Aggro Fox: Methodology

[Jackson]

Hey guys. I'm currently a Falco main, but I'm looking into Fox. I feel the desire to play really aggro and pressure a lot. What tactics/techniques should I utilize to make this playstyle effective?

 

[Stijn]

I guess I can help you out because I play pretty aggro too. So to start things off, I think Falco has better ways to get people to shield than Fox does. But Fox has a better rushdown because of his speed. So what you're basically looking to do is to be in your opponents face, without really getting hit. Examples are getting DD grabbed after a whiffed approach, getting your approach outprioritized by another move (Fox/Falco UpTilt for example) or just straight up running into a wall your opponent is making. Also make sure to mix up your approaches, I usually start off with mixing up late nair, dair or running shine. A relatively good player will catch up on your way of rushdown. So you are going to have to notice that, and find a way to cover the option he is picking to negate your first option. Of course, this is the case with a lot of things in this game. It's always amazing to overshoot nairs in neutral, because a lot of people will attempt to dash away as you're coming in. Most people will say that playing safe is better, and maybe it is, but i really feel like aggression has its perks. It's easier to get into someone's head, you have a better control over the pace of the match and what really works for me is that I start feeling myself when i'm winning.

I hope I answered your question, because I feel like it's a question you need to answer yourself by playing the game.

 

[Jackson]

I guess I can help you out because I play pretty aggro too. So to start things off, I think Falco has better ways to get people to shield than Fox does. But Fox has a better rushdown because of his speed. So what you're basically looking to do is to be in your opponents face, without really getting hit. Examples are getting DD grabbed after a whiffed approach, getting your approach outprioritized by another move (Fox/Falco UpTilt for example) or just straight up running into a wall your opponent is making. Also make sure to mix up your approaches, I usually start off with mixing up late nair, dair or running shine. A relatively good player will catch up on your way of rushdown. So you are going to have to notice that, and find a way to cover the option he is picking to negate your first option. Of course, this is the case with a lot of things in this game. It's always amazing to overshoot nairs in neutral, because a lot of people will attempt to dash away as you're coming in. Most people will say that playing safe is better, and maybe it is, but i really feel like aggression has its perks. It's easier to get into someone's head, you have a better control over the pace of the match and what really works for me is that I start feeling myself when i'm winning.

I hope I answered your question, because I feel like it's a question you need to answer yourself by playing the game.

Thanks, man. Gives me some good stuff to think about.

 

[SwiftOfDaSouth]

I guess I can help you out because I play pretty aggro too. So to start things off, I think Falco has better ways to get people to shield than Fox does. But Fox has a better rushdown because of his speed. So what you're basically looking to do is to be in your opponents face, without really getting hit. Examples are getting DD grabbed after a whiffed approach, getting your approach outprioritized by another move (Fox/Falco UpTilt for example) or just straight up running into a wall your opponent is making. Also make sure to mix up your approaches, I usually start off with mixing up late nair, dair or running shine. A relatively good player will catch up on your way of rushdown. So you are going to have to notice that, and find a way to cover the option he is picking to negate your first option. Of course, this is the case with a lot of things in this game. It's always amazing to overshoot nairs in neutral, because a lot of people will attempt to dash away as you're coming in. Most people will say that playing safe is better, and maybe it is, but i really feel like aggression has its perks. It's easier to get into someone's head, you have a better control over the pace of the match and what really works for me is that I start feeling myself when i'm winning.

I hope I answered your question, because I feel like it's a question you need to answer yourself by playing the game.

On the reverse spectrum of this, how to you recommend playing against this kind of style with say, Marth or Falcon?

 

[Stijn]

On the reverse spectrum of this, how to you recommend playing against this kind of style with say, Marth or Falcon?

Both Marth and Falcon have a really solid DD, dash dancing is really good against a rushdown. Don't forget that almost every move Marth has, and some moves Falcon has, will beat out Fox coming in with Nair/Dair/Shine. Knowing this and also knowing that the Fox will come in eventually, weaving back with aerials is really good. It doesn't matter what style of Fox you're playing against, they are ALWAYS going to be thirsty for a grab. So make sure you're spacing is safe, and your dashdance pristine. If the Fox misses his move while approaching too close you're always going to be capable of landing a grab. If a Fox uses a lot of Nairs, CC grab that.(With CC Shield+A) If the Fox uses a lot of Dairs, DD grab that. Your goal against this style is to find grabs (It usually is), and prevent the opponent from getting any momentum. As opposed to what i said in my last post, don't let your opponent get into your head and make sure you are the one controlling the pace of the match. If things go a little too fast, don't hesitate to take a bit of time on the heaven platform or between matches. Personally, I think Marth is amazing (probably the best) against this style of Fox. So sometimes if I see one DD camp me I'll shoot some lasers at him. The problem with aggressive players such as me is the lack of patience, so if an aggressive Fox changes his gameplan just stick to the plan. He will come in eventually.

 

[Jim Morrison]

Just waiting can be just as aggresive throwing out moves, it just doesn't look like it.