on the ground, making it difficult to avoid being hit by a properly-aimed attack from the opponent.
*[[Wavedash]]ing is a technique which involves jumping, then quickly interrupting the jump with a diagonally downward-angled [[air dodge]], which results in the character sliding. The technique only exists in ''Melee'' and ''Ultimate'', but it is much more useful and far more common in ''Melee''
*[[Projectile]]s can cover an approach that would otherwise be vulnerable. They force the opponent to dodge, shield, or take the hit, all of which can be capitalized on. Some such projectiles are [[Peach]]'s [[Vegetable]]s, [[Falco]]'s [[Blaster (Falco)|Blaster]], and [[Mario]]'s [[Fireball]]. This is countered by [[reflection]], or alternatively also [[absorption]] in the case of energy-based projectiles.
*[[Shielding]] can be a surprising mix-up when combined with other approaching methods. For example, if a player simply dashes up and puts out their shield, it can force a reaction from their opponent, allowing for a [[grab]]. This technique is a definite [[mindgame]].
*[[Shielding]] can be a surprising mix-up when combined with other approaching methods. For example, if a player simply dashes up and puts out their shield, it can force a reaction from their opponent, allowing for a [[grab]]. This technique is a definite [[mindgame]].
*[[Pivoting]] is a similarly advantageous mix-up while approaching, due to the ability to capitalize on an opponent's reaction and microspace. Characters which can use pivoting effectively include those with long, disjointed tilt attacks, far reaching pivots, or a long [[pivot grab]], such as {{SSB4|Meta Knight}}'s pivot grab in ''SSB4''. This technique cannot be performed in ''Brawl''.  
*[[Pivoting]] is a similarly advantageous mix-up while approaching, due to the ability to capitalize on an opponent's reaction and microspace. Characters which can use pivoting effectively include those with long, disjointed tilt attacks, far-reaching pivots, or a long [[pivot grab]], such as {{SSB4|Meta Knight}}'s pivot grab in ''SSB4''. This technique cannot be performed safely in ''Brawl'' due to the risk of random [[trip]]ping, and is largely absent in ''Ultimate'' (aside from pivot grabs) due to the removal of perfect pivoting.
*[[Approaching attack]]s are character specific special moves that vary wildly in their style and application. They all share the same characteristic of moving the player while having a hitbox out, and this allows them to be used to approach with minimal danger of punishment.
*[[Approaching attack]]s are character-specific special moves that vary wildly in their style and application. They all share the same characteristic of moving the player while having a [[hitbox]] or grabbox out, and this allows them to be used to approach with minimal danger of punishment.
*[[Float]]ing is a [[Peach]]-exclusive technique, and a very effective method of approach. It allows Peach players to move toward or away from the opponent completely at will, while putting out any of Peach's aerials. With the addition of [[float cancel]]ing, this technique can prove deadly.
*[[Float]]ing is a technique exclusive to [[Peach]] (and also {{SSBU|Daisy}} in ''Ultimate'') and a very effective method of approach. It allows players of either character to move toward or away from the opponent completely at will, while putting out any of their aerials. With the addition of [[float cancel]]ing (an advanced technique only present in ''[[Melee]]''), or jump-canceled fast-falling in other ''Smash Bros.'' titles, this technique can prove deadly.
*[[Boost grab]], or dash attack canceled grab, is present in both Smash 4 and Brawl, although its use is more common in Brawl.
*[[Crouch Dash]] canceling (which is akin to the ''[[Tekken (universe)|Tekken]]'' series' own wavedashing technique that should not be confused with the ''Smash Bros.'' wavedash) can be used by {{SSBU|Kazuya}} in ''Ultimate'' to quickly approach his opponent while moving faster than he can run or fox-trot. He can interrupt the Crouch Dash with a [[Wind God Fist]] (or especially an Electric Wind God Fist), [[Spinning Demon to Left Hook]], or even [[Dragon Uppercut]].
*[[Boost grab]], or dash attack canceled grab, is present in ''Melee'', ''Brawl'', ''SSB4'' and ''Ultimate''. It sees less use in ''SSB4'' than in ''Melee'', ''Brawl'' or ''Ultimate'', however, and only specific characters within each game benefit from it, most notably Sheik in ''Melee'', Snake in ''Brawl'' and Wolf in ''Ultimate''.


