Boost grab: Difference between revisions

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[[File:BoostGrab-Brawl.gif|200px|thumb|{{SSBB|Snake}} boost grabbing {{SSBB|Sonic}}.]]

'''Boost grabbing''' is a [[technique]] in which the momentum from a character's [[dash attack]] is transferred into a dash [[grab]] (or a pivot grab), which can result in a longer-ranged dash/pivot grab. Introduced in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' and retained in every game since, the boost grab is a useful form of [[dash attack canceling]], as it cancels the dash attack for a grab, which can lead to more range on the grab depending on the character. As some characters also make their dash attack sounds while performing a boost grab, boost grabbing can also act as a [[mindgame]].

The technique is made possible by exploiting a window for performing a grab during a dash attack. To perform the boost grab, the player must first dash and then press the attack button while dashing to perform a dash attack. The player then has to press the grab button immediately within the first few [[frame]]s of the dash attack, with the exact window varying between games. If done correctly, the dash attack will be cancelled and the player will instead perform a dash grab. Some characters will travel more distance when using a boost grab, some characters will travel a similar distance and some will travel less distance.

Some characters make sound effects when they perform a dash attack, such as {{SSBU|Fox}}, {{SSBU|Luigi}}, and {{SSBU|Snake}}. As a result, some players recommend learning boost grabbing with these characters, as to learn the precise timing of a boost grab.

In ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' there is a three frame window where a dash attack can be canceled into a dash grab (as the first frame of the dash attack cannot be canceled). While it is a universal technique, only {{SSBM|Sheik}}, {{SSBM|Fox}}, {{SSBM|Falco}}, and {{SSBM|Marth}} benefit from it as they are the only characters who gain a significant range increase when performing it. Sheik notably benefits from boost grabbing, as it almost triples her grab range.

In ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', the window for boost grabbing has been reduced to two frames, making it more difficult to perform than in ''Melee''. The technique is still useful however with {{SSBB|Snake}}, driving the most use out of it, as it not only grants significant distance, but it can assist him with [[tech chasing]] with his [[down throw]] and can allow him to more easily regrab characters out of [[grab release]]s.

 

The boost grab returns in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''. For most characters, the grab range benefit it gives is minuscule at best, which overall limits its usefulness. However, {{SSB4|Rosalina & Luma}} have a unique use for boost grabbing however as if Rosalina performs a boost grab, she will dash grab, while Luma still performs the dash attack. This makes the grab safer, makes it harder to avoid (as Luma's dash attack comes out before the grab) and also means they can potentially deal some damage upon landing the grab.

 

==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''==

The window to perform a boost grab in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' has been increased to three frames, much like in ''Melee''. Many of the characters who benefitted from the usage of boost grabbing in all earlier Smash games (such as {{SSBU|Snake}} in Brawl and {{SSBU|Rosalina & Luma}} in Smash 4), still benefit from it.

 

*[[DACUS]], a technique similar to boost grabbing where the grab is instead replaced by an [[up smash]]. Unlike boost grabbing, which has been in every ''Smash Bros.'' title since ''Melee'', DACUS only exists in ''Brawl'' and cannot be performed in other titles.

[[Category:Advanced techniques]]