Cloud MU Advice

[Jaruto]

As I've learned to improve my ZSS through playing her at my local weekly, and analyzing my overuse of laggy options and finding mixups as to not be predictable, i've struggled more and more with the MU against Cloud.
I feel with the lack of being able to punish Cloud OoS as he pressures my shield with SH B-air and n-air, even with tilts and nair. I have no way to stop him from being all over my shield. Spacing him is also a problem for me, even when using retreating Z-air's.
Also I find that it's really difficult to go for a grab even with a read against him.
Also there is the fact he has the ability to punish ZSS's air game by abusing the mistake that is clouds U-Air.

What should I focus on or look for when facing Cloud? Any tips or advice would be helpful

 

[A Scrub]

I guess just wait for a poorly spaced bair/nair and try to space your own nair and zairs as well?

I have a harder time against a good Shulk, not a good ZSS. Maybe practice grinding the MU with Shulk more and use him when the need arrives.

Additionally, I'd be willing to WiFi and work on these with you.

 

[Jaruto]

I have a harder time against a good Shulk, not a good ZSS. Maybe practice grinding the MU with Shulk more and use him when the need arrives.

Additionally, I'd be willing to WiFi and work on these with you.

Well, I "co-main" shulk so i'm up for it,
The matchup against Cloud is to the point where for glory clouds are a struggle for me almost all the time, so any practice would be nice!

 

[Skeeter Mania]

I'd suggest watching sets from Kome from Japan, who has a positive record against almost every Cloud he's played. I'll post some links later if you want.

 

[Jaruto]

My shulk/Cloud MU is pretty fine funny enough, only zss is a big problem for me against him

EDIT: I also love kome, he's what inspired my shulk

 

[SmolNozomi]

Remember to be wary of ZSS grab, as its ending lag is horrendous, and will most likely end into a punish, unless you're a good distance away.

Also, I know this is obvious, but never forget to underestimate that is LED Sword is radioactive, so make sure your space yourself.

That's about all I can say, since I don't main ZSS nor the thing that resides in the sky, apologizes for that.

 

[Jaruto]

Remember to be wary of ZSS grab, as its ending lag is horrendous, and will most likely end into a punish, unless you're a good distance away.

Also, I know this is obvious, but never forget to underestimate that is LED Sword is radioactive, so make sure your space yourself.

That's about all I can say, since I don't main ZSS nor the thing that resides in the sky, apologizes for that.

(im a ZSS main, asking about how to beat cloud)

 

[SmolNozomi]

Okay, I will leave

 

[Frection]

(Warning: I am a Marth main and barely play ZSS. This is entirely theory-crafting.)

Basically, as ZSS, there is no safe option to escape this situation, which is why it's so good for Cloud. What you need to do is take an unexpected and riskier option.

Just as food for thought, I reckon getting deliberately hit by an aerial that's supposed to hit your shield is a reasonable idea. If you get hit offstage by a retreating Cloud Bair as ZSS your recovery is godlike. But if you sheild the Bair and then he fakes out a retreat only to punish a hasty defensive option with limit cross slash? That's much worse for you.