Combat Fundamentals
Learn how to approach neutral, attacks, defence and punish opportunities without relying on mindless aggression.
Understand neutral
Neutral is the part of a fight where neither player has a clear advantage.
This is where you decide whether to approach, defend, bait an attack or wait for your opponent to make the first mistake.
A common beginner mistake is treating every moment of neutral as an invitation to attack. Instead, use this time to gather information.
Attacking effectively
Do not attack automatically
An attack should have a purpose. You might be trying to pressure your opponent, punish an action or force them into a defensive option.
Avoid predictable patterns
If you repeatedly use the same attack or approach in the same situation, your opponent can begin preparing for it.
Know when to stop
Getting a hit does not mean you should immediately continue attacking. Sometimes the safest option is to reset the fight.
Make your opponent react
Strong offence is not simply about throwing more attacks. Pressure can force your opponent into predictable defensive decisions.
Defence is more than blocking
Good defence is about controlling risk. Blocking, movement and spacing can all help you survive an opponent's pressure.
Protect yourself
Use your guard when you expect an attack and avoid giving your opponent free openings.
Change position
Movement can help you create distance or reposition yourself after an exchange.
Predict behaviour
Pay attention to repeated habits and recognise what your opponent prefers to do.
Look for openings
Observe
Notice what your opponent repeatedly does.
Predict
Anticipate what they are likely to do next.
React
Choose the appropriate defensive response.
Punish
Take advantage of the opening you created.
Adapt to your opponent
They rush you
Avoid matching their aggression automatically. Look for predictable approaches and defensive mistakes.
They wait
Be patient. Test their reactions rather than repeatedly throwing attacks into their defence.
They repeat actions
Once you recognise a pattern, change your response and punish the habit.
They constantly change
Do not overcommit to a prediction. Focus on fundamentals and react to what actually happens.
Improve one thing at a time
Spend a few matches concentrating on recognising attacks instead of winning.
When you get hit, think about what caused the opening instead of immediately blaming your opponent.
Pay attention to what opponents repeatedly do after attacking, blocking or getting hit.
Once a skill becomes reliable, move on to another part of your gameplay.