Tips on utilizing spot dodge?

[horizons889]

I've been playing sm4sh for over a month now and while I've been improving in a lot of areas I still don't use spot dodge consistently. I've been trying to make it a habit of using it, but I just can't. I just roll/shield a lot, for some reason I just can't find a place to fit spot dodge in my "rotation" if that makes sense. If someone gets close to me I will just roll away for example. Are there any tips on making a habit of using spot dodge?

 

[kii]

Spot dodging is good for avoiding single attacks and grabs, since it allows you to punish faster, or harder. However sometimes it can be risky to spot dodge because it's a multi hit attack or a charge, and so rolling or shielding will be the "safer" option.

Try playing some matches without rolling at all. Use more jumps and normal movement and try to space the opponent so that you're not in range of attacks as often, and focus on punishing them when they miss, or are in your range. Instead of rolling, spot dodge when you need to avoid an attack at close range. You'll probably start to see when it doesn't work, and as you incorporate rolls back into your play you might start using them when you need to.

 

[Rinku リンク]

Typically spot dodging is the better option vs. rolling since it's a bit more difficult to punish. It can be punished of course if you spam it too much just like rolling.

It's also dependent on some match ups considering some attacks are multi hit or have lingering hit boxes that can "catch" spot dodges.

K kii has pretty much already said what needs to be said so take that into consideration to incorporate it into your play style.

 

[Foxus]

I kinda align with the OP on this one. I guess spot dodging is like perfect shielding, where you act on the moment of impact? Isn't spot dodging basically side stepping (not rolling, but side stepping) and if so, how do you sidestep? I roll, but don't sidestep.

 

[MarioMeteor]

I kinda align with the OP on this one. I guess spot dodging is like perfect shielding, where you act on the moment of impact? Isn't spot dodging basically side stepping (not rolling, but side stepping) and if so, how do you sidestep? I roll, but don't sidestep.

They're the same thing with different names. Spot dodge is a stupid name, really. Sidestep is the actual term. I actually sidestep a lot, and it's a ****ing godsend against grab-happy characters like Falcon. It's very helpful for avoiding single hit attacks like stray smash attacks or reckless dash attacks. There's nothing like the feeling of successfully sidestepping an attack and then winning the match for it. I once sidestepped Bowser's dash grab as Jigglypuff (who has one of the better sidesteps in the game) and down smashed him for the game.

 

[DBZHedgy]

Spot Dodging as opposed to Dodge Rolling are pretty much the same because they're used to counter or avoid grabs, but they're pretty bad when an opponent is attacking with a lot of active attack frames in an attack.

It's basically a matter of making a good defensive read to utilize it to the best of your ability. If you think an opponent is going in for a grab or a long lasting attack with a small amount of attack frames and a lot of end lag, then that's the best time to use it.

But just like everything else in Smash, they can be easily read if you don't use it in moderation.

 

[Wintropy]

Remember that shielding and rolling / spotdodging is essentially a game of rock-paper-scissors, with each option being useful in different contexts. For example, if your opponent goes for a grab, spotdodge is your best option because it will beat the grab and you can punish it. On the other hand, if your opponent reads your spotdodge, they can go for a multi-hit or lingering move that will beat your spotdodge. In this case it would be better to shield, since you can neutralise the potential damage and punish it with an OOS option. Sometimes you might want to reposition yourself when you dodge, so a roll is your best bet in that case.

It's a good idea to have another option in neutral, but it's equally important to understand the micro-meta of evading damage. A good opponent will predict how you'll respond to their moves and bait you into doing something they can punish. Mixing it up is a good idea and it's something you will become comfortable with when you practice spotdodging more efficiently.

 

[Sonicninja115]

Spot dodging is a read. You have to know they are going to attack you with something you can spot dodge and then know how to punish it.