Shielding in Melee

[Diltune]

I recently stopped playing Smash 4. After switching from Melee to Sm4sh at tournaments I realized I could be doing better if I just played one of the games. The only problem is Smash 4 has conditioned me to have a bad habit of shielding too much as it's a really viable option.

I want this to be a general discussion of shields in general, i.e. when to shield, what you can do instead of shielding, shield angling, stage control vs shielding, conditioning to shielding, ect. ect.

I'll keep a track of links that should help readers be more knowledgeable about shielding.
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Wavedash Out-Of-Shield with One Button - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_MjBMX2BVY
DO NOT Shield Too Much - https://youtu.be/vkI8krzFrro?t=3m45s
Shield Dropping Tutorial - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IQFgGm49aI
A Lesson in Shield Stops - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKsEobD1pew
How to Shield Drop FAST and CONSISTENTLY - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsl03HJ_LTU

 

[Kadano]

Shielding takes action at the first frame in Melee as well. I think Brawl and Smash4 just have less shield hitstun and un-shield lag. (But I never cared about those games, so I really don’t know if it’s like that.)

I’d say you want to shield in Melee whenever you call an incoming attack that you don’t have time or space to move around. So it’s more of a last resort than something you want to default to.

 

[Diltune]

Shielding takes action at the first frame in Melee as well. I think Brawl and Smash4 just have less shield hitstun and un-shield lag. (But I never cared about those games, so I really don’t know if it’s like that.)

I’d say you want to shield in Melee whenever you call an incoming attack that you don’t have time or space to move around. So it’s more of a last resort than something you want to default to.

Fixed it, didn't realize. I meant it's a lot easier to power/perfect shield in Sm4sh.

 

[GenNyan]

Depending on character and MU, you can run up--> shield if you predict an aerial/attack that isn't safe on shield and then punish the lag.

Also just know all your out of shield options (And when to use them). These vary by character, but all chars can U-smash and Up-B OOS. Though most chars don't have good Up-Bs OOS, Marth being the most prominent exception. If you're a spacie, use shine OOS and waveshine OOS.

 

[HypnoNJ]

Shielding OP