===''Melee''-specific===
===''Melee''-specific===
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**[[Dash-dance#Extended dash-dancing|Extended dash-dancing]] is a replacement of this technique in ''Brawl'' and ''SSB4'', combining dash dancing and [[fox-trotting]]. This lets a player make the most of a character's mobility by potentially confusing opponents and pressuring them to approach or dodge. Extended dash-dancing is most prominent in ''SSB4'', due to the risk of [[tripping]] in ''Brawl''.
**[[Dash-dance#Extended dash-dancing|Extended dash-dancing]] is a replacement of this technique in ''Brawl'' and ''SSB4'', combining dash dancing and [[fox-trotting]]. This lets a player make the most of a character's mobility by potentially confusing opponents and pressuring them to approach or dodge. Extended dash-dancing is most prominent in ''SSB4'', due to the risk of [[tripping]] in ''Brawl''.
*[[SHFFL]]ing is a jumping technique with all the benefits of a standard aerial approach, but is quicker and therefore harder to punish should it fail.
*[[SHFFL]]ing is a jumping technique with all the benefits of a standard aerial approach, but is quicker and therefore harder to punish should it fail.
**The [[SHFF]] replaces this technique in ''Brawl'' and ''SSB4'' due to the removal of [[L-cancel]]ing.
**The [[SHFF]] replaces this technique in ''Brawl'', ''SSB4'' and ''Ultimate'' due to the removal of [[L-cancel]]ing.
*[[Wavedash]]ing provides the option of an aggressive grounded approach. Most attacks can be used during a wavedash, with its speed and often unpredictable behavior allowing the player to quickly sneak in during a lapse in defense.  
*[[Wavedash]]ing provides the option of an aggressive grounded approach. Most attacks can be used during a wavedash, with its speed and often unpredictable behavior allowing the player to quickly sneak in during a lapse in defense.  
*[[Waveshine|Waveshining]] is a Fox/Falco-specific technique utilizing their [[Reflector]]s to approach before wavedashing away with a [[jump cancel]]. Due to the effectiveness of their wavedashes and their Reflector's utility as an extremely fast combo starter/breaker, Waveshining is a very effective approach tactic, albeit difficult to master.  
*[[Waveshine|Waveshining]] is a Fox and Falco-specific technique utilizing their [[Reflector]]s to approach before wavedashing away with a [[jump cancel]]. Due to the effectiveness of their wavedashes and their Reflectors' utility as extremely fast combo starters/breakers, waveshining is a very effective approach tactic, albeit difficult to master.
 
===''Brawl''-specific===
===''Brawl''-specific===
*The [[DACUS]] and [[Boost grab]] are an expansion of dash attacking, which carries the momentum of a canceled dash attack to boost a character forward while using an up smash or grab, respectively. This is limited to several characters, but allows an up smash or grab to function similarly to an approaching attack.  
*The [[DACUS]], or dash attack canceled up smash, is an expansion of dash attacking, which carries the momentum of a canceled dash attack to boost a character forward while using an up smash. While most characters can perform the technique, few get a noticeable momentum boost when doing so, and for those characters, the technique allows an up smash to function similarly to an approaching attack.
**The [[Gatling Combo]] functions similarly, but allows both the dash attack and up smash to connect. It is a powerful approach option due to its travel distance and damage/KO potential, with {{SSBB|Falco}} being the most effective user of it.
**The [[Gatling Combo]] functions similarly, but allows both the dash attack and up smash to connect. It is a powerful approach option due to its travel distance and damage/KO potential, with {{SSBB|Falco}} being the most effective user of it.
*[[Glide|Glid]]ing is a rather unseen method of approach that can only be used by three specific characters ([[Meta Knight]], [[Pit]], [[Charizard]]). Like jumping, it grants the use of aerial attacks, along with the unique [[gliding#glide attack|glide attack]]. It is not as easy to retreat while in a glide, but a glide attack can be canceled by initiated right before landing, canceling all of the glide's lag while leaving the player free to perform any input while covering some ground.
*[[Glide|Glid]]ing is a rather unseen method of approach that can only be used by three specific characters ([[Meta Knight]], [[Pit]], [[Charizard]]). Like jumping, it grants the use of aerial attacks, along with the unique [[gliding#glide attack|glide attack]]. It is not as easy to retreat while in a glide, but a glide attack can be canceled by initiating it right before landing, canceling all of the glide's lag while leaving the player free to perform any input while covering some ground.


==Disrupting an approach==
==Disrupting an approach==
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