Pierce7d
Wise Hermit
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2006
- Messages
- 6,289
- 3DS FC
- 1993-9028-0439
I got a message earlier and realized that a very great number of inexperienced players aren't using a fundamental tactic in fighter games to boost their performance, so once again, this simple thread isn't really designed for the vets, but for the inexperienced and the intermediate players. Today, I'm going to talk about cross-ups.
What is a cross-up:
A cross-up is a term used in fighting games used to indicate that you landed behind your opponent, rather than in front of them. Generally, in most fighters, cross-ups are done out of aerial attacks. However, since you can simply and feasibly pass through your opponent in Brawl, grounded cross-ups are possible as well, it's simply more difficult and risky.
Why are cross-ups useful:
Cross-ups are very important in Brawl, because of how the shield system works. While your opponent is shielding, they can choose an OOS option (out of shield option)such as grabbing, jumping from the shield into an aerial, or dropping the shield into a (preferably fast) attack. Grabbing is generally the fastest option your opponent has for reacting. However, if you cross-up (land behind your opponent when you land) then shield grabbing is no longer an possibility for them. This puts you at much better advantage, especially if you have fast options to pressure your opponent.
How do I use cross-ups:
To execute a typical aerial cross-up, you almost must anticipate a shield. Depending on the move you use, you need to either delay your attack, so you hit the back of the shield after you go over or pass through your opponent (used with moves that also hit behind you usually, like Mario's or Marth's Uair), or use a a multi-hit attack that will allow you to pass through your opponent while pressuring them (Like Mario's Dair or Pit's Nair)
To execute a grounded cross-up, you probably want a fast character (I really wouldn't recommend Ganon or Bowser). Simply anticipate your opponent shielding or spot dodging when you are close together, and quickly run to the other side of them. Generally, Pivot grabs, sideB, and Bairs are accompanied by this technique.
How do I fight an opponent that likes to use cross-ups a lot:
There are several key-ways to beat cross ups. My favorite way is to perform a retreating pivot grab. This technique is most popular with Olimar and Yoshi, but I think you'll be surprised on how far it reaches even with non-tether characters, and it really hinders approaches, especially cross-up attempts.
You can also simply attack, using well spaced aerials. However, if your opponent is competent, they will probably not attempt a cross-up unless you are shielding. Rolling toward the direction they are approaching from will thwart a cross-up attempt.
Is there anything else I need to know:
Feel free to ask any questions, address anything I missed, etc
What is a cross-up:
A cross-up is a term used in fighting games used to indicate that you landed behind your opponent, rather than in front of them. Generally, in most fighters, cross-ups are done out of aerial attacks. However, since you can simply and feasibly pass through your opponent in Brawl, grounded cross-ups are possible as well, it's simply more difficult and risky.
Why are cross-ups useful:
Cross-ups are very important in Brawl, because of how the shield system works. While your opponent is shielding, they can choose an OOS option (out of shield option)such as grabbing, jumping from the shield into an aerial, or dropping the shield into a (preferably fast) attack. Grabbing is generally the fastest option your opponent has for reacting. However, if you cross-up (land behind your opponent when you land) then shield grabbing is no longer an possibility for them. This puts you at much better advantage, especially if you have fast options to pressure your opponent.
How do I use cross-ups:
To execute a typical aerial cross-up, you almost must anticipate a shield. Depending on the move you use, you need to either delay your attack, so you hit the back of the shield after you go over or pass through your opponent (used with moves that also hit behind you usually, like Mario's or Marth's Uair), or use a a multi-hit attack that will allow you to pass through your opponent while pressuring them (Like Mario's Dair or Pit's Nair)
To execute a grounded cross-up, you probably want a fast character (I really wouldn't recommend Ganon or Bowser). Simply anticipate your opponent shielding or spot dodging when you are close together, and quickly run to the other side of them. Generally, Pivot grabs, sideB, and Bairs are accompanied by this technique.
How do I fight an opponent that likes to use cross-ups a lot:
There are several key-ways to beat cross ups. My favorite way is to perform a retreating pivot grab. This technique is most popular with Olimar and Yoshi, but I think you'll be surprised on how far it reaches even with non-tether characters, and it really hinders approaches, especially cross-up attempts.
You can also simply attack, using well spaced aerials. However, if your opponent is competent, they will probably not attempt a cross-up unless you are shielding. Rolling toward the direction they are approaching from will thwart a cross-up attempt.
Is there anything else I need to know:
- If you get too predictable with cross-ups, your opponent will simply hit you. Use this technique intelligently. Remember, you have to over-commit to an approach, but you also get better advantage, especially if you catch your opponent off-guard.
- RARing (reverse aerial rushing) is a technique in which you cancel the animation of turning from a dash around with a jump and turn around so that you can move backwards in the air with forward momentum. Most times, it is useful for approaching or zoning your opponent with a Bair. You can also use RAR to cross-up, and it will allow you to land behind your opponent while facing them, buying you even more advantage.
- Most people will still consider it a cross-up if you are behind your opponent and land in front of them. While this obviously isn't always advisable, because you give them the option of shield-grabbing, it's still good for mindgames.
- Be cautious of using cross-ups too frequently on characters with exceptionally fast Bairs, such as Ike.
- Many characters such as Lucario or DK find that Utilting after an empty cross-up is successful. They don't have to turn around, and you can't shieldgrab them even if you don't drop your shield.
Feel free to ask any questions, address anything I missed, etc
