Edge slipping

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Defenestration is the technique of knocking a shielding opponent off the platform above the attacker and down to their level. It is usually used to set up a KO. Defenestration literally is the action of throwing someone or something out of a window.

How it works

Defenestration is not a specific technique; that is, it can be performed in many ways, not just one. To defenestrate a character on a platform above the attacker, a strong attack must generally be used (usually an up smash, but it is possible to do this with an up tilt, or even jumping and using an aerial). However, multi-hit up-smashes, like Sonic's, work fairly well too. Usually, the opponent shields, preventing them from taking damage - however, even shielded characters will take some knockback, sliding across the ground. If the attack is strong enough, the enemy will slide right off the platform and enter their tumble animation, as if they had been Footstooled, and land on the ground next to the attacker, leaving them wide open for a powerful blow. An additional advantage is that the landing cannot be teched.

Uses

A particularly good user of this move is Bowser. His ko moves are generally slow. However, he can defenestrate very easily because of his powerful, wide up-smash. A Bowser player on Battlefield, for instance, could force an opponent onto one of the low platforms, up-smash, and then use one of his powerful finishers on his tumbling opponent. Other characters with powerful up-smashes (Donkey Kong) or multi-hit up smashes (Sonic, Meta Knight) can also put this technique to good use. The player can also use it to start up a jab or laser lock with ease.

Disadvantages

The main problem with defenestration is that the opponent can break out of the tumble animation with an attack if they have quick enough reflexes. The technique completely relies on a player being too slow to realize what has happened until too late.