Dashing
By AlphaZealot | Published: May 2, 2008 10:10pm EST
 Dashing refers to the start-up animation before you character moves into a run. To dash, simply press the control stick left or right and immediately let go. Dashing is the primary movement used in Brawl because it is quick and your character will come to a stop fairly quickly. Using this property actually goes back to an old Melee technique known as “Fox trotting,” where dashing repeatedly is used instead of running, creating that trotting affect. Characters can also dash back and forth quickly, which is known as dash dancing, though the use of this move has been reduced since Melee. Dashing back and forth is much more difficult in Brawl, requiring fast flicks back and forth on the control stick, because the window to change direction is much smaller. Most characters stay roughly in the same position while doing this move, but some have longer windows for dash dancing. These characters can use this technique as a feint. When the opponent reads the initial dash, they are usually forced into a response, be it attacking, shielding, or spot dodging. This is where dash dancing helps because you can quickly do a double take, after dashing in, dash the opposite direction then back again, and at that point your character will be in position to punish whatever the opponent’s reaction was to the initial dash. Note #1: Default control scheme using the GCN controller is assumed. |
