My previous entries covered disadvantage state and advantage state options. Today, I want to cover zoning. The process of zoning isn’t exclusive to projectile-heavy characters, like Min Min or Wolf. Rather, it can apply to anyone who has projectiles, such as Cloud or Terry. Even if they’re not projectile specialists, it’s worth utilizing their kits to the fullest.
Too often do I see players using the previously mentioned latter two not using their toolkit to the fullest. They forego projectiles in an attempt to approach the opponent. Naturally, this leaves them open for punishment.
As such, I’ve been told that I’m a projectile-heavy player by those who have fought my Cloud and Terry. It isn’t a sin to learn zoning or camping if that’s what it takes to win. No matter who you use, make sure you’re optimizing their toolkit.
The point of this lesson isn’t so much to teach you how to use projectiles. Rather to keep in mind that, even for characters who aren’t zoner-heavy, you still have them. They’re a vital tool to your arsenal no matter your playstyle. This is to remind you of their practicality which you can use when reading your opponent out in neutral, advantage, or even disadvantage state.
Zoning with Terry and Cloud gives you options that aren’t available even to dedicated zoners such as Samus or Falco. As Terry, you can KO with Power Wave as an edgeguard. You have two speeds to use it with, can use it to briefly hover in the air, and even confirm strings off the slower one. Meanwhile, Cloud can similarly float with Blade Beam, cover options parallel to the ledge, B-reverse with it, and even KO when it’s Limit Charged.
Since I use Terry and Cloud, these are the examples I’m covering. Your toolkit also extends to Ryu, Ken, Mario, and whoever else can use projectiles from afar. It’s worth noting, once more, to keep these tools in mind whenever you can use them and not just when you’re spaced safely in neutral. Every percent counts!
Kazuya can use his beam to punish players trying to space you out. Punish landings by aiming high or low or even trade against other projectiles. It can also edgeguard players for a KO.
Keep in mind this blog is meant to serve more for entry-level zoning purposes. This won’t cover the advanced mechanics of charging Samus’ Charge Shot, Lucario’s Aura Sphere, or Robin’s myriad of projectiles. The end purpose of teaching this fundamental is to goad your opponent to approach you. Moreover, it’s to teach both stage control as well as to remember to use all of your options.
As such, the ability to build damage, even under 10% per hit, adds up. Even when an opponent dodges or blocks, your actions while reading them afterward can still make or break the game for you. It’s worth not neglecting your long-ranged tools and using them to whittle down your opponent. Even if your character excels at close or mid-range combat, the added use of projectile play can truly make a difference in your fundamentals. If you think you’re not using your projectiles enough, then what are you waiting for? Get out there and use them more!
I hope you will consider recommending this guide and my past entries to your competitive friends in Smash Ultimate.
If you found this entry helpful, please consider following my blog. Want a coaching session? Book me today on Metafy!
